1. psalmus David Domine clamavi ad te exaudi me intende voci meæ cum clamavero ad te
2. dirigatur oratio mea sicut incensum in conspectu tuo elevatio manuum mearum sacrificium vespertinum
3. pone Domine custodiam ori meo et ostium circumstantiæ labiis meis
4. non declines cor meum in verba malitiæ ad excusandas excusationes in peccatis cum hominibus operantibus iniquitatem et non communicabo cum electis eorum
5. corripiet me justus in misericordia et increpabit me oleum autem peccatoris non inpinguet caput meum quoniam adhuc et oratio mea in beneplacitis eorum
6. absorti sunt juncti petræ judices eorum audient verba mea quoniam potuerunt
7. sicut crassitudo terræ erupta est super terram dissipata sunt ossa nostra secus infernum
8. quia ad te Domine Domine oculi mei in te speravi non auferas animam meam
9. custodi me a laqueo quem statuerunt mihi et ab scandalis operantium iniquitatem
10. cadent in retiaculo ejus peccatores singulariter sum ego donec transeam
Footnotes:
140:1-2 - The psalmist cries out to God for deliverance from violent and wicked men. He recognizes the threat of his enemies and seeks protection in God, whom he sees as his defender (see also Psalm 18:48 and 2 Thessalonians 3:2-3).
140:3-5 - The psalmist describes his enemies as serpents, whose venom is in their words. This metaphor highlights the destructive power of malicious and deceptive speech (see also James 3:6-8 and Psalm 58:4).
140:6-8 - The psalmist calls out to the Lord as his God, trusting that He will hear his plea and protect his head in the day of battle. This reflects the psalmist's confidence in divine intervention against violence (see also Psalm 18:2 and Ephesians 6:17).
140:9-11 - He asks God to thwart the plans of the wicked, allowing their evil to fall upon them. This call for divine justice is common in psalms of lament (see also Psalm 7:15-16 and Proverbs 26:27).
140:12-13 - The psalmist concludes by expressing confidence in God's justice, affirming that He will defend the poor and needy. The psalm ends with a vision of hope for the righteous, who will dwell in God's presence (see also Psalm 9:18 and Matthew 5:3).
Verses related to Liber Psalmorum, 140:
Psalm 140 is a plea for protection from enemies. How to seek divine help in times of danger? This urgent psalm cries out to God for deliverance from violent men and their snares. The text expresses confidence in God's justice and His defense of those in need. Themes such as divine protection, the danger of slander and the final triumph of the righteous are central. Psalm 140 offers comfort to those facing persecution or threats. Consider with us five verses that reflect the plea for divine assurance present in this intense psalm.
Proverbs 2:12-15: "Wisdom will deliver you from the way of the wicked, from men of perverse words, who forsake the straight paths to walk in paths of darkness, who rejoice in doing evil and rejoice in the wickedness of the wicked, whose paths are crooked and who are led astray. on your paths." - This passage reflects the theme of Psalm 140:1-5, about protection from evil and violent people.
James 3:8: "But no one can tame the tongue. She is an uncontrollable evil, full of deadly poison." - This verse relates to Psalm 140:3, which talks about the poisonous tongue of the wicked.
Romans 3:13-14: "Their throats are an open tomb; with their tongues they deceive. Serpent venom is on your lips. Their mouths are full of curses and bitterness." - This passage echoes Psalm 140:3, describing the evil speech of the wicked.
2 Thessalonians 3:2: "And pray that we may be free from perverse and evil men, for faith does not belong to everyone." - This verse reflects the plea for protection against evil men expressed in Psalm 140.
Revelation 16:1: "Then I heard a loud voice coming from the temple and saying to the seven angels: 'Go and pour out the seven bowls of the wrath of God on the earth.'" - This passage relates to Psalm 140:10, which talks about divine judgment on the wicked.
FAQ:
What does Psalm 140 reveal about praying for God's protection?
Psalm 140 is a prayer for protection from enemies and evil, trusting that God is our safe refuge in times of danger. (Psalm 140:1-2)
How does Psalm 140 describe the behavior of the wicked?
Psalm 140 describes the wicked as people who plan evil, speak destructive words, and live to deceive and destroy the righteous. (Psalm 140:3-5)
What is the central petition of Psalm 140?
The central petition of Psalm 140 is that God would deliver the psalmist from the power of the wicked and protect him from the traps they set. (Psalm 140:4-5)
What does Psalm 140 teach about trusting God in times of danger?
Psalm 140 teaches us to trust in God for justice and protection, knowing that He will deliver the righteous from the hands of the wicked and make them prosper. (Psalm 140:7-13)
How does Psalm 140 express confidence in God for judgment?
Psalm 140 expresses confidence in God to judge the wicked and reward the righteous, recognizing His unchanging justice. (Psalm 140:12-13)
