Psalms 140
Prayer for Deliverance from Enemies
To the leader. A Psalm of David.
1Deliver me, O LORD, from evildoers;
protect me from those who are violent,
2who plan evil things in their minds
and stir up wars continually.
3They make their tongue sharp as a snake's,
and under their lips is the venom of vipers. Selah
4Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked;
protect me from the violent
who have planned my downfall.
5The arrogant have hidden a trap for me,
and with cords they have spread a net;
along the road they have set snares for me. Selah
Notes for verses 4–51 entry
Text notes
Psalms 140:5 Or they have spread cords as a net View in passage
6I say to the LORD, ‘You are my God;
give ear, O LORD, to the voice of my supplications.’
7O LORD, my Lord, my strong deliverer,
you have covered my head in the day of battle.
8Do not grant, O LORD, the desires of the wicked;
do not further their evil plot. Selah
Notes for verses 6–81 entry
Text notes
Psalms 140:8 Heb adds they are exalted View in passage
9Those who surround me lift up their heads;
let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them!
10Let burning coals fall on them!
Let them be flung into pits, no more to rise!
11Do not let the slanderer be established in the land;
let evil speedily hunt down the violent!
Notes for verses 9–111 entry
Text notes
Psalms 140:9 Cn Compare Gk: Heb those who surround me are uplifted in head; Heb divides verses 8 and 9 differently View in passage
12I know that the LORD maintains the cause of the needy,
and executes justice for the poor.
13Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name;
the upright shall live in your presence.