Psalms 64 - Printer Friendly

This psalm begins with a broad prayer for safety and rescue from David's enemies (Psalm 64:1).

David then describes the lies, hateful words, plots, and schemes of his enemies. Their words are calculated, as are their plans. They think to destroy David, as in an ambush, without retaliation. They presume their careful plotting will prevent consequences: that they can get away with their wicked assault. This reflects the depraved nature of the human heart (Psalm 64:2–6).

However, God will turn the tables on these conspirators. Instead of benefitting from their scheme, the plotters will be exposed. They will suffer God's judgment. This will include being shamed and renounced by others in the world. While others might not understand exactly what has happened, they will recognize it as God's retribution against evil men (Psalm 64:7–9).

David applies his personal faith and experience (1 Samuel 19:11; 2 Samuel 15:13–14) by encouraging others to trust the Lord. Those who follow God, rather than scheme in the dark, have good reason to celebrate their relationship with the Lord (Psalm 64:10).

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.

Psalm 64:7–10 follows descriptions of David's enemies and their plans. Now, he reveals the result: that God will turn plots against the plotters and make them fearful examples for the rest of the world. Psalm 64 ends with the theme of the Lord's retributive justice and how God's people should respond to it.

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.

Unlike some psalms which mention God's judgment on David's enemies, this psalm is not explicitly connected to any moment in David's life. Themes of ambush, conspiracy, and lies suggest his experiences with both Saul (1 Samuel 19:11) and Absalom (2 Samuel 15:13–14). This song repeats themes common to David's writing, such as his faith that God will expose his enemies and make examples of them to the world (Psalm 40:3; 52:6–7; 58:10–11).

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.