Psalms 64:1

ยถ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.

To the chief Musician {H5329}{H8764)}, A Psalm {H4210} of David {H1732}. Hear {H8085}{H8798)} my voice {H6963}, O God {H430}, in my prayer {H7879}: preserve {H5341}{H8799)} my life {H2416} from fear {H6343} of the enemy {H341}{H8802)}.

For the leader. A psalm of David: Hear my voice, God, as I plead: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.

Hear, O God, my voice of complaint; preserve my life from dread of the enemy.

Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint: Preserve my life from fear of the enemy.

Commentary

Psalm 64:1 opens with a direct and earnest plea from King David to God. This verse, attributed to David and intended for the chief Musician, sets the tone for a psalm of lament and petition, where the psalmist seeks divine intervention against malicious adversaries.

Context

As a Psalm of David, this verse emerges from a life often marked by peril and opposition. David, who frequently faced threats from King Saul, the Philistines, or internal rebellions, understood the constant shadow of enemies. This psalm likely reflects a period of intense personal danger, where David's very life and peace of mind were at stake. It is a raw expression of vulnerability, highlighting the psalmist's reliance on God as his sole refuge.

Key Themes

  • Earnest Prayer: The opening phrase, "Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer," emphasizes the urgency and sincerity of David's petition. It's a cry for God's attention and active response, reflecting a deep personal relationship with the Divine.
  • Divine Preservation: David's primary request is for God to "preserve my life." This isn't just about physical survival but also about maintaining one's well-being and security amidst threats. It speaks to God's role as a protector and guardian.
  • Conquering Fear: A significant aspect of the plea is "from fear of the enemy." David acknowledges that the psychological burden of fear can be as debilitating as the enemy's actions themselves. He seeks deliverance not just from the enemy's hand, but from the paralyzing grip of terror. This resonates with other passages about God's comfort and reassurance in times of fear.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "preserve" is shamar (ืฉึธืืžึทืจ), which means to guard, watch over, or keep. It implies active, vigilant protection, not passive preservation. David is asking God to stand guard over his life. The phrase "fear of the enemy" (ืžึดืคึทึผื—ึทื“ ืื•ึนื™ึตื‘ - *mi-pachad oyev*) highlights that the internal terror or dread caused by adversaries is a distinct and potent threat, often as damaging as direct physical harm. David's prayer covers both the external threat and the internal psychological battle.

Related Scriptures

  • For other examples of David's prayers in distress, see Psalm 3:1-2 or Psalm 5:1-2.
  • The concept of God as a protector and refuge is a recurring theme throughout the Psalms, notably in Psalm 91:4, where God's faithfulness is depicted as a shield and buckler.
  • The importance of bringing all anxieties to God is echoed in the New Testament, as seen in Philippians 4:6-7, which encourages prayer and supplication with thanksgiving.

Practical Application

Psalm 64:1 offers a timeless model for believers facing their own "enemies," whether they are physical threats, emotional struggles, or spiritual battles. It teaches us to:

  1. Pray Earnestly: Bring our deepest fears and concerns directly to God, knowing He hears our voice and is attentive to our pleas.
  2. Seek Divine Protection: Trust that God is capable and willing to guard our lives, not just from external dangers but from the internal turmoil of fear and anxiety.
  3. Acknowledge Fear: It is natural to feel fear, but this verse encourages us to present that fear to God, allowing His peace to rule in our hearts rather than letting fear dominate our lives.
Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 143:1

    ยถ A Psalm of David. Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, [and] in thy righteousness.

  • Psalms 143:3

    For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.

  • Psalms 34:4

    I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

  • Lamentations 3:55

    ยถ I called upon thy name, O LORD, out of the low dungeon.

  • Lamentations 3:56

    Thou hast heard my voice: hide not thine ear at my breathing, at my cry.

  • Psalms 140:1

    ยถ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;

  • Acts 27:24

    Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.
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