Psalm 140 (139):1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Where are those who question the purpose of wild beasts, scorpions, and echidnas? Observe instead a creature that exhibits profound wickedness, not by its inherent nature, but through its volition—humankind. The prophet therefore seeks deliverance specifically from this being. Consider: if humanity is so flawed, why even allow its existence? It’s folly to assert such a notion since the only harmful element in man is sin; once sin is vanquished, peace and comfort prevail. However, as long as sin persists, there are constant dangers—traps and calamities—at every corner. We should not shy away from labeling the vice-ridden individual as the most treacherous of beasts. Unlike a wild animal, which may reveal its nature and can be guarded against, a malicious individual is far more insidious, often masquerading as harmless while harboring malevolence. Many unsuspecting souls fall prey to such deceit. In recognizing the difficulty of avoiding such predators, the prophet turns to prayer, seeking divine assistance in escaping this plague of wickedness, as the devil frequently works through corrupt individuals to afflict us. We face myriad assaults from many angles: the wickedness of individuals, the malice of the devil himself, and the burdens of intense temptation. This compels us to earnestly pray, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13). The multitude of struggles requires us to remain vigilant. Just as a sailor preparing to embark must account for tumultuous waters, fierce winds, and unforeseen dangers, those navigating the challenges of earthly life must brace themselves for bodily sufferings, soul afflictions, adversarial attacks, deceit from false friends, poverty, temptation, and devilish onslaughts in order to reach the heavenly city and secure their eternal destiny.

The prophet’s mention of ‘the man of evil’ equates to the wicked. When speaking of the devil, he is simply labeled ‘the evil one.’ Why is that? Because the devil is the progenitor of malevolence; his very essence is so tainted that the term ‘wicked’ suffices to describe him. This malevolence did not originate with him but emerged later. Understanding the term ‘wickedness’ leads to insight, for it stems from deceit (πονηρία), which burdens those ensnared by it with suffering (πόνον). Thus, the wise individual acknowledges this reality in their discourse, noting, “If you are wise, you are wise for your own benefit, and if you scorn counsel, you alone will bear the consequences” (Proverbs 9:12). Yet, how does the wicked suffer when inflicting harm upon many? Their actions do not adversely affect those vigilant against their transgressions.

Consider the wicked demon; did he not unleash a torrent of malice upon Job? But rather, did he not inadvertently elevate Job’s glory while orchestrating his own downfall? And was it not Cain who singularly embodied evil? You might argue that he shared this with Abel, but consider this: Abel’s end, a benevolent act, paved his way to peace, completing his mortal course with honor. What is commonly meted out as hardship ultimately became his greatest bounty; thus, his demise signified not suffering but a glorious crowning. To whom did Joseph suffer harm at the hands of his brethren? Even if they sold him into servitude, the true matter lies in whether he truly suffered—far from it. Indeed, his trials fortified him, elevated his favor with God, and transmuted calamity into genuine fortune. Let us not fear the wicked, but rather express our compassion for them. They were truly fearsome when the path to wisdom was obscured, but now, having access to heaven and becoming akin to angels, their intimidation has diminished.

The fierce beast charging at the spear may seem a threat to its wielder, yet it inflicts the deepest wounds upon itself. He who “kicks against the pricks” (Acts 9:5) stains his feet with blood. The nature of the beast and the sword of cunning reveal that all wicked men are more deranged than wild beasts. Their assaults on the virtuous result in increased harm to themselves. Though they may inflict damage on the good, their betrayal ultimately reverberates back upon their own souls. If the loss of material possessions were an affront to our character, the Apostle Paul wouldn’t counsel us to endure offenses but to refrain from creating them (1 Cor. 6:7). If the tolerance of wrongdoing were inherently vile, then the epitome of goodness would not prescribe such conduct. It is indeed paramount that we do not abandon ourselves to the influence of the wicked, but instead distance ourselves from their company and confront them with bravery.

That is why, as the prophet petitions: “Remove me, O Lord, from the man of evil; deliver me from the man of unrighteousness,” he signifies vice broadly, encompassing all forms of wickedness—not only material but also moral. His plea manifests a desire to be spared from falling into such malevolence. He does not simply ask for deliverance but acknowledges the need for divine assistance. Previously, he declared his intention to avoid them, proclaiming, “You bloodthirsty men, depart from me! For your designs lack integrity,” while now he seeks God’s aid, casting off their wickedness. In truth, separating oneself from such affiliations creates a path not only to prosperity, safety, freedom, and joy but signifies the ultimate happiness.

