More than likely, David wrote Psalm 140 while he was on the run from King Saul or during his son Absalom’s rebellion. In any rate, today, it can serve as a prayer for Israel. We see what’s going on right now and we may be at a loss for words when we’re told to pray for Israel. Psalm 140 is a good place to start. Let’s dig in…
Psalm 140
For the choir director: A psalm of David.
1 O Lord, rescue me [Israel] from evil people.
Protect me [Israel] from those who are violent,
2 those who plot evil in their hearts
and stir up trouble all day long.
3 Their tongues sting like a snake;
the venom of a viper drips from their lips. Interlude [Selah — pause and reflect]4 O Lord, keep me [Israel] out of the hands of the wicked.
Protect me from those who are violent,
for they are plotting against me [Israel].
5 The proud have set a trap to catch me [Israel];
they have stretched out a net;
they have placed traps all along the way. Interlude6 I said to the Lord, “You are my God!”
Listen, O Lord, to my cries for mercy!
7 O Sovereign Lord, the strong one who rescued me [Israel],
you protected me [Israel] on the day of battle.
8 Lord, do not let evil people have their way.
Do not let their evil schemes succeed,
or they will become proud. Interlude9 Let my [Israel’s] enemies be destroyed
by the very evil they have planned for me [Israel].
10 Let burning coals fall down on their heads.
Let them be thrown into the fire
or into watery pits from which they can’t escape.
11 Don’t let liars prosper here in our land.
Cause great disasters to fall on the violent.12 But I know the Lord will help those they persecute;
Psalm 140 NLT
he will give justice to the poor.
13 Surely righteous people are praising your name;
the godly will live in your presence.
Iran: the Head of the Snake
When a poisonous snake sticks out his tongue, it’s sensor picking up smells and vibrations. The Islamic Republic of Iran — not the majority of the Iranian people — wish “death to Israel”. Thus, Israelis call Iran the “Head of the Snake”. When poisonous snake bites a victim, the muscle in its upper jaw squeezes the venom from its glands through its hollow fangs. They act like hypodermic needles.
What this “12-Day War” did was wipe out the venom and cut Iran’s fangs. It did not cut off the head of the snake. Unfortunately, this “snake” can very well grow its fangs back and get the venom (nuclear weapons) from its allies — Russia and China. According to the news video below, it will take them a few years.
They still are chanting, “Death to Israel.” They also claim that they won the war. That’s pride. God will deal with them.
Thwart the Evil Plans of the Enemy
Just as David prayed…
Lord, do not let evil people have their way.
Psalm 140:8 NLT
Do not let their evil schemes succeed
Just like Daniel Prayed…
Praise the name of God forever and ever, for YOU have all wisdom and power. You are sovereign over the affairs of men and nations.
You control the course of world events; You remove leaders and set up other leaders.
You give wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars.
You reveal deep and mysterious things and know what lies hidden in darkness, though You are surrounded by light. I thank and praise you, Lord, JESUS, my savior, for you have given me wisdom and strength.
A Paraphrase of Daniel 2:20-23
We can pray for God to thwart the evil plans of the enemy….
Break the strength of the wicked, increase the power of the godly.
From Psalm 75:10
And pray for the hostages still in the hands of Hamas in Gaza…
Rescue the poor and helpless;
Psalm 82:4 NLT
deliver them from the grasp of evil people.
Why Should we Pray for Israel?
Because God told us to…
“I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.”
Genesis 12:3 NLT
6 Pray for peace in Jerusalem.
Psalm 122:6-9 NLT
May all who love this city prosper.
7 O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls
and prosperity in your palaces.
8 For the sake of my family and friends, I will say,
“May you have peace.”
9 For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem.
The Global Rise in Antisemitism: Church Responses with Dr. Mitch Glaser, Chose People Ministries
Related Content:
- The Truth about Replacement Theology and Antisemitism
- Why the Jews?
- World Watch: The Increase of Antisemitism and Hate in the Last Days
Are You a True Christian?
A true Christian — born again, Holy Spirit-filled, saved believer — will love and pray for Israel.
If you’re not sure if you’re saved or not, if you truly want to be born again and have the assurance of salvation, receive the Holy Spirit, feel His Shalom — a peace that surpasses all understanding, and get a 1-way, non-stop ticket to Heaven after you die, or that you won’t be left behind at the Rapture, which can happen at any moment, this is what you have to do…
