Psalms 64
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Psalms 64
Hear My Voice, O God, in My Prayer
1Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
PSALM 64
Psa 64:1-10. A prayer for deliverance from cunning and malicious enemies, with a confident view of their overthrow, which will honor God and give joy to the righteous.
1. preserve ... fear--as well as the danger producing it.
PSALM 64
Psa 64:1-10. A prayer for deliverance from cunning and malicious enemies, with a confident view of their overthrow, which will honor God and give joy to the righteous.
1. preserve ... fear--as well as the danger producing it.
The Pulpit Commentary
Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer; rather, in my complaint (Cheyne, Revised Version); see Psa_55:2. Preserve my life from fear of the enemy. David already feels that it is not his deposition only, but his life, that is sought.
Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer; rather, in my complaint (Cheyne, Revised Version); see Psa_55:2. Preserve my life from fear of the enemy. David already feels that it is not his deposition only, but his life, that is sought.
2Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
2. insurrection--literally, "uproar," noisy assaults, as well as their secret counsels.
2. insurrection--literally, "uproar," noisy assaults, as well as their secret counsels.
The Pulpit Commentary
Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity. The first danger is from secret plots, which David knows to be going on against his authority (2Sa_15:1-12). The second, and greater danger, will be from open insurrection (2Sa_17:1-14).
Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity. The first danger is from secret plots, which David knows to be going on against his authority (2Sa_15:1-12). The second, and greater danger, will be from open insurrection (2Sa_17:1-14).
3Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
3-4. Similar figures for slander (Psa 57:4; 59:7).
bend--literally, "tread," or, "prepared." The allusion is to the mode of bending a bow by treading on it; here, and in Psa 58:7, transferred to arrows.
3-4. Similar figures for slander (Psa 57:4; 59:7).
bend--literally, "tread," or, "prepared." The allusion is to the mode of bending a bow by treading on it; here, and in Psa 58:7, transferred to arrows.
The Pulpit Commentary
Who whet their tongue like a sword (comp. Psa_55:21; Psa_57:4; Psa_59:7). And bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words (comp. Psa_11:2; Psa_57:4). Calumny was what David especially feared, and what actually brought about his downfall (see 2Sa_15:2-6). The "bitterness" of his enemies is further emphasized by the speeches and curses of Shimei (2Sa_16:5-13).
Who whet their tongue like a sword (comp. Psa_55:21; Psa_57:4; Psa_59:7). And bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words (comp. Psa_11:2; Psa_57:4). Calumny was what David especially feared, and what actually brought about his downfall (see 2Sa_15:2-6). The "bitterness" of his enemies is further emphasized by the speeches and curses of Shimei (2Sa_16:5-13).
4That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.
The Pulpit Commentary
That they may shoot in secret at the perfect; or, in their hiding places. David does not scruple to call himself "perfect," using the word in the sense in which it is used of Job (Job_1:1; Job_2:3), meaning a sincere and upright man. Suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not. They are not afraid, though it is "the anointed of the Lord," whom to attack is not only rebellion, but sacrilege (see 2Sa_1:14).
That they may shoot in secret at the perfect; or, in their hiding places. David does not scruple to call himself "perfect," using the word in the sense in which it is used of Job (Job_1:1; Job_2:3), meaning a sincere and upright man. Suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not. They are not afraid, though it is "the anointed of the Lord," whom to attack is not only rebellion, but sacrilege (see 2Sa_1:14).
5They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
5. A sentiment here more fully presented, by depicting their deliberate malice.
5. A sentiment here more fully presented, by depicting their deliberate malice.
The Pulpit Commentary
They encourage themselves in an evil matter; or, in an evil scheme—the plan of making David unpopular, and then raising the standard of open revolt against him (2Sa_15:1-12). They commune of laying snares privily. The ungodly continually set traps for the righteous, who are so simple that they often fall into them. We do not know the exact proceedings of his enemies against David at the time, the narrative of 2Sa_15:1-37 being so brief; but it was probably by some trickery that David was induced to quit the stronghold of Jerusalem, and so yield the seat of government, and many other advantages, to his rival. They say, Who shall see them? (comp. Psa_10:11; Psa_59:7; Psa_94:7). It is an inveterate folly for men to imagine, either that God will not see their actions, or that he will pay no heed to them. A spurious humility is brought into play in the latter case—How can it be supposed that God will note the doings of such worms as men?
They encourage themselves in an evil matter; or, in an evil scheme—the plan of making David unpopular, and then raising the standard of open revolt against him (2Sa_15:1-12). They commune of laying snares privily. The ungodly continually set traps for the righteous, who are so simple that they often fall into them. We do not know the exact proceedings of his enemies against David at the time, the narrative of 2Sa_15:1-37 being so brief; but it was probably by some trickery that David was induced to quit the stronghold of Jerusalem, and so yield the seat of government, and many other advantages, to his rival. They say, Who shall see them? (comp. Psa_10:11; Psa_59:7; Psa_94:7). It is an inveterate folly for men to imagine, either that God will not see their actions, or that he will pay no heed to them. A spurious humility is brought into play in the latter case—How can it be supposed that God will note the doings of such worms as men?
