There are some things that have amazed me as I go through the Psalms. This is my third time studying through the Psalms and interesting things stand out each time. One thing I have noticed is that there are many Psalms about the nations and God’s dealing with the nations. Another thing I noticed is that there are many Psalms where the author pours out his trouble to God. The writer will voice a complaint to God and cry out in times of trouble, but he also expects an answer from God. In many Psalms, the writer is beseeching God for deliverance from enemies. This is the case in Psalm 140.
If there is violence in a land, if there is violence against an individual, the Person to run to is Almighty God. The Psalms have many prayers for deliverance against those who are violent and wicked. They can be our guide to pray when such troubles come upon us or upon those we love or upon God’s people anywhere around the world.
Today we will begin looking at the introduction to the Psalm, which is found in verses one through three. Psalm 140:1 says, “Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man.” This Psalm is written by David and it is thought to be a prayer seeking God’s deliverance from Saul and Doeg. David both prays for deliverance and also prays for God to deal with his enemies. It is OK to pray for God to deal with violent and wicked people as long as our motive is not to get even with them or wish to return hurt upon them for vengeance sake. David also prays in confidence, assured that God will hear him and help him.
A similar prayer is seen in Psalm 43, “1) Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man… 3) O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles. 4) Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.” (verses 1,3, & 4) An author is not given for this Psalm, but God hears the prayers of His people, whether they be David, or someone else in need, as they cry to Him.
Look also at Psalm 71, another Psalm for which the author is not given, “3) Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress. 4) Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man. 5) For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth.” (verses 3- 5)
God answers the prayer for deliverance when those who fear Him cry out to Him. He delivers, and He preserves. “He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.” (Psalm 18:48)
Here are more verses about God’s preservation of those who love Him.
- “23) O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. 24) Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.” (Psalm 31:23,24)
- “Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.” (Psalm 32:7)
- “For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.” (Psalm 37:28)
Are you afraid today? Do you see all the violence going on in the earth? Do you see violent people right around you? Cry out to God. Plead with Him for deliverance. Fear Him and have confidence that He has heard. God both delivers and preserves. God is mighty to hear and save.