Psalm 140:
As for the head of those that
compass me about,
let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
Vs.9
Psalms 140 to 143
may be linked together since they all portray, though in different ways, the
godly response to trials. All four are prayers, and all four are written by
David, though only Psalm 142 contains a historical notice in the superscription.
The situation underlying Psalm 140 itself is clear from the first verse: David
is being threatened by his enemies. They are quite adequately described in his
lament (verses 1-5), but David turns to God with his petition against them
(verses 6-11), confident that he will be heard (verses 12-13).
Verses 1-13: Davidic authorship is stated here, but the circumstances are unknown. It is like the psalms earlier in the Psalter that feature the usual complaint, prayer, and confident hope of relief.
I. Concerning David (140:1-5).
A.
“Deliver Me” (140:1-3);
Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: vs.1
B.
“Protect Me” (140:4-5).
Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; vs.4
II. Concerning David’s Enemies (140:6-11).
A. “Thwart Them” (140:6-8);
Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: vs.8
B. “Punish Them” (140-9-11).
Let burning coals fall upon them:vs.10
III. Concerning the Lord (140:12-13).
I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted... vs.12." BooksOfTheBible
Surely the righteous shall give thanks
unto thy name:
the upright shall dwell in thy presence.
Vs.13