6They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
6. This is further evinced by their diligent efforts and deeply laid schemes.
6. This is further evinced by their diligent efforts and deeply laid schemes.
The Pulpit Commentary
They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search; rather, they devise iniquities. We have accomplished (they say) a well devised device. So modern critics generally (Hengstenberg, Kay, Cheyne, Canon Cook, Revised Version). Both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep. Therefore the righteous man is in great danger from them, unless God interpose.
They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search; rather, they devise iniquities. We have accomplished (they say) a well devised device. So modern critics generally (Hengstenberg, Kay, Cheyne, Canon Cook, Revised Version). Both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep. Therefore the righteous man is in great danger from them, unless God interpose.
7But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
7. The contrast is heightened by representing God as using weapons like theirs.
7. The contrast is heightened by representing God as using weapons like theirs.
The Pulpit Commentary
But God shall shoot at them with an arrow. But God will interpose. As they have shot with their arrows at the righteous (Psa_64:3), so with his arrow shall God shoot at them. Suddenly shall they be wounded. The first word, "suddenly," may belong equally well either to the preceding or to the following clause. The result is all that is important. Not the righteous, but they themselves, shall receive the wound; literally, their wound shall be.
But God shall shoot at them with an arrow. But God will interpose. As they have shot with their arrows at the righteous (Psa_64:3), so with his arrow shall God shoot at them. Suddenly shall they be wounded. The first word, "suddenly," may belong equally well either to the preceding or to the following clause. The result is all that is important. Not the righteous, but they themselves, shall receive the wound; literally, their wound shall be.
8So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
8. their ... tongue to fall, &c.--that is, the consequences of their slanders, &c. (compare Psa 10:2; 31:16).
all that see ... away--Their partners in evil shall be terrified.
8. their ... tongue to fall, &c.--that is, the consequences of their slanders, &c. (compare Psa 10:2; 31:16).
all that see ... away--Their partners in evil shall be terrified.
The Pulpit Commentary
So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves; rather, so shall they be made to stumble; their own tongue shall be against them. The tongue, which they "whetted like a sword," shall be the principal means of bringing them into trouble (see 2Sa_17:1-23). All that see them shall flee away; rather, shall wag the head (Cheyne, Revised Version) in derision.
So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves; rather, so shall they be made to stumble; their own tongue shall be against them. The tongue, which they "whetted like a sword," shall be the principal means of bringing them into trouble (see 2Sa_17:1-23). All that see them shall flee away; rather, shall wag the head (Cheyne, Revised Version) in derision.
9And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
9-10. Men, generally, will acknowledge God's work, and the righteous, rejoicing in it, shall be encouraged to trust Him (Psa 58:10).
9-10. Men, generally, will acknowledge God's work, and the righteous, rejoicing in it, shall be encouraged to trust Him (Psa 58:10).
The Pulpit Commentary
And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God. The fate of David's enemies shall cause widespread fear and alarm. Men shall perceive God's hand in it, and shall be led, in consequence, to declare "God's work." The tragic ends of Ahithophel and Absalom were certainly well calculated to impress the minds of men generally, and to strike awe into the hearts of those who had looked with indifference, or even, perhaps, with satisfaction, on the political troubles. For they shall wisely consider of his doing; rather, for they shall understand his operation. They shall understand, i.e; that God is on the side of the righteous, and, when danger presses, will interpose on their behalf, to the terrible discomfiture of the wicked.
And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God. The fate of David's enemies shall cause widespread fear and alarm. Men shall perceive God's hand in it, and shall be led, in consequence, to declare "God's work." The tragic ends of Ahithophel and Absalom were certainly well calculated to impress the minds of men generally, and to strike awe into the hearts of those who had looked with indifference, or even, perhaps, with satisfaction, on the political troubles. For they shall wisely consider of his doing; rather, for they shall understand his operation. They shall understand, i.e; that God is on the side of the righteous, and, when danger presses, will interpose on their behalf, to the terrible discomfiture of the wicked.
10The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.
The Pulpit Commentary
The righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and shall trust in him. The righteous, delivered from their imminent peril, naturally "rejoice in the Lord," i.e. rejoice in God's goodness to them, and feel their confidence in him increased. And all the upright in heart shall glory (comp. Psa_32:11; Psa_58:11). A thrill of joy passes through the whole of God's people, whether they were involved in the danger escaped or not.
The righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and shall trust in him. The righteous, delivered from their imminent peril, naturally "rejoice in the Lord," i.e. rejoice in God's goodness to them, and feel their confidence in him increased. And all the upright in heart shall glory (comp. Psa_32:11; Psa_58:11). A thrill of joy passes through the whole of God's people, whether they were involved in the danger escaped or not.
THE HOLY BIBLE
Psalms
Chapter 64
Translated out of the original tongues, and with the former translations diligently compared and revised.
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