Psalms 140

Prayer for Help in the Face of Enemies

1Rescue me, O Yahweh, from evil men.[#The several uses of the singular “man” in this psalm are probably collective]

Preserve me from violent men,

2who plan evil things in their heart.

They stir up wars continually.

3They sharpen their tongue as sharp as a snake’s;

the venom of a viper is under their lips. Selah

4Protect me, O Yahweh, from the hands of the wicked.

Preserve me from violent men,

who have planned to make me stumble.

5The proud have hidden a trap for me, and cords.

They have spread out a net along the side of the path.

They have set snares for me. Selah

6I say to Yahweh, “You are my God.”

Listen, O Yahweh, to the voice of my supplications.

7O Yahweh, my Lord, the strength of my salvation,

you have covered my head in the day of battle.

8Do not grant, O Yahweh, the desires of the wicked.

Do not allow them to attain their plan, lest they be exalted. Selah

9With respect to the head of those who surround me,

may the harm of their lips cover them.

10Let burning coals fall on them;

let them be dropped into the fire,

into bottomless pits from which they cannot rise.

11Do not let a slanderer be established in the land;[#Literally “man of tongue”]

as for the man of violence, let evil hunt him quickly.

12I know that Yahweh will maintain the cause of the afflicted,[#According to the reading tradition (Qere)]

and justice for the needy.

13Surely the righteous will give thanks to your name;

the upright will dwell in your presence.

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