Psalm 140 Study Notes

140:1 On violent men, compare vv. 4 and 11.

140:2-3 The metaphor of battle terminology refers to verbal attacks on the psalmist by his enemies. The reference to their tongues further supports verbal contention or litigation (58:5; 64:4; 120:4). Those who oppose God are often characterized as poisonous vipers or snakes (10:7; 55:21; 57:4; cp. Rm 3:13).

140:4 Power is literally “hand,” a figurative expression denoting influence or control. Violent men were making false accusations and trying to trap the psalmist (v. 1).

140:5 Those who were proud believed their plans were beyond discovery. Psalms often describe the deceitful actions of wicked men in terms of traps and snares (9:15-16; 10:8-9; 31:4; 57:6; 119:110; 124:7; 141:9).

140:6-8 The psalmist sought the Lord’s favorable response to the persecution he faced (28:2; 31:22; 86:6; 130:2).

140:9 The psalmist asked God to bring the lies of his attackers back down on their heads (7:15-16; 40:14-15; Pr 26:27).

140:10-11 Based on Aramaic and Ugaritic usage, the Hebrew word for abyss probably means “watery pits.”

140:12 The Lord defends the most vulnerable people in society (10:18; 68:5; 146:7-9; Dt 10:18).

140:13 To live in your presence is literally “dwell before you.” To stand, walk, or live in God’s presence implies a good relationship with God (16:11; 41:12; 56:13; Gn 17:1; 1Kg 2:4; 3:6; 8:23).