Psalms 140:8
Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Throughout biblical history, God demonstrated this pattern: frustrating wicked schemes while vindicating righteousness. Pharaoh's plan to enslave Israel permanently failed when God delivered them (Exodus 1-15). Haman's plot to destroy the Jews reversed, resulting in his own execution (Esther 7). Sennacherib's siege of Jerusalem collapsed when the angel destroyed his army (2 Kings 19:35). Daniel's enemies' scheme to eliminate him through the lions' den law backfired, resulting in their own destruction (Daniel 6:24). Jesus's enemies thought crucifixion would end His movement, but God raised Him, establishing the church. The principle holds: God will not allow evil to succeed permanently, lest the wicked conclude their rebellion pays. His glory requires demonstrating that "the way of the ungodly shall perish" (Psalm 1:6).
Questions for Reflection
- Why is it important to pray that God 'grant not the desires of the wicked' rather than simply accepting whatever happens as God's will?
- How does the wicked's potential self-exaltation (pride) if their schemes succeed provide motivation for God to frustrate their plans?
- What does it mean for believers to trust that 'there is no wisdom nor counsel against the LORD' (Proverbs 21:30) when wicked schemes seem to be succeeding?
Analysis & Commentary
Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah. David prays for divine intervention to thwart enemies' plans. "Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked" (al-titen YHWH ma'awayei rasha, אַל־תִּתֵּן יְהוָה מַאֲוַיֵּי רָשָׁע) requests God withhold success from evil aspirations. Natan (נָתַן, "grant, give") is causative—"do not cause to happen." Ma'awayim (מַאֲוַיִּים, "desires, wishes") are cravings, longings, ambitious goals. Rasha (רָשָׁע, "wicked") describes morally guilty, covenant-breaking persons. David asks God to prevent wicked people from achieving their evil goals.
"Further not his wicked device" (zemamo al-taphek, זְמָמוֹ אַל־תָּפֵק) intensifies the petition. Zimmah (זִמָּה, "device, scheme, plot") refers to calculated evil plan. Puk (פּוּק) in Hiphil means "to bring forth, produce, cause to succeed." David prays God will frustrate enemies' schemes, preventing their wicked plans from succeeding. This reflects biblical principle: "There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD" (Proverbs 21:30). Human schemes cannot succeed if God opposes them.
"Lest they exalt themselves" (pen yarumu, פֶּן יָרוּמוּ) states why God should act. Pen (פֶּן, "lest") introduces feared consequence. Rum (רוּם, "exalt, be high, rise up") means "to lift self up, become proud, assert superiority." If wicked succeed, they'll become arrogantly confident, attributing success to their own power rather than recognizing God's sovereignty. They'll believe their wickedness pays, encouraging continued evil. God's glory requires demonstrating that righteousness, not wickedness, triumphs ultimately. "Selah" (סֶלָה) marks pause for reflection on this crucial principle.