Psalm 140:8

Psalm 140:8, in plain English

David prays that God won't let these wicked people's desires come true and won't let their evil plans succeed, because if He did, it would only encourage them.

Why it's here

David isn't asking for personal revenge here; he's asking God not to allow evil to prosper and grow. He understands that if wicked people see their schemes working, they'll be emboldened to do more harm. He's asking God to maintain His justice and order in the world.

Who's speaking

David, now petitioning God to actively oppose his enemies' goals.

Where it sits in the story

This prayer reflects a biblical conviction that God actually cares about justice and won't ultimately allow evil to flourish unchecked. It points forward to God's final judgment and His commitment to righteousness.

The scholarly reading

The psalmist petitions God not to allow the wicked to achieve their ambitious desires, explicitly requesting divine non-cooperation with evil plans that would elevate the wicked.

Language and setting

The request 'grant not' (al tittan) constitutes a negative petition—asking God to abstain from permitting evil's advancement rather than actively punishing it (though that follows later). This reflects a sophisticated theology: the psalmist recognizes that God's permissive will can either advance or restrain human ambition; he petitions for divine restraint. The lest they be exalted clause reveals the psalmist's concern is not merely personal vengeance but eschatological justice—he cannot bear the thought of wickedness triumphant.

Voice

The psalmist, now explicitly petitioning divine limitation of evil's scope.

Significance

This prayer reflects the tension throughout Scripture between God's sovereignty and human agency—a tension that haunts Job, troubles the Apostle Paul in Romans 9, and ultimately finds resolution in the apocalyptic promise that God will indeed restrain wickedness at history's consummation.

6I say to the LORD, “You are my God.” Hear, O LORD, my cry for help.

7O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You shield my head in the day of battle.

8Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not promote their evil plans, lest they be exalted.

9May the heads of those who surround me be covered in the trouble their lips have caused.

10May burning coals fall on them; may they be thrown into the fire, into the miry pits, never to rise again.

Read all of Psalm 140 — Violent men plot evil. They sharpen their tongues like a serpent's. David prays for deliverance — and trusts that God maintains the cause of the afflicted.