Psalm 140

Authorship

This Psalm was authored by David.

Outline

(This began as Wendland's Expository Outline, but may be adapted.)

I. Prayer regarding the godless. (1-11)

A. What they do:

1. They are evil and violent.

2. They imagine mischief in their heart.

3. They are continually gathered together for war.

4. They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips.

5. They are wicked.

6. They have purposed to overthrow the psalmist.

7. The proud have hidden a snare, cords, a net, and set gins.

B. What they deserve: Hear the voice of my supplications: Be my strength and cover my head in the day of battle.

1. Grant not the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves.

2. Let the mischief of their own lips fall on them.

3. Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again.

4. Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth.

5. Let evil hunt the violent man to overthrow him.

II. Prayer regarding the godly. (12-13)

A. The Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted.

B. The Lord will maintain the right of the poor.

C. The righteous shall give thanks unto Thy name.

D. The upright shall dwell in Thy presence.

Textual Criticism

The following is from Barthélemy's Critique textuelle de l’Ancien Testament volume on the Psalms. For a key to the various symbols and abbreviations, click here.

Ps 140,6(5)A וַחֲבָלִים {A}

Ps 140,6(5)B רֶשֶׁת {B} MT, Hebr, T // glos: G, S

Ps 140,9(8)A זְמָמוֹ {B} MT, Hebr, S, T // err-voc: G σ' clav זָמְמוּ

Ps 140,9(8)B יָרוּמוּ {A}

Ps 140,9(8)C סֶלָה {A} MT, G, Hebr, T // constr: S om

Ps 140,10(9) מְסִבָּי {B} MT, σ', α', Hebr // lic: G, T / constr: S om