Psa 140:9 | KingComments | STEP | The demand that the evil from the lips of the head of the enemies who surround him shall cover him himself is not a personal cry for vengeance ( ). It is asking God to punish injustice, threats, and slander according to the rule of retribution that the evil which a person does or wishes to do to another will affect himself ( ; cf. ; ; ; ). The God-fearing also indicates what is an appropriate judgment for his enemies ( ). He speaks of “burning coals”, “the fire”, and “deep pits”. Burning coals must poured out on them from heaven ( ); into the fire and deep pits they must fall. It marks their final judgment, for this judgment must result in “from which they cannot rise”. This judgment will affect all the enemies of the believing remnant. It is clear in the light of God’s final judgment that “a slanderer” will “not be established in the earth” ( ). That person is characterized not only by lying words, but also by violence, a man whose deeds cause death and destruction. This man of violence will be speedily hunted by “evil” until he is utterly driven out. For evil speakers and evildoers there is no future in the earth and in the promised land – the word for “earth” may also be translated “land”. They will not share in the rest of the realm of peace. Their portion is hell. In it they will be thrown in accordance with their words and deeds and in it they will gnaw their tongues because of pain for all eternity.

‏ Psalms 140:9

Prayer for Judgment

The demand that the evil from the lips of the head of the enemies who surround him shall cover him himself is not a personal cry for vengeance (Psa 140:9). It is asking God to punish injustice, threats, and slander according to the rule of retribution that the evil which a person does or wishes to do to another will affect himself (Exo 21:24; cf. Est 5:14 ; Est 9:25; Psa 7:15-16; Pro 26:27; Dan 6:25).

The God-fearing also indicates what is an appropriate judgment for his enemies (Psa 140:10). He speaks of “burning coals”, “the fire”, and “deep pits”. Burning coals must poured out on them from heaven (Psa 11:6); into the fire and deep pits they must fall. It marks their final judgment, for this judgment must result in “from which they cannot rise”. This judgment will affect all the enemies of the believing remnant.

It is clear in the light of God’s final judgment that “a slanderer” will “not be established in the earth” (Psa 140:11). That person is characterized not only by lying words, but also by violence, a man whose deeds cause death and destruction. This man of violence will be speedily hunted by “evil” until he is utterly driven out.

For evil speakers and evildoers there is no future in the earth and in the promised land – the word for “earth” may also be translated “land”. They will not share in the rest of the realm of peace. Their portion is hell. In it they will be thrown in accordance with their words and deeds and in it they will gnaw their tongues because of pain for all eternity.