Psalms 64:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 64:1 serves as a profound opening to a psalm of Davidic lament and petition, immediately establishing a tone of urgent dependence on God. The psalmist, facing dire threats from adversaries, cries out for divine attention and intervention, seeking not only physical preservation from the enemy's grasp but also deliverance from the debilitating psychological burden of fear. This verse encapsulates the core human experience of vulnerability and the spiritual necessity of casting one's deepest anxieties upon the sovereign God, who alone can offer true refuge and peace amidst turmoil.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 64:1 functions as the superscription and initial plea of a psalm that quickly transitions into a detailed description of the enemies' malicious plots and the psalmist's confident expectation of God's judgment against them. The phrase "To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David" indicates its authorship and liturgical purpose, suggesting it was intended for public worship and musical performance. As a **lament psalm**, it follows a common structure: an initial cry for help, a description of the distress (often caused by enemies), an expression of trust, a petition for deliverance, and often a vow of praise. This opening verse sets the stage for David's raw vulnerability and unwavering faith in the face of hidden dangers, a theme consistent with other psalms where David seeks divine protection, such as [Psalm 57](/psalms/57 "Psalm 57 - A Psalm of David when he fled from Saul in the cave").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's life was perpetually marked by conflict and opposition, from his early days fleeing King Saul (e.g., [1 Samuel 23](/1-samuel/23 "1 Samuel 23 - David Flees from Saul")) to battles against the Philistines and internal rebellions, including that of his own son Absalom (e.g., [2 Samuel 15](/2-samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion")). In ancient Near Eastern societies, kings were often seen as divine representatives, and threats against them were viewed as challenges to divine order. The "enemy" here is likely human adversaries who seek David's downfall through deceit and violence, a common motif in the Psalms reflecting the political and personal dangers inherent in leadership. The plea for preservation from "fear of the enemy" highlights the psychological warfare inherent in these conflicts, where the terror induced by threats could be as paralyzing as physical harm.

* **Key Themes:** The opening verse introduces several key themes that resonate throughout Psalm 64 and the broader Psalter. The theme of **earnest prayer** is paramount, as David's direct address, "Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer," underscores the urgency and personal nature of his plea, reflecting a deep, intimate relationship with the Divine. This immediate turning to God in distress is a hallmark of biblical faith, as seen in [Psalm 3:4](/psalms/3-4 "Psalm 3:4 - David Cries to the Lord"). Another central theme is **divine preservation**, where David seeks God's active protection for his very life. This is not merely a request for physical survival but for comprehensive well-being and security against all forms of harm, aligning with God's role as a [refuge and strength](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength"). Finally, the explicit mention of deliverance "from fear of the enemy" introduces the theme of **conquering fear**, acknowledging that the internal dread caused by adversaries is a distinct and potent threat. This highlights the holistic nature of God's salvation, which extends to the emotional and psychological well-being of His people, a truth echoed in passages like [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hear (Hebrew, _shama'_):** This verb signifies not merely the physical act of hearing, but also attentive listening that implies understanding and, crucially, a readiness to respond or obey. When David implores God to "Hear my voice," he is not questioning God's auditory capacity but appealing to His attentiveness and willingness to act on the petition. It's a plea for divine engagement and intervention, reflecting a deep trust that God is not indifferent to the cries of His people.
* **Preserve (Hebrew, _shamar'_):** This word conveys the meaning of guarding, watching over, keeping, or protecting. It implies active, vigilant oversight and defense. David is not asking for passive observation but for God to stand as a sentinel over his life, actively shielding him from harm. This speaks to God's role as a diligent guardian who takes personal responsibility for the safety and well-being of those who trust in Him.
* **Fear (Hebrew, _pachad'_):** This noun denotes dread, terror, or panic. It describes an intense, often paralyzing, internal response to danger. The phrase "from fear of the enemy" underscores that the psychological burden and emotional distress caused by adversaries are as significant a threat as their physical actions. David seeks deliverance not just from the enemy's hand, but from the debilitating grip of terror that the enemy's presence or threats can induce.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.":** This superscription provides critical information regarding the psalm's authorship, attributing it to David, and its intended use, indicating it was for public worship and musical performance under the direction of the chief Musician. It sets the stage for a divinely inspired composition meant to be sung and meditated upon by the community.
* **"Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer:":** This is a direct, urgent, and personal appeal to God. David is not merely reciting words but pouring out his heart, indicating a deep, intimate relationship with the Divine. The emphasis on "my voice" and "my prayer" highlights the sincerity and earnestness of his petition, underscoring his belief that God is a personal God who listens attentively to the cries of His children.
* **"preserve my life from fear of the enemy.":** This clause articulates the core of David's petition. He seeks God's active protection ("preserve my life") not only from the physical threat posed by his adversaries but also, significantly, from the internal, psychological torment of "fear of the enemy." This reveals a profound understanding that true deliverance encompasses both external safety and internal peace, acknowledging the debilitating power of dread.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 64:1 employs several literary devices that enhance its emotional and theological impact. The most prominent is **Lament**, as the verse immediately establishes a tone of distress and an urgent cry for divine intervention, characteristic of this genre within the Psalms. David's direct address, "O God," is a form of **Apostrophe**, speaking directly to a divine being as if present, which amplifies the personal and intimate nature of the prayer. The phrase "Hear my voice" also contains an element of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human sensory perception (hearing) to God, which helps the psalmist and the reader relate to God's attentiveness. Furthermore, "fear of the enemy" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where "fear" stands in for the psychological and emotional distress caused by the enemy, highlighting the internal battle alongside the external conflict. This opening verse, therefore, is not merely a statement but a deeply felt expression of human vulnerability met with divine address.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 64:1 lays a foundational theological truth: God is a personal, attentive, and active deliverer who hears the cries of His people and is capable of preserving them from both external threats and internal anxieties. It underscores the biblical mandate to bring all fears and petitions before God, trusting in His sovereign power and compassionate care. This verse highlights the holistic nature of God's salvation, which encompasses not only physical protection but also emotional and spiritual well-being, demonstrating that true peace is found in His presence, even amidst the most challenging circumstances. David's prayer serves as a timeless model for believers to seek refuge and strength in God alone when confronted by adversaries or overwhelming fear.

