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Lutheran reading notes

In Psalms chapter 140, the wisdom literature continues to explore prayer, worship, lament, praise, and trust in God. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.

Theme: Wisdom, prayer, and faithful living Key people: Wise figures Key place: Israel Liturgical use: Wisdom lections
1 [To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.] Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man; {violent...: Heb. man of violences}
Psalms 140:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2 Which imagine mischiefs in {their} heart; continually are they gathered together {for} war.
Psalms 140:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison {is} under their lips. Selah.
Psalms 140:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4 Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.
Psalms 140:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5 The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah.
Psalms 140:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6 I said unto the LORD, Thou {art} my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD.
7 O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.
Psalms 140:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8 Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; {lest} they exalt themselves. Selah. {lest...: or, let them not be exalted}
Psalms 140:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9 {As for} the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
Psalms 140:9 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10 Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again.
Psalms 140:10 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11 Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow {him}. {an...: or, an evil speaker (Heb. a man of tongue), a wicked man of violence, be established in the earth: let him be hunted to his overthrow}
Psalms 140:11 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12 I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, {and} the right of the poor.
Psalms 140:12 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.
Psalms 140:13 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.