Psalms 140:1-5

Psalms 140:1-5

[1] [[To the chief Musician,  A Psalm  of David.]]  Deliver  me, O LORD,  from the evil  man:  preserve  me from the violent  man;  [2] Which imagine  mischiefs  in their heart;  continually  are they gathered together  for war.  [3] They have sharpened  their tongues  like a serpent;  adders'  poison  is under their lips.  Selah.  [4] Keep  me, O LORD,  from the hands  of the wicked;  preserve  me from the violent  man;  who have purposed  to overthrow  my goings.  [5] The proud  have hid  a snare  for me, and cords;  they have spread  a net  by the wayside;  they have set  gins  for me. Selah. 

What does Psalms 140:1-5 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Psalm 140:1-2 are an introductory cry for help. David"s enemies were evil, violent men who were stirring up trouble for him and his kingdom. In Psalm 140:3-5 the psalmist lamented his condition. The words of his enemies were as a serpent"s venom in their destructive power. David"s adversaries had tried to trap him as a hunter snares an animal. Evidently David felt they were trying to kill him.