What does Psalms 140:8 mean?
"Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah." - Psalms 140:8
The Bible verse Psalms 140:8 from the King James Version (KJV) states:
"Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah."
This verse is from the book of Psalms, which is a collection of prayers and songs written by King David and other authors. This particular psalm is attributed to David and is a prayer for deliverance from enemies. In verse 8, David is appealing to the Lord to not grant the desires of the wicked and to not allow their wicked plans to succeed in order to prevent them from exalting themselves.
The underlying theme of this verse is the struggle between good and evil, righteousness and wickedness. It reflects a timeless struggle faced by humanity, where the righteous often find themselves opposed by the wicked. Through this verse, David is seeking God's intervention to thwart the plans of the wicked and prevent them from gaining power and influence.
The context of this verse is important for a deeper understanding of its meaning. In the preceding verses, David describes the actions of the wicked and their deceitful and violent ways. He expresses his distress over their schemes and seeks God's protection from their evil intentions. The language used in this psalm is that of desperation and urgency, as David pleads for God's intervention.
The use of the word "wicked" in this verse refers to those who are morally corrupt and actively opposed to God's ways. The desires of the wicked are in direct opposition to God's will, and David is acknowledging that allowing the wicked to succeed would lead to their exaltation and further opposition to righteousness.
The use of the word "Selah" at the end of the verse is significant. It is a musical term found throughout the Psalms and is believed to indicate a pause for reflection or emphasis. In this context, it serves as a punctuation mark to emphasize the plea for God to withhold his favor from the wicked.
There is also a symbolic significance to this verse. It represents the broader theological concept of divine justice and intervention. The psalmist is acknowledging the authority and sovereignty of God to intervene in the affairs of humanity, especially in the face of evil and wickedness.
Overall, Psalms 140:8 is a powerful expression of the struggle between good and evil and the psalmist's desperate plea for God's intervention. It reflects the universal human experience of facing opposition and injustice, and the need for divine assistance in overcoming such challenges. This verse serves as a reminder of the hope and assurance that believers have in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty.
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Psalms 140:8 - "Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah."
"Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah." - Psalms 140:8
Psalms 140:5 - "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."
Psalms 119:140 - "Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it."
Psalms 140:2 - "Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war."
Psalms 140:12 - "I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor."
Psalms 140:3 - "They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah."
Psalms 140:1 - "Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;"
Psalms 140:9 - "As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them."
Psalms 140:7 - "O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle."
Psalms 140:11 - "Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him."
Psalms 140:6 - "I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD."
Psalms 140:13 - "Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence."
"O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle." - Psalms 140:7
Psalms 140:10 - "Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again."
"Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it." - Psalms 119:140
"Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war." - Psalms 140:2
"Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it." - Psalms 119:140
Psalms 140:4 - "Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings."
"I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor." - Psalms 140:12
"Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it." - Psalms 119:140
"Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again." - Psalms 140:10
"They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah." - Psalms 140:3
"As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them." - Psalms 140:9
"Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him." - Psalms 140:11
"Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;" - Psalms 140:1
"Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence." - Psalms 140:13
Psalms 49:8 - "(For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)"
"I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD." - Psalms 140:6
"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." - Psalms 140:5