It is noteworthy that the prophet requested deliverance from not lions or dragons, but rather from the malevolent man. Clearly, wicked humans are more dangerous than lions; after all, the lions did not harm Daniel, yet the Jewish people crucified the Lord. Ravens nourished Elijah atop the mountain while Joseph was betrayed and sold by his own brothers, who ignored his heartfelt pleas. Despite Joseph’s youth failing to debilitate their hardened hearts, they callously redeemed him for profit. “Remove me, O Lord, from the man of evil.” While wild bees sustained John in the desert, Herodias beheaded him during a feast. Beasts might respect the sanctity of man, but the lewd woman disdained the prophet. Daniel triumphed over the dragon in Babylon, yet David could not escape from Saul’s envy. The serpent led Eve astray, while Cain guilefully murdered his brother. That same Cain, when confronted, obeyed his master’s command, yet Judas, who was nurtured at the Lord’s side, betrayed Him. “Remove me, O Lord, from the wicked man”—not from beasts, for the malevolence of beasts is evident, yet humans conceal theirs under a guise of meekness. Just as poisoners may employ honey to mask their poison’s bitterness, so do the wicked cloaked in sweet words harbor bitterness within. Their outward sweetness hides a heart that conspires and betrays; their appearance belies the deceit lurking beneath the surface.

The wicked man thus embodies a greater peril than the beast. The beast lacks reason, therefore finding no malice against humanity; it does not conceive nor strategically set traps. However, the wicked, endowed with reason, weaponizes it, crafting schemes of treachery. “Remove me, O Lord, from the evil man,”—not from malevolent angels. As David observed, “He sent His fierce indignation upon them; wrath and fury, and ruin inflicted by angels” (Psalm 77:49, 50). Nevertheless, the malicious individual poses a greater threat than the wicked spirit since the latter adheres to divine decrees while the former distorts them. What could be worse than the adversary? Even the devil refrained from approaching Job without divine permission. Yet the wicked, faced with the command “Love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44), not only neglect love but seek to destroy their benefactors, as Saul did to David. David conquered the giant Goliath, yet Saul plotted his destruction. David’s music soothed the evil spirit, while Saul sharpened his sword against him. The more advantages the wicked receive, the more their envy intensifies; kindness merely fuels their malevolence. “Remove me, O Lord, from the evil man”—not from righteous men. “A good man out of a good treasure brings forth good things, and an evil man out of an evil treasure brings forth evil” (Matthew 12:35). From their respective hearts, one yields goodness while the other generates wickedness. Just as a bitter root yields no good fruit, so too does the wicked person’s character bear the marks of their malevolence.

The sage wisely advises: “Leave it, do not walk upon it, turn away from it, and pass by, for their feet run to evil” (Proverbs 4:15; Proverbs 1:16). The prophet, too, entreats: “Deliver me out of the hand of the sinner, from the grasp of the unrighteous and the transgressor” (Psalm 70:4). Jesus spoke of the evil one, “Or is your eye envious because I am good?” (Matthew 20:15). “Remove me, O Lord, from the evil man,”—a deceiver adept in hypocrisy, harboring envy that fester within. They are not righteous; the righteous cares even for the welfare of creatures, as it is written, “the righteous considers the life of his animals” (Proverbs 12:10). The unrighteous express disregard even for humanity, as evidenced when Pharaoh ordered the Hebrew boys drowned; one honored creation while the other destroyed it.

Thus, we must, to the best of our ability, evade wickedness and injustice, and actively seek to rescue the wronged from their oppressors, mirroring Abraham’s rescue of Lot from captivity and Lot’s liberation of the angels from the sinfulness of Sodom. Angels possess an inherent purity, yet human folly remains perilous. Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, David liberated Saul from demonic violence, and God’s angels preserved the three young men in the fiery furnace. Daniel was saved from the lions due to his faith, and Jonah emerged from the whale through heartfelt repentance. Similarly, Jeremiah received aid from Abimelech, and Daniel defended Susanna against the corrupt elders. The Lord delivered humanity from Satan, and the apostles healed the afflicted. This task is not solely entrusted to men; women too are called to act. Many females have valiantly rescued the imperiled: Sarah saved Abraham from Abimelech by cleverly identifying him as her brother; Rebekah advised Jacob to flee from Esau; Rachel saved her father from idolatry by stealthily taking his idols; Rahab shielded the spies; Michal helped David evade Saul’s wrath; Abigail averted Nabal’s demise through intercession; and Moses’ mother preserved her child by placing him in a basket. Martha and Mary pleaded with the Lord for Lazarus’ resurrection, while the widow Tabitha received life back through Peter’s intervention. Faith alone healed the woman with an issue of blood, and repentance spared the Ninevites.

