Psalm 64
Psalm 64 is a prayer from David asking for protection from enemies who secretly plot evil against him. It reveals the destructive power of malicious words and emphasizes David’s trust in God’s justice. Despite the wickedness of his foes, David is confident that God will judge them, leading people to recognize His power and bringing joy to the righteous.
Psalm 64:1-6 (NKJV)
1 Hear my voice, O God, in my meditation; Preserve my life from fear of the enemy.
2 Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked, From the rebellion of the workers of iniquity,
3 Who sharpen their tongue like a sword, And bend their bows to shoot their arrows—bitter words,
4 That they may shoot in secret at the blameless; Suddenly they shoot at him and do not fear.
5 They encourage themselves in an evil matter; They talk of laying snares secretly; They say, “Who will see them?”
6 They devise iniquities: “We have perfected a shrewd scheme.” Both the inward thought and the heart of man are deep.
David begins by asking God to listen to his prayer and to protect him from enemies who plot evil in secret. These adversaries use their words as weapons, attacking the innocent with slander and bitterness. They act without fear of consequences, encouraging each other in wicked schemes, confident that no one will uncover their actions. David highlights the depth of human depravity, with these enemies taking pride in their cunning plans, reflecting the sinful thoughts that dwell deep within the human heart.
Psalm 64:7-8 (NKJV)
7 But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; Suddenly they shall be wounded.
8 So He will make them stumble over their own tongue; All who see them shall flee away.
David expresses confidence in God’s intervention. Just as the wicked use words to harm others, God will strike them with His own swift and decisive judgment. Their downfall will be sudden, and their schemes will backfire as they are caught by their own words. Witnessing this, others will flee, recognizing that God’s justice cannot be escaped.
Psalm 64:9 (NKJV)
9 All men shall fear, And shall declare the work of God; For they shall wisely consider His doing.
God’s judgment will serve as a lesson to all people, causing them to fear and respect Him. They will acknowledge that these events are the work of God and reflect on His justice, gaining insight into His righteous ways. This fear of the Lord will foster wisdom among those who observe His actions.
Psalm 64:10 (NKJV)
10 The righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and trust in Him. And all the upright in heart shall glory.
The chapter concludes with encouragement for the righteous. Seeing God’s justice brings them joy and strengthens their trust in Him. They glorify God, knowing that He defends those who are upright in heart and delivers them from the schemes of the wicked.