Psalms 64

David prays for divine protection from wicked enemies who plot secretly and use their words as weapons. He describes their malicious intent and hidden snares, believing their deeds will go unseen. The psalm concludes with a declaration that God will suddenly strike down the wicked, causing their own words to condemn them, leading all to acknowledge God's work and the righteous to rejoice in Him.

In Psalm 64, David earnestly appeals to God for protection from his adversaries, asking to be hidden from their secret counsel and insurrection. He describes the wicked as those who conspire in secret, using their tongues like sharp swords and shooting bitter words as arrows against the blameless. These enemies plot hidden snares, believing their evil deeds will go unnoticed, and diligently search out ways to commit iniquity, their hearts deep in malice. However, the psalmist declares that God Himself will suddenly intervene, striking the wicked with an arrow. Their own malicious words will turn back upon them, leading to their downfall and causing all who witness it to flee in fear. This divine judgment will cause all people to recognize and declare the mighty work of God. Ultimately, the righteous will find joy and trust in the LORD, and all those with upright hearts will glory in His justice and deliverance.

Psalm 64 opens with David's fervent prayer to God, seeking preservation from the fear of his enemies and protection from their secret counsel and the insurrection of those who work iniquity. He vividly characterizes these wicked individuals, stating that they sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words as arrows, intending to strike the blameless suddenly and without apprehension. These adversaries are depicted as encouraging one another in their evil schemes, communing together to lay hidden snares, confident that their malicious plots will remain unseen by any observer. The psalmist further reveals their deep-seated wickedness, noting that they diligently search out iniquities, their inward thoughts and hearts being profoundly steeped in evil. However, the psalm swiftly transitions from describing the wicked's actions to proclaiming God's decisive intervention. David declares that God Himself will suddenly shoot an arrow at them, inflicting a swift and unexpected wound. This divine judgment will result in their own tongues, which they used for malice, causing their downfall, and all who witness their demise will flee in terror. Consequently, all humanity will be moved to fear and will openly declare the mighty work of God, wisely considering and understanding His righteous actions. The psalm concludes with a powerful affirmation of faith and joy for the righteous, who will be glad in the LORD and place their trust in Him. All those who possess an upright heart will find cause to glory in God's justice and His ultimate deliverance.