PSALM 64

Ps 64:1-10. A prayer for deliverance from cunning and malicious enemies, with a confident view of their overthrow, which will honor God and give joy to the righteous.

1. preserve . fear-as well as the danger producing it.

2 Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:

2. insurrection-literally, "uproar," noisy assaults, as well as their secret counsels.

3 Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:

3, 4. Similar figures for slander (Ps 57:4; 59:7).

bend-literally, "tread," or, "prepared." The allusion is to the mode of bending a bow by treading on it; here, and in Ps 58:7, transferred to arrows.

4 That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.

4. the perfect-one innocent of the charges made (Ps 18:23).

fear not-(Ps 55:19), not regarding God.

5 They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?

5. A sentiment here more fully presented, by depicting their deliberate malice.

6 They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep.

6. This is further evinced by their diligent efforts and deeply laid schemes.

7 But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded.

7. The contrast is heightened by representing God as using weapons like theirs.

8 So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away.

8. their . tongue to fall, &c.-that is, the consequences of their slanders, &c. (compare Ps 10:2; 31:16).

all that see . away-Their partners in evil shall be terrified.

9 And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing.

9, 10. Men, generally, will acknowledge God's work, and the righteous, rejoicing in it, shall be encouraged to trust Him (Ps 58:10).

10 The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.