Reflections on Psalms 140

 Psalms 140(Contemporary English Version)

1. (A psalm by David for the music leader.) Rescue me from cruel and violent enemies, LORD!
   
2. They think up evil plans and always cause trouble.
   
3. Their words bite deep like the poisonous fangs of a snake.
   
4. Protect me, LORD, from cruel and brutal enemies, who want to destroy me.
   
5. Those proud people have hidden traps and nets to catch me as I walk.
   
6. You, LORD, are my God! Please listen to my prayer.
   
7. You have the power to save me, and you keep me safe in every battle.
   
8. Don't let the wicked succeed in doing what they want, or else they might never stop planning evil.
   
9. They have me surrounded, but make them the victims of their own vicious lies.
   
10. Dump flaming coals on them and throw them into pits where they can't climb out.
    
11. Chase those cruel liars away! Let trouble hunt them down.
    
12. Our LORD, I know that you defend the homeless and see that the poor are given justice.
    
13. Your people will praise you and will live with you because they do right.

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Psalm 140 records a prayer of David asking for God's help against those who aimed to harm him. It appears those who were out to harm him fell into two categories: Those who "stir up wars all day long," whose aim toward harm was broader than just David, and those who "hide a trap with ropes for me," whose intent to harm was directed specifically toward David.

David sought protection as well as justice if not also vengeance in taking these threats to the Lord in prayer. We understand his need and desire for protection, for his life was in danger. David was a skilled and shrewd warrior who might have depended on his own abilities against these enemies, but he was wise, recognizing this was not enough. He needed the Lord to "shield (his) head on the day of battle." (140:7) Furthermore he needed the Lord to thwart the schemes of his enemies and defeat their evil intent, asking the Lord to "not let them achieve their goals." (140:8)

David's concern was greater than his own need, though. Not only was he concerned for his own safety and the need to thwart the enemies' threats against him, but these violent and wicked men needed to be stopped altogether. If they succeeded in their plans against him they would become proud and emboldened in their activities and their violence would continue. This concern motivated David's request to the Lord in verse 8 that their desires not be granted. Therefore we understand David's desire for justice. But if justice wins the day, more needs to happen than the mere thwarting of violent plans. The violent men themselves need to be dealt with. Thus David prayed, "Let hot coals fall on them. Let them be thrown into the fire, into the abyss, never again to rise." (140:10)

Might there be a desire for vengeance motivating David's prayer for the destruction of his enemies? Could be. But he took it to the Lord letting Him deal with it rather than seeking vengeance for himself.

David concluded with a statement of faith: "I know that the Lord upholds the just cause of the poor, justice for the needy." And in the end, "the righteous will praise (the Lord's) name" and "the upright will live in (the Lord's) presence." (140:12, 13) David was confident that his prayer would be answered and the Lord would meet his need.