Psalm 140:1, 2 Rescue Me

Psalm 140:1, 2 Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men; protect me from men of violence, who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day.

For the director of music, Psalm 140 is a Psalm of David and an imprecatory one (9-11). Its burden is in the first two verses. It is against evil and violent men, who devise evil plans in their hearts and constantly stir up war. The rest of the psalm refers to their evil tongues and their attempts to trip him and trap him. His prayer from the start is to the LORD seeking protection and deliverance. Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from men of violence he repeats, verse 4. His argument is (6) O LORD, I say to you, You are my God. Hear, O LORD, my cry for mercy. He recognises the Sovereign LORD as his strong deliverer, who shields (his) head in the day of battle (7). On that basis he prays that the desires of the wicked will remain unfulfilled and their plans unsuccessful. In verses 9-11 he prays for their judgement in no uncertain terms (cover their heads with trouble, let burning coals fall upon them; may they be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, never to rise. May they not be established but hunted down by violence.) In conclusion he says he knows the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy and so the righteous will praise your name and the upright will live before you. The very fact David's experience forms the basis for a communal song shows that what he knew can be expected by others. There are evil people about and we need the Lord's protection and deliverance. It will be ours in Christ.