Psalm 140 – The Violent
Who are the violent among us, as defined by Psalm 140 – the violent? What does Scripture tell us about violence? Is there ever a legitimate use of violence?
Psalm 140
As we draw closer to the end of the Psalms, we now come to a “sequence of five prayers in which David seeks deliverance from wicked enemies (140-144). The first of these, Psalm 140, is a lamenting plea for preservation from the plotting of evil, violent men and a call for divine retribution.” Psalm 140 | United Church of God
“Many times in David’s life, he suffered under the presence and pressure of evil and violent men. This desperate song came from such a time, and shows its urgency by having no prelude of praise or contemplation. David went straight to his plea.” Psalm 140 Commentary: The Cry and Confidence of a Slandered
The psalm begins with a plea for help.
“Rescue me, Lord, from evildoers; protect me from the violent,
who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day.
They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent’s; the poison of vipers is on their lips.” (1-3)
David describes the violent as men who devise evil plans, stir up war, and use their tongue as weapons. He goes on to say how they have set traps for him
“Keep me safe, Lord, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from the violent, who devise ways to trip my feet.
The arrogant have hidden a snare for me; they have spread out the cords of their net and have set traps for me along my path.” (4-5)
David asks again for God’s help.
“I say to the Lord, “You are my God.” Hear, Lord, my cry for mercy.
Sovereign Lord, my strong deliverer, you shield my head in the day of battle.
Do not grant the wicked their desires, Lord; do not let their plans succeed.” (6-8)
David’s Prayer for the Wicked
In response to the violence against him, David asks for an eye for an eye – that God might to do them what they did to him and more.
“These evil men hunted David (Psalm 140:4-6). David prayed that the same would be returned to them – that the hunters would be hunted by their very evil.” Psalm 140 Commentary: The Cry and Confidence of a Slandered
“Those who surround me proudly rear their heads; may the mischief of their lips engulf them.
May burning coals fall on them; may they be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, never to rise.
May slanderers not be established in the land; may disaster hunt down the violent.” (9-11)
David responds to the violence against him by asking for vengeance. But he leaves vengeance in the hands of God, ending in confident trust and praising God’s name.
“I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.
Surely the righteous will praise your name, and the upright will live in your presence.” (12-13)
Violent
Violence according to Webster: the use of harmful or destructive physical force; extremely powerful or forceful and capable of causing damage; emotionally agitated to the point of using harmful physical force; prone to commit acts of violence; notably forceful, furious, or vehement.
In Scripture “violent” often refers to individuals or actions characterized by force, aggression, or brutality. “The Bible presents violence not only as a physical act but also as a spiritual and moral issue. It is often associated with the sinful nature of humanity and the corruption of the heart.” Topical Bible: The Violent
Not only are the actions of the violent evil in Psalm 140 – the violent, they hold evil in their hearts.
“Those evil men were known by the evil things in their hearts. Their evil actions were not accidents disconnected from their true nature, as shown in that they were always ready for conflict and war … It is an awful thing to have such a heart-disease as this. When the imagination gloats over doing harm to others, it is a sure sign that the entire nature is far gone in wickedness.” (Spurgeon) Psalm 140 Commentary: The Cry and Confidence of a Slandered
While Jesus overturned the tables of the moneylenders in the Temple, this action did not characterize him. Rather it was out of character, but Jesus couldn’t remain silent before injustice. Jesus called for a “radical departure from the cycle of violence and retaliation.” Topical Bible: The Violent
“The biblical perspective on violence is clear: it is contrary to God’s nature and His desire for humanity. Throughout Scripture, violence is depicted as a manifestation of sin and a barrier to peace and justice. Believers are called to reject violence, pursue peace, and trust in God’s ultimate justice.” Topical Bible: The Violent
Psalm 140 – The Violent
What are we to do in the face of violence? If we follow the example set by David, we will speak out against violence and wrongs done but leave vengeance to God. We aren’t to passively allow violence to prevail. Instead, we stand up against those who would harm others, especially those most vulnerable. We do not return violence with violence, nor do we allow violence to settle into our hearts where it might fester and harm us and others.
Psalm 140 – the violent ends in confident trust in the Lord and praise of God’s name.
“Campbell Morgan noted that Psalm 140 begins in great trouble and sorrow, but ends in praise and triumph. “If sorrow is a certainty, so also is the action of Jehovah…. Sorrow and darkness come to all men, but only those who know God and are sure of Him, make suffering, and the night, occasions of triumphant psalmody.” Psalm 140 Commentary: The Cry and Confidence of a Slandered
And so, we replace violence with praise.
Are you experiencing violence in your life? What is God calling you to?
(For another take on this psalm, see Psalm 140: Early Conspiracy Theories – Patricia M Robertson)
This post is part of a series of blog posts on the Psalms. Sign up to follow this blog and receive a free copy of Still Dancing, the second book in my Dancing through Life Series. click here to sign up
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