Psalms 64

Ps 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.

2. insurrection--literally, "uproar," noisy assaults, as well as

their secret counsels.

3, 4. Similar figures for slander

(Ps 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

Ps 58:7,

transferred to arrows.

4. the perfect--one innocent of the charges made

(Ps 18:23).

fear not--

(Ps 55:19),

not regarding God.

5. A sentiment here more fully presented, by depicting their

deliberate malice.

6. This is further evinced by their diligent efforts and deeply

laid schemes.

7. The contrast is heightened by representing God as using weapons

like theirs.

8. their . . . tongue to fall, &c.--that is, the consequences of

their slanders, &c. (compare

Ps 10:2; 31:16).

all that see . . . away--Their partners in evil shall be terrified.

9, 10. Men, generally, will acknowledge God's work, and the

righteous, rejoicing in it, shall be encouraged to trust Him

(Ps 58:10).