Psalms 140:11

"Let burning coals fall on them. Let them be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, from where they never rise."

Key Reflection

Psalms 140:11 uses vivid imagery to express intense and severe judgment against those who are wicked and harmful. The image of "burning coals" and being "thrown into the fire, into miry pits" conveys a sense of irreversible destruction—these metaphors suggest that such individuals will face complete annihilation without any chance of redemption or escape, reflecting the psalmist's fervent desire for justice to be served upon his adversaries.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Let not an evil speaker -literally, “A man of tongue.” That is, a man whom the tongue rules; a man of an unbridled tongue; a man who does not control his tongue. See the notes atJames 3:2-12. Be established in the earth -Be successful or prosperous; let him not carry out his designs. It is not desirable that a man should prosper in such purposes; and therefore, this is not a prayer of malignity, but of benevolence. Evil shall hunt the violent man ... -More literally, “A man of violence - a bad man - they shall hunt him down speedily;” or, “let him be hunted down speedily.

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