In many parts of the world, the righteous are persecuted, hounded, and even killed. Believers face severe persecution in many countries. King David also had to face the presence and pressure of evil people. They were not just using verbal attacks, but they were preparing to indulge in violence. Like David, persecuted people should call upon the Lord to preserve them by keeping them away from the hands of wicked people. David pleads to be preserved from different aspects of danger.
Violent men: David writes about men who are evil, vile, and violent. (Psalm 140:1) They are brutal and ruthless in their attacks.
Arrogant men: The proud men have set traps to catch David. (Psalm 140:5) They want to catch David like a wild animal, pierce him, bind him, and show the Nation of Israel as an enemy of the Nation.
Tongues: They gather and use their poisonous tongue against David. Like a snake gathers poison to strike, they collaborate.
Hidden snares: Such snares are placed in the usual or routine way. (Psalm 140:5) It is like modern landmines, that when a person steps on it will explode.
Net: Like spreading a net to catch an animal over a pit. Like animals, they wanted to pierce him with a spear, entangle him with snares, and bind him to show him as an enemy of the state.
Cords: They are placed in the way of David, when he crosses or steps on, it will be pulled to make him stumble and fall.
Traps: They also laid traps, which could be material or enemies in disguise approaching David to kill him.
Confident prayer: David prayed as he trusted in the Lord’s mercy, who preserves his head and covers him from danger. He is the strength and salvation. God will not grant the desires of the wicked.
Confident assertion: David was confident that the cause of the afflicted would be maintained, justice dispensed to the poor, and righteous would give thanks to the Lord, and the upright would dwell in God’s presence. (Psalm 140:12-13)
Do I have confidence like David?