Down to Earth But Heavenly Minded

What does Psalms Chapter 64 mean?

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).

Chapter Context
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).

Verse by Verse

Verse 1. Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint;preserve my life from dread 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).

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.

Verse 2. Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked,from the throng of evildoers,

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).

Verse 3. who whet their tongues like swords,who aim bitter words like arrows,

David describes his enemies’ words as deadly weapons, prepared specifically to cause harm. These men are plotting and scheming against him (Psalm 64:1–2). Their words are not accidents. Nor are their claims true. Rather, these foes speak deliberately to slander David. This plotting may have involved plans for violence (1 Samuel 19:11) or sedition to make people disloyal (2 Samuel 15:6, 13–14). Though many of the threats David faced were physical (1 Samuel 18:11; 23:5; 2 Samuel 21:15), he was also subject to the schemes and slights of others (Psalm 35:15–16).

Just as David’s enemy falsely accused him, so the Devil accuses believers day and night before God (Revelation 12:10). Apparently, the Devil has some level of access to God, but he will never topple God from His throne. Job 1:6 reports: “Now there was a day when the [angels] came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them.” Satan’s attempt was to falsely accuse Job of serving God only for the benefits God was giving him (Job 1:9–10). However, someday the accuser of believers will not be able to hurl another accusation against them, because he will “be thrown down” (Revelation 12:10). The apostle Paul was aware of Satan’s evil strategy, He writes in 2 Corinthians 2:11: “We are not ignorant of his designs.” Wise believers, like Paul, need to be aware of Satan’s plots and schemes (1 Peter 5:8–11). But they do not need to fear him (Ephesians 6:10–18; 1 John 4:4).

Verse 4. shooting from ambush at the blameless,shooting at him suddenly and without fear.

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).

Verse 5. They hold fast to their evil purpose;they talk of laying snares secretly,thinking, “Who can see them?”

David moves from describing his enemies’ evil words (Psalm 64:2–3) to describing their evil intention. Scripture does not give an explicit historical event in connection with this psalm. However, there were times in David’s life when enemies planned to ambush him (1 Samuel 19:11). In other cases, he heard about plots before they could be completed (2 Samuel 15:13–14). Here, David notes that these men doggedly pursue their plans, presuming that no one—not even God—will take notice until it is too late (Psalm 10:4, 11).

Such men fail to realize that the Lord knows the intents of the heart. He recognizes every so-called “secret” sin (Hebrews 4:13; Luke 12:2–3). During the conquest of Jericho, a man named Achan thought no one would know that he stole some of what the Lord had forbidden. With the knowledge of his family, he hid away a beautiful cloak from Shinar, as well as gold and silver (Joshua 7:21). But the Lord knew what Achan had done (Joshua 7:10–11) and exposed him (Joshua 7:14–19). This brought severe punishment to Achan and his family (Joshua 7:24–25).

Verse 6. They search out injustice,saying, “We have accomplished a diligent search.”For the inward mind and heart of a man are deep.

This verse is an example of how multiple translations can clarify the meaning of an obscure passage. David’s evil-speaking enemies (Psalm 64:2–3) are diligent in their plotting (Psalm 64:5). They don’t act carelessly, nor do they move according to sudden feelings. These are carefully planned, well-considered acts of evil being charted out. While the Bible doesn’t assign this psalm to any event, there were times in David’s life when enemies constructed plots against his life (1 Samuel 19:11; 2 Samuel 15:13–14).

David comments on the “depth” of human thoughts and emotions. This analogy relates to the idea of deep water, which is difficult to see through (Proverbs 18:4; Job 12:22). To other people, a man’s inner mind and heart are obscure (1 Samuel 16:7). Only God can truly know what’s hidden inside. Jeremiah 17:9 gives important context to this idea by describing the human heart as deceptive and spiritually sick. The enemies who plot against David assume no one would see through their evil plans (Psalm 10:4, 11). But they failed to consider the all-seeing eye of God. Jeremiah 17:10 quotes the Lord as saying, “I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”

Someday God will judge every person, and the secrets of the heart will be exposed (Luke 12:2–3). Acts 17:31 promises that God “has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by [Jesus] whom he has appointed.”

