The Enemies Described: Violence and Deceit

Psalm 140 opens with a twofold description of David's enemies: they are violent (v.1, 4) and deceitful (v.3). Violence refers to outward, physical aggression—they have purposed to overthrow my goings (v.4). Deceit refers to verbal assault—they have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips (v.3). These two weapons—force and falsehood—appear together throughout Scripture as the devil's primary tools (John 8:44). The believer faces not merely difficult people but a spiritual pattern of opposition that has a recognizable shape.

God as Shield, Salvation, and Covering

David's response to such enemies is not military strategy but prayer. Three titles for God appear in verses 7-8: thou art my God (covenant relationship), O LORD, the strength of my salvation (saving power), thou hast covered my head in the day of battle (protective presence). The image of covering the head in battle suggests not just protection from blows but honor—God himself acts as David's helmet. These three—relationship, power, and presence—are the complete resources available to the believer under attack.

The Reversal Prayer: Let Their Evil Return

Verses 9-11 are imprecatory—they call for the wicked's own evil to recoil on them. Let the mischief of their own lips cover them (v.9). This is not personal vindictiveness but covenant theology: God is just, and justice means that evil does not prosper forever. The NT does not abolish this but redirects it—vengeance belongs to God (Rom. 12:19). The believer can pray for justice without taking justice into their own hands. These prayers release the matter to God and protect the heart from bitterness.

The Poor and the Righteous: God's Final Verdict

The psalm closes with the confident declaration: I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor (v.12). The afflicted and the poor in the Psalms are not merely economically disadvantaged but those who are humble, dependent on God, without worldly power to defend themselves. God himself takes their side. Verse 13 completes the confidence: Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence. The final verdict is not violence or deceit triumphant—it is the righteous dwelling in God's presence.

Key Verses

• Psalm 140:1 — Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man.
• Psalm 140:7 — O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.
• Psalm 140:12 — I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor.