Psalms – Chapter 139

Old Testament • 14 Verses

Chapter Summary

Psalms 139 opens with the words: "Unto the end, a psalm of David." David stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 14 verses, two threads run through the text: justice and care for the poor and God's protection and deliverance. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1Unto the end, a psalm of David.

2Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man: rescue me from the unjust man.

3Who have devised iniquities in their hearts: all the day long they designed battles.

4They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent: the venom of asps is under their lips.

5Keep me, O Lord, from the hand of the wicked: and from unjust men deliver me. Who have proposed to supplant my steps:

6The proud have hidden a net for me. And they have stretched out cords for a snare: they have laid for me a stumblingblock by the wayside.

7I said to the Lord: Thou art my God: hear, O Lord, the voice of my supplication.

8O Lord, Lord, the strength of my salvation: thou hast overshadowed my head in the day of battle.

9Give me not up, O Lord, from my desire to the wicked: they have plotted against me; do not thou forsake me, lest they should triumph.

10The head of them compassing me about: the labour of their lips shall overwhelm them.

11Burning coals shall fall upon them; thou wilt cast them down into the fire: in miseries they shall not be able to stand.

12A man full of tongue shall not be established in the earth: evil shall catch the unjust man unto destruction.

13I know that the Lord will do justice to the needy, and will revenge the poor.

14But as for the just, they shall give glory to thy name: and the upright shall dwell with thy countenance.

Important Verses in Psalms 139

“Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man: rescue me from the unjust man.”

Psalms 139:2

“Keep me, O Lord, from the hand of the wicked: and from unjust men deliver me. Who have proposed to supplant my steps:”

Psalms 139:5

“O Lord, Lord, the strength of my salvation: thou hast overshadowed my head in the day of battle.”

Psalms 139:8

“I know that the Lord will do justice to the needy, and will revenge the poor.”

Psalms 139:13

Historical Context

Psalms belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for god's people at prayer in every age. Chapter 139 of 150 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 14 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. David appear at the center of the events recorded here. The chapter begins: "Unto the end, a psalm of David." The chapter ends with: "But as for the just, they shall give glory to thy name: and the upright shall dwell with thy countenance. " In terms of historical background, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

The poem's language was meant to be prayed aloud, giving voice to the full range of human experience before the Lord. A pivotal line is verse 2: "Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man: rescue me from the unjust man." The passage repeatedly touches on justice and care for the poor.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 133). Here, the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize justice and care for the poor as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Psalms 139 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • ✓God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • ✓The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.
  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.

People in This Chapter

David1 mention

Reflection for Today

Psalms Chapter 139, containing 14 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation, offers a distinct passage for prayer and meditation.

The Magisterium teaches that every biblical passage must be read in light of Christ, the center of Scripture (CIC 302). Here the emphasis falls on lectio divina and meditation on God's Word, which shapes how the Church understands prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of lectio divina and meditation on God's Word bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 139 about?

Psalms 139 contains 14 verses. It opens with "Unto the end, a psalm of David." and closes with "But as for the just, they shall give glory to thy name: and the upright shall dwell with thy countenance. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 139?

One of the most significant verses is verse 2: "Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man: rescue me from the unjust man." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 139?

This chapter mentions David.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Related Chapters

2 Samuel 22Shares people and themes with this chapter1 Maccabees 4Shares people and themes with this chapterRomans 1Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Prayer for the Poor🙏Prayer for the World🙏Prayers for Protection🙏Prayer to St. Michael

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