Let burning coals fall upon them; Let them be cast into the fire, Into deep pits, that they rise not up again. Psalm 140:10
Deliver Us From Evil
Psalm 140, a psalm of David, is particularly concerned with the wicked. David calls on God to thwart the plots of the wicked and penalize them severely, sure that He is committed to the righteous and poor.
140:1 Deliver me: David cries out to the Lord for deliverance from the wicked, who continually harm the innocent. The words violent men are repeated in v. 4. The word violent describes people who are harsh and ruthless, who plan the destruction of the righteous. They are purposefully evil and will be satisfied only if they can participate in the destruction of God’s people. But God is always ready to deliver His precious ones from their grasp.
1 To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O Lord, from evil men; Preserve me from violent men,
140:6 With the words You are my God, David confesses his complete trust in the Lord even though he is surrounded by people plotting his destruction. On the basis of his trust, he now pleads with the Lord to deliver him.
6 I said to the Lord: “You are my God; Hear the voice of my supplications, O Lord.
God, the Strength of My Salvation
140:10 Let burning coals fall upon them: Here David recalls the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah (11:6; Gen. 19:12-29) and asks God to use this particular judgment on his enemies.
10 Let burning coals fall upon them; Let them be cast into the fire, Into deep pits, that they rise not up again.
140:12, 13 The cause of the poor and the afflicted is of special interest to the Lord. He promises to uphold and comfort them (41:1; 72:4; 109:31; Luke 4:18; 6:20).
12 I know that the Lord will maintain The cause of the afflicted, And justice for the poor. 13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name; The upright shall dwell in Your presence.
** All along, the presence of the wicked has been the problem for us. We cannot wish them away. They are actively engaged in a war against humanity, God’s prize creation. The seed of evil have grown big and fat as deceiving serpents whose ways are purposely evil. Only the Christianity addresses the problem of evil head on – call a spade a spade.
140 1 To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O Lord, from evil men; Preserve me from violent men, 2 Who plan evil things in their hearts; They continually gather together for war. 3 They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; The poison of asps is under their lips. Selah 4 Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; Preserve me from violent men, Who have purposed to make my steps stumble. 5 The proud have hidden a snare for me, and cords; They have spread a net by the wayside; They have set traps for me. Selah 6 I said to the Lord: “You are my God; Hear the voice of my supplications, O Lord. 7 O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle. 8 Do not grant, O Lord, the desires of the wicked; Do not further his wicked scheme, Lest they be exalted. Selah 9 “As for the head of those who surround me, Let the evil of their lips cover them; 10 Let burning coals fall upon them; Let them be cast into the fire, Into deep pits, that they rise not up again. 11 Let not a slanderer be established in the earth; Let evil hunt the violent man to overthrow him.” 12 I know that the Lord will maintain The cause of the afflicted, And justice for the poor. 13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name; The upright shall dwell in Your presence.
