BSBKJVWEBYLTASVBBEWMBT4TDBY|HymnsMusicDonate
Menu
Home  › Bibles  › Berean Standard Bible  › Psalms 140

Psalms 140

BSB
‹ Chapter 139 Psalms — All Chapters Chapter 141 ›

1 Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men. Protect me from men of violence, 2 who devise evil in their hearts and stir up war all day long. 3 They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah 4 Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked. Keep me safe from men of violence who scheme to make me stumble. 5 The proud hide a snare for me; the cords of their net are spread along the path, and lures are set out for me. Selah 6 I say to the LORD, “You are my God.” Hear, O LORD, my cry for help. 7 O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You shield my head in the day of battle. 8 Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not promote their evil plans, lest they be exalted. Selah 9 May the heads of those who surround me be covered in the trouble their lips have caused. 10 May burning coals fall on them; may they be thrown into the fire, into the miry pits, never to rise again. 11 May no slanderer be established in the land; may calamity hunt down the man of violence. 12 I know that the LORD upholds justice for the poor and defends the cause of the needy. 13 Surely the righteous will praise Your name; the upright will dwell in Your presence.

‹ Chapter 139 Psalms — All Chapters Chapter 141 ›

Study Notes — Psalms 140

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

Psalms 140 is a psalm of lament and trust, where the psalmist cries out to God for deliverance from evil people who seek to harm him. The chapter begins with a plea for rescue from wicked and violent men, and the psalmist declares his trust in God's righteousness and justice. He asks God to protect him from the snares of the wicked and to bring them to justice. The psalmist also expresses his confidence in God's sovereignty and His ability to deliver him from all troubles. Key verses include Psalms 140:1-3, where the psalmist asks God to rescue him, and Psalms 140:12-13, where he declares his trust in God's justice.

Context for the Chapter

Psalms 140 is part of the fifth book of Psalms, which includes Psalms 107-150. This book is characterized by its emphasis on God's sovereignty and justice, and Psalms 140 fits into this theme as it expresses the psalmist's trust in God's justice and deliverance. The chapter is also connected to other psalms that express trust in God's sovereignty, such as Psalms 138 and Psalms 139. In the larger biblical narrative, Psalms 140 points to Christ as our ultimate deliverer from evil and our advocate before God.

Heart Application

This chapter teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and seek His deliverance in times of trouble. We can apply this to our lives by crying out to God for rescue when we face difficulties and trusting in His justice and righteousness. We can also express our confidence in God's ability to deliver us from all troubles, just like the psalmist in Psalms 140:12-13.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Psalms 140 is a psalm of lament and trust, where the psalmist cries out to God for deliverance from evil people. The chapter teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and seek His deliverance in times of trouble. We can apply this to our lives by crying out to God for rescue when we face difficulties and trusting in His justice and righteousness, as seen in Psalms 140:1-3 and Psalms 140:12-13.

Voices from the Church

“The Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy. This is a precious promise, and one that has been fulfilled in the experience of many of God's people.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The psalmist's trust in God is evident throughout this chapter, and it is a model for us to follow in our own lives. We should trust in God's sovereignty and seek His deliverance in times of trouble.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. The psalmist's cry for deliverance (Psalms 140:1-3) — The psalmist asks God to rescue him from wicked and violent men who seek to harm him.
  2. The description of the wicked (Psalms 140:4-5) — The wicked are described as deceitful and violent, seeking to trap the psalmist with their words.
  3. The psalmist's trust in God (Psalms 140:6-8) — The psalmist declares his trust in God's righteousness and justice, and asks God to protect him from the snares of the wicked.
  4. The psalmist's desire for justice (Psalms 140:9-11) — The psalmist asks God to bring the wicked to justice and to protect him from their evil plans.
  5. The psalmist's confidence in God's deliverance (Psalms 140:12-13) — The psalmist declares his confidence in God's ability to deliver him and to execute justice for the needy.

Core Doctrines

God's sovereignty
This chapter teaches us that God is sovereign over all things, including our lives and the lives of those around us. We can trust in His sovereignty and seek His deliverance in times of trouble, as seen in Psalms 140:1-3 and Psalms 140:12-13.
God's justice
The chapter emphasizes God's justice and righteousness, and teaches us that He will execute justice for the needy and afflicted, as seen in Psalms 140:12-13.
The nature of evil
The wicked are described as deceitful and violent, seeking to harm the psalmist and trap him with their words. This teaches us about the nature of evil and the importance of trusting in God's deliverance, as seen in Psalms 140:1-3 and Psalms 140:8-11.
The importance of trust
The psalmist's trust in God is evident throughout the chapter, and it is a model for us to follow in our own lives. We should trust in God's sovereignty and seek His deliverance in times of trouble, as seen in Psalms 140:1-3 and Psalms 140:12-13.

