The Book of Psalms
Psalm 64
Psalm LXIV · Vol. II, p. 1027
1 David prayeth for deliverance, complaining of his enemies. 7 He promiseth himself to see such an evident destruction of his enemies, that the righteous shall rejoice at it.
To the chief musician, A psalm of David.
2 Hidec me from the dsecret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:
3 Whoe whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words;
5 Theyi encourage themselves in an evil matter:1 they commune of laying snares 2privily;3 theyj say, Who shall see them?
i Pr.1.10-14. Da.6.4-7.
1 Or, speech.
2 Heb. to hide snares.
3 How distinctly was this verified when the Pharisees sought to entangle our Lord in his talk, Mat.22.15-22.—C.
6 They ksearch out iniquities; 4they accomplish a diligent search:5 both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is ldeep.
k Da.6.4,5. Pr.4.16,17. Mi.7.2,3. Is.59.3-15. 1 Ki.18.10.
4 Or, we are consumed by that which they have thoroughly searched.
5 Heb. a search searched.
7 Butn God shall shoot at them with an arrow: suddenly shall they be wounded.6
n Ps.7.12,13; 38.2-8; 73.18-20; 91.5,6. Job 6.4. De.32.23. La.3.12,13. 1 Th.5.3.
6 Heb. their wound shall be.
8 So they oshall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves:7 allp that see them shall flee away.8
Notes
Ver. 1. The exact similarity of this psalm to Ps. lxiii. is sufficient external evidence that it is a prophetic prayer of Messiah; but there is an internal evidence that renders other proof unnecessary. The speaker (ver. 4) describes himself as the perfect, a description utterly inapplicable to any sinful man, and true only of the Christ. C.
Reflections.—A believer's troubles and enemies often fill his heart with fear, and drive him to his prayers. And in every age and place the bitterest words of reproach and infamy are liberally shot forth against the most faithful saints. Being perfect in Jesus' blessed sacrifice, and having the truth of grace in their hearts, they are hated by the world, who cannot bear their holy and heavenly conversation. Daring in wickedness, their enemies often neither fear God nor regard man, but encourage one another in sin; nor do they stick at anything to accomplish their malicious designs. With what care they pry into the faults of the godly, suborn false witnesses, wrest their words, and eke out their defamations with impudent falsehoods! but God will at last adjudge the injuries done to his people. And when he strikes home there is no escaping. Then the reproaches of the wicked, and their horrid imprecations, shall draw down judgment on their own heads. And it is our wisdom to profit by the judgments of others. Too often warnings are lost through inconsideration. Even persecutors ought to learn and tremble while the door of mercy is yet open. And saints should rejoice in God's manifestation of his power and justice, and in their own deliverance; and trust in him, and make him their glory.