“Remove me, O Lord, from the man of evil; deliver me from the man of unrighteousness.” The prophet keenly delineates the nature of the malevolent individual as Doeg, while the unrighteous representative is Saul. David, fleeing from Saul, sought refuge in Nob, the city of priests, where Abimelech gifted him Goliath’s sword and provisions. Doeg the Edomite witnessed this, and maliciously reported David’s presence to Saul, inciting his wrath. In response, Saul commanded his soldiers to exterminate the priests of Nob, yet they hesitated, fearing the Lord. Turning to Doeg, he ordered mass slaughter—no one spared, not even the children or animals. Doeg executed this with ruthless zeal, resulting in the deaths of 350 priests; the blood of the young mingled with that of the infants, their cries silenced in horror. The atrocities committed were beyond reckoning, as innocence was ravaged, and dignity stripped away.

Our Lord has tasked me, dear brethren, and through Him, the Sovereign of all, to share this psalm with you as far as it is God's will for me. May He guide your prayers so that I may speak appropriately, allowing you to receive the message, so that the Word of God may be beneficial for us all. However, the message does not profit everyone since not all possess faith.

The essence of this psalm should have become evident to you as you sang it; here, the Church of Christ lifts her voice amid the wicked, expressing her struggles and offering prayers to God. In each prophecy, her voice represents one who is in need, yearning and unsatisfied, who is hungry and thirsty for righteousness, to whom fullness is promised and preserved in the end.

At the conclusion of the psalm, directed to David, we can expect nothing but the outcome laid out by the Apostle, for Christ is the culmination. He descended from the lineage of David, not in His divine nature as the Creator of David, but in His humanity; hence, He chose to be referenced as David in prophecy. Listen closely, for the psalm is sung to David, to hear the voice of His Body, to be part of His Body. Let the words you have heard resonate within you, and let us pray together with the following supplication.

“Rescue me, O Lord, from the wicked man.” This plea is not for deliverance from a single individual, but rather from a category of malefactors; not only from some vessels, but from their very leader, the devil. Why mention man at all if referring to the devil? This is because the devil also takes the form of a man in representation. Therefore, enlightened in the Lord, let us not only pray against darkness, that is, against sinners who remain under the devil's influence, but also against their leader, the devil himself, who operates in the disobedient.

"Rescue me from the unjust man." This is synonymous with the wicked man, for he is labeled as wicked because of his unrighteousness, ensuring you understand that no unrighteous individual can be considered good. Many unrighteous people may appear harmless; they may not be violent or cruel, nor do they actively persecute others. However, their unrighteousness stems from different habits, whether they engage in debauchery, drunkenness, or other indulgences. Thus, every unrighteous person is harmful, regardless of their demeanor—gentle or aggressive. Those caught in their trap will soon realize the danger of what they thought was innocent; for, brethren, thorns do not sting at the root. Pull thorns from the earth, touch their roots, and you will not feel pain. However, the source of your pain originates from that root. So, do not be swayed by those who seem meek and gentle but indulge in worldly pleasures and follow corrupt desires. Despite their gentility, they are rooted in thorns.

Therefore, beloved brethren, as members of the Body of Christ, groaning amongst such wicked individuals, all those who rush towards evil desires and deadly pleasures should be rebuked, judged, and confronted swiftly. Let the root be consumed, and there will be no source for future thorns. Should you fail to oppose them, be assured they will become your adversaries. They may appear silent, concealing their animosity, but they are incapable of loving you. And since they cannot love you, and knowing those who bear hatred will seek your harm, let your lips not hesitate to utter to God: “Rescue me, O Lord, from the unjust man.”

