Psalms 140 DBY
Summary: A psalm of David pleading for deliverance from violent men who "imagine mischiefs in their heart" and sharpen their tongues "like a serpent" (v. 2-3), with imagery of snares, cords, gins, and traps "set... by the wayside" (v. 5). The psalmist asks God to let the mischief of their own lips fall back on them, confident that "the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor" (v. 12). It closes with assurance that the just will dwell in God's presence and give thanks to his name.
1To the chief Musician. A Psalm of David. Free me, O Jehovah, from the evil man; preserve me from the violent man:
2Who devise mischiefs in [their] heart; every day are they banded together for war.
3They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah.
4Keep me, O Jehovah, from the hands of the wicked [man], preserve me from the violent man, who devise to overthrow my steps.
5The proud have hidden a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the way-side; they have set traps for me. Selah.
6I have said unto Jehovah, Thou art myGod: give ear, O Jehovah, to the voice of my supplications.
7Jehovah, the Lord, is the strength of my salvation: thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.
8Grant not, O Jehovah, the desire of the wicked; further not his device: they would exalt themselves. Selah.
9[As for] the head of those that encompass me, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
10Let burning coals fall on them; let them be cast into the fire; into deep waters, that they rise not up again.
11Let not the man of [evil] tongue be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the man of violence to [his] ruin.
12I know that Jehovah will maintain the cause of the afflicted one, the right of the needy.
13Yea, the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name; the upright shall dwell in thy presence.
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