Rex H. Henderson

PSALM 140

Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man; Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war. They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders’ poison is under their lips. Selah. Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings. 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. I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD. O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle. Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah. As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them. Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again. Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him. I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor. Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence. (Psalm 140, KJV)

Psalm 140

Evil for Evil’s Sake

One hears the cry of a hunted soul,
As men of violence pursue David
Hunted like a partridge, and
Seldom has a moments rest.

The enemy sets traps, snares and
Nets along his path. This is a portrait
Of evil people who loves evil for
Evil’s sake. Paul gives a collage:

“Their throats are open graves; their tongues
practice deceit.” “There feet are swift
ruin and misery mark their ways, and the
way of peace they do not know.” “There is
no fear of God before their eyes.” Rom. 3.

We have no peace until we recognize
Our own sins before the holy God. Only
God can deliver us from ourselves and
From those who practice evil.

David’s Prayer: “You are my God…Hear
O Lord, my cry for mercy…O sovereign God
…who shields my head in the day of battle.”
…May disaster hunt down men of violence.”

I need thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like thine Can peace afford.
I need thee, O I need thee; every hour I need thee!
O bless me now, my Savior. I come to thee.

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