"He who conceives injustice within his heart..." Rescue me from such individuals; let Your mighty hand be my deliverer. It is easy to evade open hostility, to steer clear of blatant enemies; yet, iniquity may be both spoken and harbored within. This insidious enemy remains hidden, difficult to avoid, presenting sweetness on their lips, while harboring malice in their hearts. They wage war continually. What signifies this warfare? They burden me with a relentless fight. From such hearts, everything a Christian must resist arises—be it rebellion, division, heresy, or violent opposition. It emerges solely from these concealed inclinations; while speaking peace, their hearts dwell in strife. The phrase "all day long" implies relentless combat, continuous conflict. They have sharpened their tongues like serpents.

If you are wary of such individuals, here is a parallel for consideration. Among creatures, the serpent possesses incomparable cunning and skill for harm; it slips along without feet, rendering its approach unheard. In its movement, it is sly, appearing smooth but lacking straightness, just as they creep and crawl, intent to inflict damage, concealing their venom beneath the slightest touch. Observe, their malice lies beneath their lips. We apprehend one thing from their mouths, yet perceive another in their intent.

"Preserve me, O Lord, from the hand of the sinner, from the unjust, deliver me." Here, their true nature is revealed; one need not decipher their identity but must act in prayer, not questioning who they are. How to pray against such people is further explained. Many pray ineffectively against the wicked. "Who dares to mislead me?" may be understood in a carnal sense. Each person faces adversaries seeking to deceive in business deals or plotting harm against their family. They conspire through trickery and deceit, and none can deny it. However, you should guard against being ensnared, being drawn away from the Body of Christ, to be separated and made part of their circle instead. Just as Christ is the head of the righteous, the devil serves as their head.

What does it mean for them to confound my steps? It is not merely deception in worldly affairs, but rather if they lead you astray from God’s path, causing your directed steps to stumble or veer off track. Anyone who sabotages your spiritual purpose has misled you. Therefore, pray against such snares that may steal your heavenly heritage; seek not to lose Christ, your fellow heir, as you are destined to dwell eternally with the One who has made you His heir.

"The proud have laid a snare for me." He encompasses the entirety of the devil within the term "proud." Often, they claim righteousness while being deeply unrighteous. Nothing irks them more than to confess their sins. They envy those who are truly righteous, for no one envies another concerning something they neither aspire to nor wish to be associated with. Thus, they become the root of temptation and deception. The devil coveted first, envying humanity’s exaltation.

Yet, the proud have devised traps for me, endeavoring to mislead. They spread cords akin to snares—what kind of cords? The Scriptures clarify what cords signify, as Proverbs states, "For every man is ensnared by the bonds of his transgressions." Isaiah plainly states, "Woe to those who draw sin along as with a long rope." This rope encapsulates every sinner who, in their persistence, adds sin upon sin. When faced with the need to repent, instead of confessing, they fortify themselves with additional sins. Their sins ensnare the righteous by persuading them to engage in the evil they practice.

Thus, it is declared they spread cords and snares; through their transgressions, they sought to bring me down. They set stumbling blocks in the path, not within the path, but outside it. God’s commandments outline the pathway. They attempt to obstruct your journey; do not stray from the paths or allow yourself to trip over stumbling blocks. Do not presume that God will prevent stumbling blocks from appearing—but rather understand that He allows them to exist to test your resilience.

What remains in such afflictions, temptations, and dangers? "I said unto the Lord, Thou art my God." The fervent call of prayer brings forth confidence. Is He not the God of all? Yet, He belongs uniquely to those who cherish Him, serve Him, and willingly obey Him. Even those who embody wickedness bow to His authority, albeit reluctantly.

"Listen with Your ears to the voice of my prayer." The phrase emphasizes the disposition of the heart; not merely "my prayer" but the very essence, the lifeblood, of my prayer—what breathes life into my words. While one may vocalize prayers, devoid of true understanding and faith, they utter sound without substance. Such hollow utterances lack the spirit of prayer; genuine prayer emanates from a heart animated by life itself. How many approach God with mere sounds of prayer and lack true knowledge, having no authentic thoughts about God?

When he presents this to God, let him say: "O Lord, You are the true Lord, not like human lords who barter with money, but the Lord who redeems with His blood." "O Lord, You are the strength of my salvation." He acknowledges his struggles against the snares laid by sinners, the devil’s instruments, envious and false. Yet, he quickly finds consolation: "He who endures to the end shall be saved." O, what hope arises amidst the crushing weight of iniquity! "If I endure to the end, I shall be saved" refers to finding strength; You are my strength for salvation. You ensure my endurance for the sake of attaining salvation.

