Prayer for God’s Protection
In the pursuit of godliness in this life, believers will face opposition (2 Tim 3:12). In Psalm 140, David faced circumstances where those around him were seeking his downfall.
David begins this psalm with a prayer to God for Rescue from the wicked around him (1-5). The wicked around him are prone to excessive violence (1) and constantly plan devise evil plans to try to destroy him (2). They are slanderers, with tongues full of poison (3). In the midst of this David prays for God to guard him and maintain his life from the proud who seek to destroy him by catching him by surprise (4-5). Brethren, God is our bulwark that never fails when our enemies rise up and seek our destruction. God protects and delivers His people from danger according to His purposes and to His glory.
David continues with a plea to God for preservation and retribution against his enemies (6-11). David acknowledges God as YHWH Adonai, his strength and salvation (6-7). He asks God to hear his cries and hinder the plots of the wicked (8). David then asks God to execute justice upon evildoers (9-11). He prays that they would fall into their own traps and receive the punishment they rightly deserve.
Brethren, God protects His people and keeps them from going through trials they cannot possible endure (1 Cor 10:13).
David ends this psalm with a proclamation of trust in God (12-13). David is reminded that God takes persecution seriously (12). David is certain that the righteous will bless God’s name and dwell continuously in His presence (13). Brethren, have confidence that God sees and hears the plight of His saints who face evil in this life on account of His name (Rev 6:10).