* [Psalm 3:4](/psalms/3-4 "Psalm 3:4 - David's Cry to the Lord in Distress")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious About Anything")
* [1 Peter 5:7](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Cast All Your Anxiety on Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 64:1 offers a profound and enduring lesson for believers navigating the complexities of life, where "enemies" may manifest as physical threats, relational conflicts, spiritual attacks, or even debilitating anxieties. David's immediate and earnest cry to God provides a timeless template for how we are called to respond in moments of distress. It reminds us that our first recourse should always be to the Lord, bringing our deepest fears and most urgent needs before Him with unwavering trust. This verse encourages us to acknowledge the reality of our fears, understanding that the psychological burden can be as crippling as any external danger. However, it simultaneously empowers us to present those fears to a God who not only hears but also actively preserves and protects. By following David's example, we learn to surrender our anxieties, allowing God's peace to guard our hearts and minds, transforming our fear into faith and our vulnerability into dependence on His unfailing strength.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "enemies" or sources of fear are most pressing in your life right now, and how does David's prayer encourage you to approach them?**
* **In what ways do you experience the "fear of the enemy" as a distinct and debilitating threat, separate from the enemy's direct actions?**
* **How does the concept of God actively "preserving" your life from fear deepen your understanding of His care and sovereignty?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "hear your voice, O God, in your prayer" more earnestly and consistently in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of David praying for preservation from "fear of the enemy" rather than just the enemy itself?**

Answer: The distinction is crucial and deeply insightful. While David certainly seeks deliverance from his physical adversaries, his prayer for preservation "from fear of the enemy" highlights the profound psychological and emotional toll that constant threat and dread can exact. Fear can be as debilitating as, or even more paralyzing than, direct physical harm. It can erode one's peace, disrupt judgment, and lead to despair. By specifically asking for deliverance from fear, David acknowledges that God's protection extends beyond merely external circumstances to the internal state of the heart and mind. It underscores the holistic nature of God's salvation, which brings not only safety but also inner peace and freedom from anxiety, a theme echoed in the New Testament's call to [not be anxious about anything](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6 - Do Not Be Anxious About Anything"). It reminds us that God is concerned with our entire well-being, including our emotional and mental health.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 64:1, with its urgent plea for divine preservation from enemies and fear, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David's cry for deliverance foreshadows the perfect deliverance offered by the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who not only faced the ultimate enemy—sin and death—but triumphed over them on the cross. Where David sought preservation from earthly adversaries, Christ offers eternal salvation from spiritual foes, liberating humanity from the [bondage of sin](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6 - Our Old Self Crucified with Christ") and the [power of death](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory over Death"). Furthermore, David's desire to be preserved from the "fear of the enemy" is fully realized in Christ, who, through His resurrection, has [conquered the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ's Defeat of the Devil"), thereby removing the ultimate source of human dread. Believers in Christ are no longer enslaved by the fear of death, for [He is our peace](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace") and promises His disciples a peace that the [world cannot give](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives His Peace"). Thus, David's ancient prayer becomes a testament to the comprehensive and redemptive work of Jesus, who truly preserves our lives from all fear, securing our ultimate victory and eternal peace in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 143:1

¶ 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

¶ 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

¶ 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.