Psalm 64
The Plotting of the Wicked and the Sudden Judgment of God
The Plotting of the Wicked and the Sudden Judgment of God
Psalm 64. This is a Psalm of David, and it is most likely set on the historical backdrop of the rebellion of Absalom. Prophetically, this Psalm gives us the feelings of the remnant regarding their enemies in the great tribulation, and the sudden judgment of God which will fall on those enemies. Specifically, these enemies would be the apostate Jews under the leadership of Antichrist, which persecute the faithful remnant.
PSALM 64
To the chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
1 Hear, O God, my voice in my plaint; preserve my life from fear of the enemy:
2 Hide me from the secret counsel of evil-doers, from the tumultuous crowd of the workers of iniquity,
3 Who have sharpened their tongue like a sword, and have aimed their arrow, a bitter word;
4 That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.
5 They encourage themselves in an evil matter, they concert to hide snares; they say, Who will see them?
6 They devise iniquities: We have it ready, the plan is diligently sought out. And each one’s inward thought and heart is deep.
7 But God will shoot an arrow at them: suddenly are they wounded;
8 By their own tongue they are made to fall over one another: all that see them shall flee away.
9 And all men shall fear, and shall declare God’s doing; and they shall wisely consider his work.
10 The righteous shall rejoice in Jehovah, and trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.
vv.1-10 The Plotting of the Wicked and the Judgment of God. The remnant call on God to hear their prayer and preserve their life from the attacks of the enemy. They speak of the “secret counsel” of the evildoers, who are plotting against the remnant. Especially, the wicked use their tongues “like a sword”, and “have aimed their arrow, a bitter word”. The wicked are seen as using their words to cause trouble for the faithful. They seem to be at liberty to “shoot” at the faithful without any fear of retribution. In v.5 the wicked encourage themselves to go forward in their evil, and are doubtful that anyone will discover their plans. They have laid their plans carefully for the demise of the faithful. But God will “shoot an arrow at them”, and “suddenly” they will come into judgment. God takes the actions against His own very seriously, and will recompense the wicked. Notice the change of tense; “they are wounded”, etc. Anticipation becomes realization. God will allow their own tongues to be the means of their downfall. This judgment will result in all who see it being made to fear God. But the righteous will rejoice in Jehovah (the covenant relationship brought in) and glory in Him, when His wisdom and power are displayed in judgment!