Aa
Psalm 140
Prayer for Rescue
For the choir director. A psalm of David.
1Rescue me, Lord, from evil men.
Keep me safe from violent men140:1 Ps 18:48; 71:4
2who plan evil in their hearts.
They stir up wars all day long.140:2 Ps 36:4; 56:6; Pr 6:14
3They make their tongues
as sharp as a snake’s bite;
viper’s venom is under their lips.140:3 Ps 58:4; Rm 3:13; Jms 3:8Selah

4Protect me, Lord,
from the power of the wicked.140:4 Ps 71:4
Keep me safe from violent men
who plan to make me stumble.140:4 Lit to trip up my steps140:4 Ps 36:11
5The proud hide a trap with ropes for me;
they spread a net along the path
and set snares for me.140:5 Ps 35:7; 141:9; 142:3Selah

6I say to the Lord, “You are my God.”
Listen, Lord, to my cry for help.140:6 Ps 31:14; 130:2
7 Lord, my Lord, my strong Savior,
you shield my head on the day of battle.140:7 Ps 28:8; 118:14
8 Lord, do not grant the desires of the wicked;
do not let them achieve their goals.
Otherwise, they will become proud.140:8 Ps 10:2–3Selah

9When those who surround me rise up,140:9 Lit Head of those who surround me
may the trouble their lips cause overwhelm them.140:9 Ps 7:16; Pr 18:7
10Let hot coals fall on them.
Let them be thrown into the fire,
into the abyss, never again to rise.140:10 Ps 11:6; 36:12
11Do not let a slanderer stay in the land.
Let evil relentlessly140:11 Hb obscure hunt down a violent man.140:11 Ps 34:21

12I140:12 Alt Hb tradition reads You know that the Lord upholds
the just cause of the poor,
justice for the needy.140:12 1Kg 8:45,49; Ps 9:4; 82:3
13Surely the righteous will praise your name;
the upright will live in your presence.140:13 Ps 11:7; 64:10