Lessons from Psalms 140

  1. The importance of crying out to God — This chapter teaches us the importance of crying out to God for rescue when we face difficulties in our lives, as seen in Psalms 140:1-3.
  2. The nature of evil — The wicked are described as deceitful and violent, seeking to harm the psalmist and trap him with their words. This teaches us about the nature of evil and the importance of trusting in God's deliverance, as seen in Psalms 140:1-3 and Psalms 140:8-11.
  3. The importance of trust — The psalmist's trust in God is evident throughout the chapter, and it is a model for us to follow in our own lives. We should trust in God's sovereignty and seek His deliverance in times of trouble, as seen in Psalms 140:1-3 and Psalms 140:12-13.
  4. The theme of deliverance — The theme of deliverance is prominent in this chapter, as the psalmist asks God to rescue him from the wicked and to bring them to justice. This teaches us about the importance of trusting in God's deliverance and seeking His rescue in times of trouble, as seen in Psalms 140:1-3 and Psalms 140:12-13.
  5. The importance of declaring our trust in God — The psalmist declares his trust in God's righteousness and justice, and asks God to protect him from the snares of the wicked. This teaches us the importance of declaring our trust in God's justice and righteousness, as seen in Psalms 140:12-13.

Themes from Psalms 140

  1. Deliverance — The theme of deliverance is prominent in this chapter, as the psalmist asks God to rescue him from the wicked and to bring them to justice. This teaches us about the importance of trusting in God's deliverance and seeking His rescue in times of trouble, as seen in Psalms 140:1-3 and Psalms 140:12-13.
  2. Trust — The psalmist's trust in God is evident throughout the chapter, and it is a model for us to follow in our own lives. We should trust in God's sovereignty and seek His deliverance in times of trouble, as seen in Psalms 140:1-3 and Psalms 140:12-13.
  3. God's justice — The chapter emphasizes God's justice and righteousness, and teaches us that He will execute justice for the needy and afflicted, as seen in Psalms 140:12-13.
  4. The nature of evil — The wicked are described as deceitful and violent, seeking to harm the psalmist and trap him with their words. This teaches us about the nature of evil and the importance of trusting in God's deliverance, as seen in Psalms 140:1-3 and Psalms 140:8-11.
  5. God's sovereignty — This chapter teaches us that God is sovereign over all things, including our lives and the lives of those around us. We can trust in His sovereignty and seek His deliverance in times of trouble, as seen in Psalms 140:1-3 and Psalms 140:12-13.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What are some ways that you can cry out to God for rescue when you face difficulties in your life?
  2. How can you express your confidence in God's ability to deliver you from all troubles, like the psalmist in Psalms 140:12-13?
  3. What are some ways that you can trust in God's sovereignty and seek His deliverance in times of trouble?
  4. How can you apply the theme of deliverance in Psalms 140 to your own life and experiences?
  5. What are some ways that you can declare your trust in God's justice and righteousness, like the psalmist in Psalms 140:12-13?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. The psalmist's cry for deliverance (Psalms 140:1-3)

140:1 The psalmist asks God to rescue him from wicked and violent men who seek to harm him.
140:2 The psalmist describes the wicked as those who devise evil plans and stir up wars.
140:3 The psalmist asks God to keep him safe from the wicked and to protect him from their evil plans.

2. The description of the wicked (Psalms 140:4-5)

140:4 The wicked are described as those who sharpen their tongues like snakes and hide venom in their lips.
140:5 The wicked set a trap for the psalmist and say, 'We will catch him in our net'.

3. The psalmist's trust in God (Psalms 140:6-8)

140:6 The psalmist declares his trust in God's righteousness and justice, and asks God to protect him from the snares of the wicked.
140:7 The psalmist says, 'O Lord, my Lord, my strong deliverer, you have covered my head in the day of battle'.
140:8 The psalmist asks God not to grant the desires of the wicked or fulfill the plans of the evil.

4. The psalmist's desire for justice (Psalms 140:9-11)

140:9 The psalmist asks God to let the evil of the wicked come upon them and to let them be caught in their own traps.
140:10 The psalmist says, 'Let them be like a snail that melts away, or like a stillborn child that never sees the sun'.
140:11 The psalmist asks God to destroy the slanderer and the violent man, that they may never again oppress the afflicted.

5. The psalmist's confidence in God's deliverance (Psalms 140:12-13)

140:12 The psalmist declares his confidence in God's ability to deliver him and to execute justice for the needy.
140:13 The psalmist says, 'Surely the righteous will give thanks to your name; the upright will dwell in your presence'.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main theme of Psalms 140?

The main theme of Psalms 140 is the psalmist's cry for deliverance from evil people and his trust in God's justice and righteousness, as seen in Psalms 140:1-3 and Psalms 140:12-13.

Who are the wicked in Psalms 140?

The wicked in Psalms 140 are those who devise evil plans and stir up wars, and who seek to harm the psalmist and trap him with their words, as seen in Psalms 140:1-3 and Psalms 140:8-11.

What is the psalmist's attitude towards God in Psalms 140?

