Verses 1-5

Psalm 140:1-2 are an introductory cry for help. David"s enemies were evil, violent men who were stirring up trouble for him and his kingdom. In Psalm 140:3-5 the psalmist lamented his condition. The words of his enemies were as a serpent"s venom in their destructive power. David"s adversaries had tried to trap him as a hunter snares an animal. Evidently David felt they were trying to kill him.

Verses 1-8

1. Prayer for deliverance140:1-8

Verses 1-13

Psalm 140

David prayed for God to frustrate his enemies" attempts to trip him up-with confidence that God would defend him-in this individual lament psalm.

Verses 6-8

David repeated his call for God"s help (cf. Psalm 140:1). He pictured God"s protection of him in military terms ( Psalm 140:7). Then he asked God not to permit his enemies" evil intentions.

Verses 9-11

2. Imprecation on enemies140:9-11

David"s request in Psalm 140:9 contrasts with his testimony in Psalm 140:7. Likewise, his petition in Psalm 140:10 recalls his description of his enemies" treatment of him in Psalm 140:5 (cf. Genesis 19:24). Psalm 140:11 calls on God to deal with their words, to which David had referred in Psalm 140:3.

Verse 12-13

3. Confidence in Yahweh140:12-13

David could be confident that God would deliver him because He had promised to help the afflicted and the poor in the Mosaic Law. This salvation would result in the righteous thanking God. They could then continue to live before Him in peace.

This psalm encourages God"s people to call on Him in distress when wicked people oppress them. We can have confidence in His promises to vindicate the just in situations such as this. His destruction of the wicked will ultimately glorify His name, as well as provide salvation for His own.