Psalms 140:1-3
Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men; preserve me from violent men, who plan evil things in their heart and stir up wars continually. They make their tongue sharp as a serpent’s, and under their lips is the venom of asps. Selah
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While David prays to be delivered from an "evil man," the Hebrew word he uses can also mean "mankind" or "humanity," suggesting his plea isn't just for himself but a broader cry against the pervasive wickedness found in people. He then shifts to "violent men," highlighting how this underlying human tendency can manifest as aggressive, harmful action.
This psalm unfolds as a desperate cry for deliverance from malicious and violent enemies, likely stemming from personal betrayal and persecution, perhaps by figures like Saul or his advisors. David is acutely aware of their insidious plots and destructive intentions, describing their words as sharpened weapons and their hearts as full of evil schemes. The song begins with an urgent plea to God for protection, setting the stage for further appeals and expressions of trust throughout the psalm.
David cries out to God from danger, but is he talking about one specific person or a whole group? The language here is a bit surprising.
In Psalms 140:1, David uses the singular form "evil man" and "violent man." However, the context of the entire psalm, and specifically the very next verse (Psalms 140:2), reveals he's speaking collectively.
A Collective Threat
Targeting the Root
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David doesn't just ask to be saved from 'bad guys.' He names two distinct kinds of threats. What's the difference, and why does it matter?
Psalms 140:1 distinguishes between the "evil man" and the "violent man." While these can overlap, David's prayer highlights two critical dangers:
The Deceit of Evil
The Force of Violence
David's Plea
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.
lebab · Hebrew Noun
The core of a person’s being, including their intellect, will, emotions, and moral intent. In the Bible, it is the seat of decision-making and the primary site where intentions toward God and neighbor are formed.
milchamah · Hebrew Noun
An active, ongoing state of conflict or hostility, often used metaphorically for spiritual or interpersonal strife. It signifies deliberate opposition and the mobilization of effort to cause harm.
lashon · Hebrew Noun
The primary organ of speech, used in Scripture to manifest the inner state of a person. It is frequently associated with the power to either bless or curse, heal or destroy, reflecting the righteousness or wickedness of the speaker.
This psalm vividly expresses the raw fear and desperation of someone hunted by a powerful, malicious figure. The historical context of David fleeing King Saul, and the treacherous actions of figures like Doeg, show that these weren't just abstract evils but real, life-threatening dangers that fueled David's cries to God.
c. 1020 BC— this verse
Saul's Jealousy and Persecution
King Saul, increasingly paranoid and jealous of David's popularity and military success, began to actively hunt David, seeking to kill him. This period was marked by intense personal danger for David.
c. 1020-1010 BC
David as a Fugitive
David spent many years on the run, hiding in various wilderness areas and caves, constantly evading Saul's pursuit. This time forged his reliance on God for protection.
c. 1010 BC
Doeg the Edomite's Betrayal
Doeg, an Edomite official in Saul's court, betrayed David by informing Saul of David's visit to the priest Ahimelech, leading to the massacre of the priests and their families.
This verse expresses a very similar plea for deliverance from enemies, directly echoing the sentiment of being surrounded by 'violent men' and praying for protection.
Proverbs 4:14-15This passage warns against entering the path of the wicked and violent, highlighting the danger and deliberate malice that David is pleading to be saved from in Psalm 140.
Matthew 7:15Jesus' warning about false prophets who come in sheep's clothing directly relates to the deceptive and harmful nature of the 'evil men' David describes, whose outward appearance may hide their violent intentions.
2 Timothy 3:1-5This passage describes people in the last days who are lovers of self, greedy, boastful, arrogant, abusive, treacherous, and violent, capturing the character of the adversaries David seeks deliverance from.
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 prays to be delivered from an "evil man," the Hebrew word he uses can also mean "mankind" or "humanity," suggesting his plea isn't just for himself but a broader cry against the pervasive wickedness found in people. He then shifts to "violent men," highlighting how this underlying human tendency can manifest as aggressive, harmful action.
This psalm unfolds as a desperate cry for deliverance from malicious and violent enemies, likely stemming from personal betrayal and persecution, perhaps by figures like Saul or his advisors. David is acutely aware of their insidious plots and destructive intentions, describing their words as sharpened weapons and their hearts as full of evil schemes. The song begins with an urgent plea to God for protection, setting the stage for further appeals and expressions of trust throughout the psalm.
This psalm unfolds as a desperate cry for deliverance from malicious and violent enemies, likely stemming from personal betrayal and persecution, perhaps by figures like Saul or his advisors. David is acutely aware of their insidious plots and destructive intentions, describing their words as sharpened weapons and their hearts as full of evil schemes. The song begins with an urgent plea to God for protection, setting the stage for further appeals and expressions of trust throughout the psalm.
"Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men; preserve me from violent men, who plan evil things in their heart and stir up wars continually. They make their tongue sharp as a serpent’s, and under their lips is the venom of as…" — While David prays to be delivered from an "evil man," the Hebrew word he uses can also mean "mankind" or "humanity," suggesting his plea isn't just for himself but a broader cry against the pervasive…
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