4 Yahweh, keep me from the hands of the wicked. Preserve me from the violent men who have determined to trip my feet.
Rescue me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, From the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
Keep me as the apple of your eye; Hide me under the shadow of your wings, From the wicked who oppress me, My deadly enemies, who surround me.
To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good, Nor to deprive the innocent of justice.
My steps have held fast to your paths, My feet have not slipped.
The wicked watches the righteous, And seeks to kill him. Yahweh will not leave him in his hand, Nor condemn him when he is judged. Wait for Yahweh, and keep his way, And he will exalt you to inherit the land. When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it. I have seen the wicked in great power, Spreading himself like a green tree in its native soil. But he passed away, and, behold, he was not. Yes, I sought him, but he could not be found. Mark the perfect man, and see the upright, For there is a future for the man of peace. As for transgressors, they shall be destroyed together. The future of the wicked shall be cut off. But the salvation of the righteous is from Yahweh. He is their stronghold in the time of trouble. Yahweh helps them, and rescues them. He rescues them from the wicked, and saves them, Because they have taken refuge in him.
> Listen to my prayer, God. Don't hide yourself from my supplication. Attend to me, and answer me. I am restless in my complaint, and moan, Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the oppression of the wicked. For they bring suffering on me. In anger they hold a grudge against me.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 140
Commentary on Psalms 140 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 140
Ps 140:1-13. The style of this Psalm resembles those of David in the former part of the book, presenting the usual complaint, prayer, and confident hope of relief.
1. evil man—Which of David's enemies is meant is not important.
2-5. This character of the wicked, and the devices planned against the pious, correspond to Ps 10:7; 31:13; 58:4, &c.
3. sharpened … like a serpent—not like a serpent does, but they are thus like a serpent in cunning and venom.
5. snare [and] net—for threatening dangers (compare Ps 38:12; 57:6).
6. (Compare Ps 5:1-12; 16:2).
7. day of battle—literally, "of armor," that is, when using it.
8. (Compare Ps 37:12; 66:7).
lest they exalt themselves—or, they will be exalted if permitted to prosper.
9. Contrasts his head covered by God (Ps 140:7) with theirs, or (as "head" may be used for "persons") with them, covered with the results of their wicked deeds (Ps 7:16).
10. (Compare Ps 11:6; 120:4).
cast into the fire; into deep pits—figures for utter destruction.
11. an evil speaker—or, "slanderer" will not be tolerated (Ps 101:7). The last clause may be translated: "an evil (man) He (God) shall hunt," &c.
12. (Compare Ps 9:4).
13. After all changes, the righteous shall have cause for praise. Such
shall dwell—shall sit securely, under God's protection (Ps 21:6; 41:12).