Psalm 140:1

Prayer for Protection against the Wicked.

1 ¹Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men; Preserve me from ²violent men

Psalm 140:1 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 140:1

Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man
Either Saul; so Theodoret; or rather Doeg, according to R. Obadiah: but Jarchi interprets it of Esau; by whom he means Edom, or Rome, or rather the Christians in general. Were his sense confined to the Papists, he might be thought to be much in the right; for this is applicable enough to the man of sin, and his followers: for it may be understood collectively of a body of evil men; all men are evil by nature, their hearts, thoughts, words, works, and ways. David's enemies were evil men; and so were Christ's; as Herod, Judas in particular, and the Jews in general: and such are the enemies of God's people; the world, profane sinners, persecutors, and false teachers; and to be delivered from such is desirable, and to be prayed for, and an happiness when enjoyed; see ( 2 Thessalonians 3:2 ) ;

preserve me from the violent man:
or, "the man of violences" ^F8; of a violent spirit, that breathes out slaughter and death; of a fierce countenance, of blustering words, and furious actions. Such a man was Doeg; who loved evil, and all devouring words, devised mischief, and boasted in it, ( Psalms 52:1-4 ) ; and Herod, who in his wrath, being disappointed, ordered sit the infants in and about Bethlehem to be slain; and the Jews, who were violently set on the death of Christ, and vehemently desired it: and such are all violent persecutors of the church of God, who clothe themselves with the garment of violence, and drink the wine of it; and to be preserved from such is a great mercy.

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FOOTNOTES:

F8 (Myomx vyam) "a viro violentiarum", Piscator, Gejerus, Michaelis.

Psalm 140:1 In-Context

1 Rescue me, O LORD , from evil men; Preserve me from violent men

2 Who devise evil things in their hearts; They continually stir up wars.

3 They sharpen their tongues as a serpent; Poison of a viper is under their lips. Selah.

4 Keep me, O LORD , from the hands of the wicked; Preserve me from violent men Who have purposed to trip up my feet.

5 The proud have hidden a trap for me, and cords; They have spread a net by the wayside; They have set snares for me. Selah.

Cross References

• 1. Psalms 17:13; Psalms 59:2; Psalms 71:4
• 2. Psalms 18:48; Psalms 86:14; Psalms 140:11