What does Psalms 140:2 mean?
"Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war." - Psalms 140:2
"Psalms 140:2 (KJV) - Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war."
The book of Psalms is a collection of ancient Hebrew poetry and songs that were used in religious worship. Psalm 140 is attributed to David, and it is a prayer for deliverance from enemies. In this verse, David describes the wickedness of his enemies, who are constantly plotting and gathering for war.
The verse begins with the phrase "Which imagine mischiefs in their heart," which highlights the deceptive and sinister intentions of David's adversaries. The word "imagine" suggests that these enemies are actively and intentionally scheming to cause harm. The phrase "in their heart" indicates that their malicious intentions come from deep within their innermost being, showing that their wickedness is not just superficial, but rather a part of their very nature.
The second part of the verse states, "continually are they gathered together for war," which emphasizes the relentless and unceasing nature of their hostility. The word "continually" suggests an ongoing and persistent aggression, with no respite or consideration for peace. The phrase "gathered together for war" indicates that these enemies are organized and unified in their efforts to bring harm to David. They are not simply acting independently, but rather are united in their purpose to wage war against him.
The themes present in this verse include the presence of evil and the reality of spiritual warfare. David is not only facing physical adversaries, but also spiritual forces of darkness that are actively seeking to destroy him. The verse serves as a reminder of the constant struggle between good and evil, and the need to be vigilant and discerning when facing such opposition.
The context of Psalm 140 further illuminates the significance of this verse. In the preceding verses, David cries out to God for deliverance from wicked and violent men who seek to trip him up and spread a net for his feet. He pleads for God to protect him from the schemes of his enemies and to shield him from the hands of the wicked. This verse reflects the desperate nature of David's situation, as he is surrounded by enemies who are relentless in their pursuit to harm him.
In addition to its literal meaning, there is also symbolic significance to this verse. The enemies described in the verse can be seen as representative of the spiritual forces of evil that seek to tempt, deceive, and ultimately destroy believers. The imagery of continually gathering for war can be understood as a metaphor for the ongoing spiritual battle that Christians face. It serves as a call to be vigilant and to put on the armor of God in order to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
Overall, Psalm 140:2 (KJV) serves as a poignant reminder of the reality of evil in the world and the need for spiritual discernment and protection. It is a testament to the enduring relevance and power of the Psalms, which continue to provide comfort, guidance, and inspiration for believers facing adversity. The verse encourages us to turn to God in times of trouble, trusting in His deliverance and protection from the schemes of the wicked.
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Psalms 140:2 - "Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war."
"Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war." - Psalms 140:2
Psalms 140:5 - "The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah."
Psalms 119:140 - "Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it."
Psalms 140:12 - "I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor."
Psalms 140:3 - "They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah."
Psalms 140:1 - "Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;"
Psalms 140:9 - "As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them."
Psalms 140:7 - "O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle."
Psalms 140:11 - "Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him."
Psalms 140:6 - "I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD."
Psalms 140:8 - "Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah."
Psalms 140:13 - "Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence."
"O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle." - Psalms 140:7
Psalms 140:10 - "Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again."
"Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah." - Psalms 140:8
"Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it." - Psalms 119:140
"Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it." - Psalms 119:140
Psalms 140:4 - "Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings."
"I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor." - Psalms 140:12
"Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it." - Psalms 119:140
"Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again." - Psalms 140:10
"They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah." - Psalms 140:3
"As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them." - Psalms 140:9
"Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him." - Psalms 140:11
"Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;" - Psalms 140:1
Psalms 81:2 - "Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery."
"Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence." - Psalms 140:13
"I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD." - Psalms 140:6
"The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah." - Psalms 140:5