Psalms 140:1
Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men; preserve me from violent men,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Psalms 140:1
Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men; preserve me from violent men,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
While David calls for deliverance from "the evil man" and "the violent man," the shift to plural in the following verses reveals he's not just facing a single foe, but a whole network of malicious individuals plotting against him. This isn't just a personal plea against one enemy, but a cry for protection from a system of wickedness.
David finds himself under intense pressure from wicked and violent individuals who are plotting his destruction. These enemies, possibly figures like King Saul or his treacherous advisors, are not just a threat in the moment but are actively scheming and spreading lies to bring him down. Therefore, David cries out to God for protection, recognizing that only divine intervention can save him from their malicious plots.
David cries out for deliverance from 'the evil man' and 'the violent man.' Is he just singling out one enemy, or is there more to it?
While David uses singular terms here, the context of the Psalms and the immediate shift to plural in the next verses show he's speaking more broadly. This isn't just about one personal enemy, but about a type of person and their harmful influence. Whether it was Saul, Doeg, or others, David recognized a pattern of malicious intent and aggressive action that threatened him.
This reminds us that wickedness often operates in concert. An individual's evil can spread, drawing others into its orbit. David isn't just praying for protection from a single person, but from the systemic threat that such individuals, individually and collectively, pose to God's people.
What's the difference between 'evil' and 'violent' men? David uses both terms, hinting at the multifaceted nature of the danger he faced.
David's prayer distinguishes between 'evil' and 'violent.' The 'evil man' is characterized by malicious intent – plotting mischief in his heart, devising wicked schemes. The 'violent man' is about the action – the force, the aggression, the intent to harm and overthrow.
This combination is so dangerous: a heart filled with wicked thoughts and a will to carry them out with force. It's not just someone who accidentally harms you; it's someone who actively plots and then uses power or aggression to enact their harmful plans. This is why David pleads for deliverance and preservation – to be kept safe from both the insidious plots and the forceful assaults.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The proper name of the covenant-keeping God of Israel, the I AM, who reveals Himself to His people. It signifies His eternal self-existence and faithfulness to His promises.
ra' · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
In a biblical context, this refers to that which is morally corrupt, wicked, or contrary to the character and will of God. It encompasses both sinful actions and the destructive influence of those who oppose God’s righteousness.
chamas · Hebrew Noun
Refers to people characterized by ruthless, physical aggression or cruelty. The term implies a disregard for justice and the wellbeing of others, often resulting in oppression.
This psalm paints a vivid picture of David's desperate situation, facing relentless pursuit and malicious plots. The historical context highlights that the 'evil' and 'violent men' were not abstract concepts but real political and personal enemies, most notably King Saul himself, creating a life-or-death struggle where David's only hope was divine deliverance.
c. 1020 BC
Saul's growing jealousy of David
King Saul, increasingly fearful of David's popularity and military success, becomes consumed by jealousy and plots to kill him.
c. 1020-1010 BC— this verse
David flees from Saul
David lives as a fugitive, hunted by Saul and his men, frequently in danger and relying on God for protection.
c. 1015 BC
Doeg the Edomite's betrayal
Doeg the Edomite informs Saul that David received aid from the priest Ahimelech, leading to the massacre of the priests of Nob.
c. 1010 BC
David spares Saul's life
David has two opportunities to kill Saul in the wilderness of Ziph and En-gedi but spares him, demonstrating restraint and trust in God's timing.
This passage also speaks of 'a man of violence' and describes his destructive nature, mirroring the psalmist's plea for deliverance from such individuals.
Proverbs 6:12-15This proverb describes a worthless person who 'plots mischief with his lips' and 'causes trouble and strife,' echoing the character of the 'evil and violent men' the psalmist prays to be delivered from.
Jeremiah 15:10The prophet Jeremiah expresses a similar lament, crying out, 'Woe is me, my mother, that you bore me, a man of strife and contention to the whole land!' This shows a recurring theme of godly individuals facing opposition from wicked societies.
Matthew 7:15Jesus warns about 'false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves,' highlighting the deceptive nature of evil men who can appear harmless but are violent in intent, much like the adversaries in Psalm 140.
ellicottPsalms 140:1: "To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;"
(1) Evil man.— The singular of the object in this verse must not lead us to think the psalm is an expression of personal feeling against one enemy, for it is immediately changed to the plural. Violent man.—See Margin.
clarkePsalms 140:1: "To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;"
From the evil man - Saul, who was full of envy, jealousy, and cruelty against David, to whom both himself and his kingdom were under the highest obligations, endeavored by every means to destroy him.
While David calls for deliverance from "the evil man" and "the violent man," the shift to plural in the following verses reveals he's not just facing a single foe, but a whole network of malicious individuals plotting against him. This isn't just a personal plea against one enemy, but a cry for protection from a system of wickedness.
David finds himself under intense pressure from wicked and violent individuals who are plotting his destruction. These enemies, possibly figures like King Saul or his treacherous advisors, are not just a threat in the moment but are actively scheming and spreading lies to bring him down. Therefore, David cries out to God for protection, recognizing that only divine intervention can save him from their malicious plots.
David finds himself under intense pressure from wicked and violent individuals who are plotting his destruction. These enemies, possibly figures like King Saul or his treacherous advisors, are not just a threat in the moment but are actively scheming and spreading lies to bring him down. Therefore, David cries out to God for protection, recognizing that only divine intervention can save him from their malicious plots.
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"Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men; preserve me from violent men," — While David calls for deliverance from "the evil man" and "the violent man," the shift to plural in the following verses reveals he's not just facing a single foe, but a whole network of malicious in…