Psalms 140:11
Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
David's concern that "evil speakers not be established" reflects his experience with slander's destructive power. Saul's court was filled with informants and accusers who poisoned the king against David (1 Samuel 24:9, 26:19). Doeg the Edomite's report about Ahimelech helping David resulted in massacring 85 priests and their families (1 Samuel 22:9-19)—slander leading to mass murder. During Absalom's rebellion, Shimei cursed David publicly with false accusations (2 Samuel 16:5-8). These experiences taught David that societies where slanderers prosper become unjust and dangerous. Proverbs, largely written by Solomon (David's son), repeatedly condemns lying tongues (Proverbs 6:16-19, 12:19, 12:22, 19:5). The ninth commandment forbids bearing false witness (Exodus 20:16), with Mosaic law prescribing that false accusers receive the punishment they sought to inflict on the accused (Deuteronomy 19:16-21).
Questions for Reflection
- What does it look like for 'evil speakers not to be established in the earth,' and how can believers work toward this through promoting truth?
- How does the principle that 'evil shall hunt the violent man' (poetic justice) provide comfort to victims while warning perpetrators?
- How should Christians balance Jesus's call to forgive enemies with David's prayers that evil not prosper and that justice be done?
Analysis & Commentary
Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him. The final imprecatory petition returns from vivid judgment imagery (v. 10) to more measured statement of justice principles. "Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth" (ish lashon bal-yikon ba-aretz, אִישׁ לָשׁוֹן בַּל־יִכּוֹן בָּאָרֶץ) focuses on verbal evildoers. Ish lashon (אִישׁ לָשׁוֹן, "man of tongue") is idiomatic for slanderer, false accuser, malicious gossip—one who weaponizes speech. Kun (כּוּן, "be established, stand firm, endure") in negative form (bal-yikon, בַּל־יִכּוֹן) means "not be established." David prays that slanderers will not find secure position, lasting influence, or permanent success in society.
This prayer seeks justice at societal level. When slanderers prosper, truth suffers and innocent people are destroyed. God's righteous order requires that truth-speakers be established while liars be uprooted. Proverbs repeatedly warns that "a false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape" (Proverbs 19:5, 9). Society functions properly only when truth is valued and lies are exposed.
"Evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him" (ish chamas yetsudenu le-madchefot, אִישׁ־חָמָס יְצוּדֶנּוּ לְמַדְחֵפֹת) declares poetic justice through hunting metaphor. Chamas (חָמָס, "violence") describes physical brutality, injustice, oppression. Tsud (צוּד, "hunt") suggests pursuing prey relentlessly. Madchephah (מַדְחֵפָה, "overthrow, thrust, push down") implies repeated blows driving someone down. The violent man becomes the hunted; evil itself pursues him. This reflects Proverbs 13:21: "Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed." Sin carries inherent consequences—violence breeds violence, and the violent ultimately suffer violence themselves (Matthew 26:52, Revelation 13:10).