Verse 7. But God shoots his arrow at them;they are wounded suddenly.

David referred to the idea that his enemies attempted to catch him by surprise (Psalm 64:4). Their slander (Psalm 64:2–3) and well-planned schemes (Psalm 64:5–6) were meant to destroy David and leave his enemies without blame. Here, David indicates that the Lord God would reverse those fortunes (Proverbs 29:6; Psalm 7:16). Earthly enemies may be cunning and strong, but David was confident that God was all-knowing, all-powerful, and just. He trusted the Lord to rescue him and take vengeance on his enemies. Their own words will condemn them (Psalm 5:10; 64:8).

It is tempting for a believer to retaliate when someone purposely harms him. It is human nature to want to get even: to settle the score. However, it is best to leave matters in the Lord’s hands. Not only is God much more capable than are we, but vengeance is also meant to be His right, alone. Romans 12:14 commands: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.” Verse 17 instructs: “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.” Verse 19 counsels: “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’”

Context Summary
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.

Verse 8. They are brought to ruin, with their own tongues turned against them;all who see them will wag their heads.

This verse returns to two common themes in the book of Psalms. The first is that of evil men suffering the consequences of their own plots (Psalm 5:10; 7:16; Proverbs 29:6). Rather than defeating David through their careful planning (Psalm 64:5–6), their conspiracies fail and bring them judgment. The second theme is that of what is sometimes called a “cautionary tale,” or “making an example of” someone. The downfall of the wicked serves as a warning about the consequences of defying God (Psalm 40:3; 52:6–7; 58:10–11; 64:9).

Second Peter 3:9 teaches that the Lord “is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” Before sending the flood on an evil world, God waited many years to give humans opportunity to repent (Genesis 6:1–8). Before leading the Hebrews into Canaan, He waited generations (Exodus 1:1, 7; 12:40). The patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob lived as travelers, providing a witness to the one, true God (Hebrews 11:13–22). The full force of God’s judgment awaits the end of time, when God convenes the great white throne judgment. Unrepentant sinners throughout history will assemble before Him and will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11–15).

Verse 9. Then all mankind fears;they tell what God has brought aboutand ponder what he has done.

David predicts that when God turns the tables on evil plotters (Psalm 64:2–6), it will serve as a warning to the world (Psalm 64:7–8). Instead of destroying David from the shadows, these enemies will be exposed and ruined to their own shame. That the people “ponder” means they do not immediately understand what has happened—they know God has acted to bring judgment and they reflect on it.

Believers may not fully comprehend the Lord’s ways, but they should meditate upon His character. Because He is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, and immutable, we cannot assume our minds can contain His (Isaiah 55:8–9). It is best to ponder the fact that His way is perfect (Psalm 18:30), acknowledge Him and submit to His perfect will (Proverbs 3:5–6). Even those who have no faith in God can—and should—learn something from the example of those caught in their own sinful plots (Proverbs 19:25).

Verse 10. Let the righteous one rejoice in the Lordand take refuge in him!Let all the upright in heart exult!

By faith, David saw his life experiences as examples from which others could learn. This psalm is not officially tied to any specific moment in his life. However, it expresses David’s confidence that those who participate in slander (Psalm 64:2–3), conspiracy (Psalm 64:4), and plotting (Psalm 64:5–6) will instead find themselves exposed and judged by God (Psalm 64:7–9). Enemies plotted to kill David (1 Samuel 19:11; 2 Samuel 15:13–14), but those schemes were defeated and the enemies were made examples for the entire world (Psalm 40:3; 52:6–7; 58:10–11).

David calls on believers in the Lord to express trust and praise in their God (Psalm 62:8; 118:8–9). Psalm 103:4 gives one reason to praise the Lord by saying He “redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy.” Revelation 5 pictures the eternal, permanent fulfillment of God’s promise to care for His people. John saw redeemed saints in heaven praising Jesus, the Lamb of God. In his vision, they cried out, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth” (Revelation 5:9–10). Believers today can praise the Lord as well for what He has done, is doing, and will do.

End of Psalm 64

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