How does Psalm 140:5 relate to Ephesians 6:11 on spiritual armor? Opening the Passages • Psalm 140:5: “The proud hide a snare for me—the arrogant set traps for me; they spread out cords of their net and set snares for me along the path. Selah.” • Ephesians 6:11: “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Shared Thread: Hidden Dangers and Deliberate Schemes • Both texts assume a real, personal enemy. – Psalm 140:5 speaks of “the proud” and “the arrogant” laying traps, yet throughout Scripture behind human hostility lies the spiritual adversary (cf. 1 Peter 5:8; 2 Timothy 2:26). – Ephesians 6:11 names that ultimate foe: “the devil” and his “schemes.” • The language of “snare,” “trap,” “net,” and “schemes” underscores premeditated, deceptive tactics rather than open assault. • Result: Believers must remain alert to subtle, camouflaged attacks that aim to pull them off God’s path. God’s Answer: Defensive and Offensive Gear Psalm 140 highlights the danger; Ephesians 6 supplies the defense. 1. Defensive protection – Belt of truth counters the lies that bait the snares (Ephesians 6:14). – Breastplate of righteousness guards the heart from condemnation and compromise. – Shield of faith extinguishes “flaming arrows” that accompany every hidden trap (Ephesians 6:16). 2. Offensive readiness – Sword of the Spirit—“the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17)—cuts through the cords of deception, just as Jesus answered Satan with Scripture (Matthew 4:1-11). – Footwear of the gospel prepares steady footing, preventing entanglement (Ephesians 6:15). 3. Continual alertness – “Pray in the Spirit at all times” (Ephesians 6:18) parallels the psalmist’s constant pleas for deliverance (Psalm 140:1-2, 6-8). Complementary Insights • Psalm 91:3 promises that the Lord “will deliver you from the snare of the fowler,” showing God Himself as the ultimate Protector behind the armor He provides. • 2 Corinthians 2:11 warns believers not to be “outwitted by Satan,” echoing the need to recognize both snares and schemes. • While David prays for external rescue, Paul calls believers to internal preparedness; together they affirm that victory is secured by God yet applied through obedient action. Putting It Into Practice • Expect snares: stay watchful on every “path” of daily life—work, relationships, media choices. • Dress daily: intentionally “put on” each piece of armor through Scripture intake, confession, obedience, and prayer. • Trust and advance: rely on God’s protection while moving forward in truth and gospel witness, confident that no hidden trap can prevail against armor supplied by the Lord (Romans 13:12-14). |
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