In wrestling through this spiritual battle, he reflects upon the grace of God; amidst his trials, he finds a shade to dwell beneath, declaring, "You have sheltered my head in the day of conflict."

"Do not deliver me, O Lord, according to my desire for the wicked." Observe how beneficial Your shelter is to me, protecting me from succumbing to wickedness. What harm can a sinner inflict upon me, no matter how furious? The wicked who tormented the martyrs may have dragged them in chains, imprisoned them, and executed them, yet God did not surrender them to their enemies, for they were not given up to their desires. Therefore, pray intently that God does not hand you over according to your longings to a sinner. Your desires can grant the devil access, as he dangles temptation and invites you into wickedness; remember, true gain involves no wrongdoing. The bait represents gain, while wickedness forms the net. Beware of the bait to recognize the snare; for if you engage in transgression, you will become ensnared.

Thus, “Your head shall be darkened on the day of battle.” Longing stirs passions; yet, the overshadowing of the Lord tempers these desires, keeping you from being ensnared. They conspire against me; do not forsake me, lest they be elevated. Their aim is clear: if I waver, those who oppress will rejoice. For such are they, as is the devil himself.

"The heads of their schemes, the labor of their lips shall cover them." Let the shadow of Your wings envelop me; You have protected me in battle. With pride as their driving force, they remain unyielding. How do they operate? Their missteps signify wandering, failing to find truth, entering the spiral of deception. Pride is the root of all sin. But what does it mean that pride drives their speech? Each proud individual speaks falsehoods; those filled with words labor through lies. True speech originates from the heart; it is labor when one fully embodies their words.

"Coals of fire shall fall upon them to the earth." What falls upon the earth? Even in this life, coals of fire will descend upon them. What signifies these burning coals? We recognize these coals. Are they different from the coals related to punishment and those associated with salvation? We mention coals that assist against treacherous speech. Painful words bring forth certain examples—from which the spouse herself claims: "I am wounded by love," as the hay is consumed, resulting in devouring flames. The hay is turned to ashes while purity is made brighter; a person dies unto self, transforming to become a burning coal, akin to the Apostle who once was a blasphemer and persecutor, but once forgiven, ignited by heaven's voice, all darkness in him faded, becoming an agent of fire and zeal.

In conclusion, a psalm attributed to David: Rescue me, O Lord, from the wicked one. Due to the harm caused to human nature by demonic forces, he appeals to God for justice, asking that this wrongdoing be brought upon the heads of the wrongdoers. It can also be interpreted as a reference to those who oppose worldly desires.

Ultimately, this is a psalm dedicated to David. Blessed David, who faced persecution at the hands of Saul, calls upon the assistance of the Almighty. “Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man, from the unrighteous man.” Saul is the unrighteous one, showing ingratitude towards his benefactor; he sought to take the life of blessed David, who had never wronged him and instead had performed numerous acts of kindness toward him.

In summary, a psalm attributed to David reflects his plea for divine rescue amid the trials imposed by Saul. Theodoret suggests that during this period of persecution, David seeks God's safeguarding against his adversaries. Similarly, this psalm serves as a cry from the human spirit for protection against spiritual foes—demons—while imploring God to turn the transgressions of those who inflict harm back upon them.

**Advertisement:** A psalm attributed to David. Within its verses, David initially expresses his deep sorrow over the relentless hostility of his foes, along with their deceitful words and treachery. He then seeks the justice of God, pledging mercy for himself while asking for retribution against his adversaries.

Many interpreters correctly associate this psalm, which bears resemblance to other psalms by David (such as 7:54, 56, and others), with the period of David's trials under Saul, specifically referencing the accusations made by Doeg and the Ziphites.

Ultimately, at the culmination of Christ's prophecy, as the law and the prophets have borne witness, this psalm was unveiled to David through the Holy Spirit. Within its verses, the prophet earnestly implores God for deliverance from Saul and other cruel oppressors. Yet, this psalm profoundly resonates with Christ the Lord, who offered a pivotal prayer to God the Father amid His suffering, echoing the prayers of all faithful individuals against both visible and invisible foes.