Psalm 64:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked, from the throng of evildoers,

NIV: Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from the plots of evildoers.

NASB: Hide me from the secret discussion of evildoers, From the restlessness of the workers of injustice,

CSB: Hide me from the scheming of wicked people, from the mob of evildoers,

NLT: Hide me from the plots of this evil mob, from this gang of wrongdoers.

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

NKJV: Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked, From the rebellion of the workers of iniquity,

This psalm is not connected to any specific event in David's life. At many times, David was threatened by those who wanted to see him fall; many enemies resorted to conspiracy plots and false accusations (Psalm 27:12; 59:5; 1 Samuel 23:9). Perhaps his experiences in Saul's court inspired these words about "secret plots" and a "throng" of those who wished to do him harm (1 Samuel 19:11).

The wording of this verse suggests many people. Any king can expect that some of their subjects will be unhappy. Some of those may engage in schemes to harm the king, or at least to damage his reputation. In Psalm 31:13 David writes: "I hear the whispering of many—terror on every side!—as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life." Believers, too, face a ruthless foe. It is Satan who wields a fallen world . Jesus predicted that the world would persecute believers. He said, "In the world you will have you will have tribulation," but He added, "But take heart, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

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.

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.

Accessed 4/29/2024 4:07:47 PM