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Psalm 64:4

ESV shooting from ambush at the blameless, shooting at him suddenly and without fear.
NIV They shoot from ambush at the innocent; they shoot suddenly, without fear.
NASB To shoot from concealment at the innocent; Suddenly they shoot at him, and do not fear.
CSB shooting from concealed places at the blameless. They shoot at him suddenly and are not afraid.
NLT They shoot from ambush at the innocent, attacking suddenly and fearlessly.
KJV That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.
NKJV That they may shoot in secret at the blameless; Suddenly they shoot at him and do not fear.

What does Psalm 64:4 mean?

Not only were David's enemies telling lies (Psalm 64:1–3), but their slander was brought out by surprise. These opponents used well-timed criticisms the same way an assassin might ambush their target by firing arrows at them from a hidden spot. David experienced this in a physical way when king Saul suddenly threw a spear with the intent to kill (1 Samuel 18:10–11). The rebellion of David's son, Absalom, also came so quickly that it forced a hasty evacuation (2 Samuel 15:13–14). These enemies do so without concern that they are immoral and subject to judgment (Psalm 10:7–11).

It's possible that Saul's appointment of David to a fighting position was a sneaky attempt to have him killed (1 Samuel 18:12–13). But the Lord protected David and gave him great military success (1 Samuel 18:14). David's downfall was the goal behind Saul's dangerous, bizarre request regarding David's marriage to Michal (1 Samuel 18:25). In fact, the marriage, itself, was part of Saul's plot to weaken David (1 Samuel 18:21). First Samuel 19 makes it clear that Saul lied to his son Jonathan when he said he would not put David to death. Despite the king's words, when David returned to Saul's palace, Saul tried to murder him again (1 Samuel 19:10). Later, he sent spies and assassins to David's house to kill him (1 Samuel 19:11).
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Context Summary
Psalm 64:1–6 is a prayer for safety from conspiring enemies. David spells out his enemies' crimes, which seem to revolve around plots, evil words, surprise attacks, and deception. They are confident in their planning. These opponents act as if no one will ever find out what they have done.
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Chapter Summary
David prays for rescue from his enemies. He accuses them of slanderous and evil words, aimed at his own destruction. These men think they are hidden and that their plots will not be uncovered. Yet David trusts that the Lord will expose evil and make an example of these wicked attackers. This is cause for all believers to trust in God and praise Him.
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