Psalms 64:10

Psalms 64:10 concludes a psalm of lament and prayer, shifting from David's plea for deliverance from enemies to a declaration of the righteous's ultimate response to God's justice and faithfulness. It serves as a powerful assurance that those who live righteously will find their joy and security in the Lord, ultimately glorifying Him.

Context

Psalm 64 is a prayer of David, where he describes the secret plots and malicious words of his adversaries. He calls upon God to intervene and bring swift judgment upon those who speak evil and shoot "bitter words" like arrows (Psalm 64:3). The preceding verses detail the sudden downfall of the wicked, who are struck down by God's own arrows, causing all who witness it to fear and declare God's work (Psalm 64:7-9). This verse, Psalms 64:10, therefore serves as a triumphant conclusion, contrasting the dismay and astonishment of the wicked with the profound joy and confident praise of God's people after divine intervention.

Key Themes

• Gladness in the LORD: The righteous, defined by their adherence to God's ways (as seen in Psalm 1:6), find their deepest joy and contentment not in worldly success or the defeat of enemies, but in their relationship with the Almighty. This gladness is a direct result of witnessing God's justice and experiencing His faithful deliverance, much like the joy of the LORD becomes their strength.
• Trust in Him: Amidst trials, secret plots, and the schemes of the wicked, the righteous maintain their unwavering faith and reliance on God. Their trust is ultimately vindicated when God acts, proving Himself faithful and mighty. This echoes the profound wisdom of Proverbs 3:5 to "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart".
• Glory of the Upright: "All the upright in heart" – those whose inner character and motives align with God's righteousness – will openly praise, boast, and exult in the Lord. This glory is not self-boasting but a public acknowledgment of God's power, goodness, and righteous judgment, serving as a powerful testimony to others and magnifying His name.

Linguistic Insights

• The Hebrew word for "glad" is samach (שָׂמַח), conveying a deep sense of joy, rejoicing, and delight. It's not merely a fleeting happiness but a profound inner contentment stemming from a right relationship with God and His actions.
• "Trust" comes from batach (בָּטַח), which implies leaning on, confiding in, and feeling secure. It speaks to a confident reliance on God's character and promises, even when circumstances are challenging or enemies seem to prevail.
• "Glory" translates the Hebrew halal (הָלַל), the root of "hallelujah" (praise the Lord). It means to praise, boast, or exult. Here, it signifies that the upright will publicly celebrate and magnify the Lord, making Him their boast and the sole source of their honor and triumph, similar to how Psalm 34:2 declares, "My soul shall make her boast in the LORD".

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 64:10 offers a powerful and enduring reminder that true gladness and security are found in God alone, not in the absence of problems or the defeat of adversaries. It encourages us to:

• Maintain Joy in God: Even when facing opposition, injustice, or personal trials, we can choose to rejoice in God's sovereignty, His ultimate victory, and His unwavering faithfulness.
• Cultivate Unwavering Trust: Our faith should remain steadfast, knowing that God hears our prayers, sees our struggles, and will act in His perfect timing and wisdom.
• Live Uprightly: A life of integrity and righteousness, centered on God's will, is the pathway to experiencing His deliverance and being able to genuinely praise Him without shame.
• Give God the Glory: When God delivers, provides, or brings justice, our response should be public praise and acknowledgment of His greatness. This glorifies Him, inspires others, and validates His truth in a world that often overlooks Him.