Psalm 140
In times of extreme distress deliverance is sought from
God. He is extolled as the protector of His people. Faith looks to Him as
the destroyer of all adversaries.
1-3. "Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man; preserve
me from the violent man; who imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually
are they gathered together for war. They have sharpened their tongues like a
serpent; adders' poison is under their lips."
Since sin defiled this earth, enmity has existed between
the seed of the serpent and the children of the promised Savior. This
wickedness has been displayed in every form of outward persecution. Schemes
of secret malice have been its fruit. Violent assaults are made. Venomous
slanders are circulated. Unaided strength is vain to escape.
But God is ever near, ready to protect. To Him should
application be made. Earnest and incessant prayer should plead. Fruitless
will be all efforts to destroy, if God in answer arises to give help.
4-5. "Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked;
preserve me from the violent man, who has purposed to overthrow my goings.
The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the
wayside; they have set gins for me."
As long as persecution rages heaven must be besieged. The
resolve to destroy the godly is not always openly avowed. Frequently traps
are set to ensnare unwary feet. This was the experience of David. But the
knowledge of these acts was salutary discipline, and led to close communion
with a prayer-hearing and prayer-answering God.
6. "I said to the Lord, You are my God; hear the voice
of my supplications, O Lord."
Blessed, indeed, are the prayerful moments when we can
appeal to the Lord that He is our God. Who can conceive all that is
contained in the name of God? But all that God is, He is to the happy
people. Can we desire more? Happy indeed is our case, if we have the Lord
for our God.
7. "O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You
have covered my head in the day of battle."
What must that salvation be which has omnipotence for its
strength! Who can injure those who are thus saved by the Lord? They may be
called to fight the good fight of faith. Fiery darts may fly around, but
none can inflict mortal wound. God, who is the helmet, must be pierced
before the head can be reached.
8-13. "Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked;
further not his wicked device, lest they exalt themselves. As for the head
of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover
them. Let burning coals fall upon them; let them be cast into the fire; into
deep pits, that they rise not up again. Let not an evil speaker be
established in the earth; evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.
I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right
of the poor. Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto Your name; the
upright shall dwell in Your presence."
Let peace ever reign in the believer's heart. The Lord on
His side will crush His foes. The mischief plotted by them will be the pit
which shall overwhelm them. The cause of the afflicted and the right of the
poor shall gloriously be established. Dwelling in the constant light of
God's smile, the righteous shall give everlasting thanks. Happiness now and
forever is their portion.