Psalm 140:10: Trust God's justice?
How does Psalm 140:10 inspire us to trust God's justice against evildoers?

Setting the scene: David’s cry for justice

Psalm 140 records David surrounded by violent men whose words cut like razors (v. 3) and who lay traps for him (v. 5).

• Instead of taking vengeance himself, David turns to the Lord: “O LORD, you are my God” (v. 6).

• His prayer culminates in verse 10—an appeal for decisive, divine judgment.


Key verse spotlight

“May burning coals fall on them; may they be thrown into the fire, into the miry depths, never to rise again.” (Psalm 140:10)


Truths about God’s justice

• God’s retribution is righteous

– He alone measures perfect penalties (Deuteronomy 32:4; Genesis 18:25).

• God’s retribution is sure

– “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay” (Romans 12:19, echoing Deuteronomy 32:35).

• God’s retribution is thorough

– The picture of unquenchable fire and inescapable “miry depths” underscores total, final judgment (cf. Nahum 1:2-3).

• God’s retribution liberates the oppressed

– “The Lord executes justice for the oppressed” (Psalm 146:7), ensuring evil never has the last word.


Personal encouragement for today

• When evil seems unchecked, Psalm 140:10 reminds us God has already authored the final chapter.

• The verse frees us from bitterness: we entrust payback to the One whose justice is flawless (1 Peter 2:23).

• It stabilizes our hope: every wrong against God’s people will meet His holy response (Revelation 6:10-11).


Walking it out

• Surrender resentment daily—name the offense, hand it to God.

• Pray for steadfastness rather than revenge, following David’s example.

• Treat opponents with integrity, confident God sees and will act (Psalm 37:5-9).

Trust grows when we let Psalm 140:10 anchor our hearts: the Judge of all the earth will do right, and He will do it perfectly.

What is the meaning of Psalm 140:10?
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