Psalm 64:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint; preserve my life from dread of the enemy.

NIV: For the director of music. A psalm of David. Hear me, my God, as I voice my complaint; protect my life from the threat of the enemy.

NASB: Hear my voice, God, in my complaint; Protect my life from dread of the enemy.

CSB: God, hear my voice when I am in anguish. Protect my life from the terror of the enemy.

NLT: O God, listen to my complaint. Protect my life from my enemies’ threats.

KJV: {To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.} Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.

NKJV: {To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.} Hear my voice, O God, in my meditation; Preserve my life from fear of the enemy.

David asks God to hear the words that describe his suffering. This is described as a "complaint," which in modern English often implies protesting against the person to whom one speaks. However, David is not criticizing God. The word translated "complaint" can also refer to an expression of unhappiness. David is bothered by the actions of his enemies (Psalm 64:2), not something which he feels God ought to have done differently. At the same time, David asks for safety from his enemies, whose attacks cause fear. The "dread" mentioned here can refer either to David's anxiety or to the hazards which his enemies provide.

Much of David's life was spent under threats of various kinds. Especially pressing were those times when other men sought to kill him. That included enemy soldiers (1 Samuel 17:45), a failed king (1 Samuel 18:10–11; 19:1–2), and even his own family members (2 Samuel 15:13–14). Because God blessed David nearly from the beginning of his life (1 Samuel 16:13), his enemies often resorted to slander and lies as part of their opposition (Psalm 31:13; 63:11). These adversaries also dealt in conspiracies and secret plans (1 Samuel 23:9; Psalm 38:12).

It is always good to offer God a prayer of praise and thanksgiving, yet believers may also approach God with their deepest concerns and fears. Hebrews 4:16 encourages believers to come to God with confidence. Philippians 4:6 tells believers not to be worried about anything, but to let their requests be known to God by praying and pleading with thanksgiving. Peter is a good example of urgently asking for the Lord's help. When he was at risk of drowning in the Sea of Galilee, he called out to Jesus with three desperate words: "Lord, save me" (Matthew 14:30).

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.