Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 64

Verses 1-10

PSALM 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.

Verses 2

2. insurrection—literally, "uproar," noisy assaults, as well as their secret counsels.

Verses 3

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.

Verses 4

4. the perfect—one innocent of the charges made (Ps 18:23).

fear not—(Ps 55:19), not regarding God.

Verses 5

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

Verses 6

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

Verses 7

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

Verses 8

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.

Verses 9

9, 10. Men, generally, will acknowledge God's work, and the righteous, rejoicing in it, shall be encouraged to trust Him (Ps 58:10).

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory (1871). Public domain.