The psalmist's attitude towards God in Psalms 140 is one of trust and confidence, as he declares his trust in God's righteousness and justice, and asks God to protect him from the snares of the wicked, as seen in Psalms 140:6-8 and Psalms 140:12-13.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Psalms 140:1 → Psalms 142:1 Both Psalms 140:1 and Psalms 142:1 express the psalmist's cry for deliverance from trouble and his trust in God's sovereignty.
2 Psalms 140:4 → Psalms 64:3-4 Both Psalms 140:4 and Psalms 64:3-4 describe the wicked as those who sharpen their tongues like snakes and hide venom in their lips.
3 Psalms 140:6 → Psalms 71:1-3 Both Psalms 140:6 and Psalms 71:1-3 express the psalmist's trust in God's righteousness and justice, and ask God to protect him from the snares of the wicked.
4 Psalms 140:8 → Proverbs 26:24-26 Both Psalms 140:8 and Proverbs 26:24-26 warn against the evil of the wicked and the importance of trusting in God's deliverance.
5 Psalms 140:9 → Psalms 35:4-6 Both Psalms 140:9 and Psalms 35:4-6 ask God to let the evil of the wicked come upon them and to let them be caught in their own traps.
6 Psalms 140:10 → Psalms 58:7-9 Both Psalms 140:10 and Psalms 58:7-9 describe the wicked as those who will be destroyed and will never again oppress the afflicted.
7 Psalms 140:12 → Isaiah 1:17 Both Psalms 140:12 and Isaiah 1:17 emphasize God's justice and righteousness, and teach us that He will execute justice for the needy and afflicted.
8 Psalms 140:12 → Matthew 5:6 Both Psalms 140:12 and Matthew 5:6 teach us that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled and will inherit the kingdom of heaven.
9 Psalms 140:13 → Revelation 21:3-4 Both Psalms 140:13 and Revelation 21:3-4 describe the righteous as those who will dwell in God's presence and will give thanks to His name.
10 Psalms 140:13 → Hebrews 12:22-24 Both Psalms 140:13 and Hebrews 12:22-24 describe the righteous as those who will dwell in God's presence and will give thanks to His name, and who will be part of the heavenly assembly.

Sermons on Psalms 140

SermonDescription
Bob Jones Sr. The Proud Have Hid a Snare by Bob Jones Sr. In this sermon, Dr. Bob Jones Sr. emphasizes the importance of being aware of the enemies we face when following God's path. He highlights the need to rely on the Bible for guidanc
Bob Jones Sr. Thou Hast Covered My Head by Bob Jones Sr. In this sermon, Dr. Bob Jones Sr. emphasizes the importance of staying faithful to God despite the difficulties and problems we may face. He encourages believers to persevere in th
David Wilkerson The Ministry of Refreshing Others by David Wilkerson This sermon emphasizes the ministry of refreshing others, highlighting the importance of believers having a ministry and being used by God to bring comfort and refreshment to those
Jim Logan Spiritual Warfare - 5 "Our Position in Christ" by Jim Logan In this sermon, the speaker shares various experiences and encounters with spiritual forces of darkness. He emphasizes the importance of prayer and rebuking these forces in the nam
Don McClure Under Sin by Don McClure In this sermon, the speaker discusses the impact of sin on the human mind and its ability to comprehend spiritual matters. He highlights the irony of highly intelligent individuals
Chuck Smith David's Prayer for Deliverance by Chuck Smith In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the distress and brokenness that can be felt in life. He uses the analogy of chopping wood and the scattered chips to describe the scat
Carter Conlon Push Back the Darkness by Carter Conlon The sermon titled 'Push Back the Darkness' emphasizes the urgent need to stand against the prevailing darkness and lawlessness in society, calling for a spiritual awakening and a p
Carter Conlon A Thief in a Parking Lot by Carter Conlon This sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual warfare and understanding our authority in Christ to push back the powers of darkness. It encourages believers to stand firm, put
Elmer G. Klassen Help Comes in the Morning! by Elmer G. Klassen Elmer G. Klassen preaches on the importance of spending time alone with God in the morning, emphasizing that morning is the best time for personal worship and fellowship with God.
Chuck Smith Commentary on Psalm 136-150 by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith delivers a profound commentary on Psalms 136-150, emphasizing the enduring mercy of God as a central theme throughout the psalms. He highlights the importance of gratit

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 140

Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 140 emphasizes the psalmist's cry for deliverance from evil people and his trust in God's justice and righteousness. Henry notes that the psalmist's trust in God is evident throughout the chapter, and that he declares his confidence in God's ability to deliver him and to execute justice for the needy. Henry also emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and seeking His deliverance in times of trouble, and notes that the psalmist's attitude towards God is one of trust and confidence. Henry concludes that this chapter teaches us to trust in God's justice and righteousness, and to seek His deliverance in times of trouble, and that it points to Christ as our ultimate deliverer from evil and our advocate before God. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The psalmist's trust in God

The psalmist's trust in God is evident throughout the chapter, as he cries out to God for rescue and declares his confidence in God's justice. This is seen in Psalms 140:1-3 and Psalms 140:12-13.

The description of the wicked

The wicked are described as violent and deceitful, seeking to harm the psalmist and trap him with their words. This is seen in Psalms 140:1-3 and Psalms 140:8-11.

The theme of deliverance

The theme of deliverance is prominent in this chapter, as the psalmist asks God to rescue him from the wicked and to bring them to justice. This is seen in Psalms 140:1-3 and Psalms 140:12-13.

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate