Psalms 64:2

KJV

Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:

KJV (with Strong's)

Hide {H5641}{H8686)} me from the secret counsel {H5475} of the wicked {H7489}{H8688)}; from the insurrection {H7285} of the workers {H6466}{H8802)} of iniquity {H205}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Hide me from the secret intrigues of the wicked and the open insurrection of evildoers.

Berean Standard Bible

Hide me from the scheming of the wicked, from the mob of workers of iniquity,

American Standard Version

Hide me from the secret counsel of evil-doers, From the tumult of the workers of iniquity;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 64:2 is an urgent and profound prayer from the psalmist, likely King David, appealing for divine sanctuary from the multi-faceted threats of his adversaries. It vividly articulates a plea for God's active intervention to conceal him from both the insidious, clandestine plots hatched in secret meetings ("secret counsel of the wicked") and the overt, tumultuous, and violent uprisings ("insurrection of the workers of iniquity"). This verse encapsulates the psalmist's deep vulnerability to malicious intent and organized hostility, while simultaneously expressing an unwavering trust in God as his ultimate refuge and protector against all forms of evil.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 64 is a psalm of individual lament, characterized by an initial cry for help, a detailed description of the enemies' malicious actions, a prayer for divine judgment against them, and a concluding expression of confidence in God's eventual triumph and the vindication of the righteous. Verse 2 immediately follows the psalmist's opening plea in [Psalm 64:1](/psalms/64-1 "Psalm 64:1 - Hear My Voice, O God"), where he asks God to "hear my voice" and "preserve my life from fear of the enemy." The subsequent verses, [Psalm 64:3-6](/psalms/64-3 "Psalm 64:3-6 - The Wicked's Malice"), elaborate on the nature of these enemies, describing their "sharpened tongue like a sword" and their "bitter words" shot like arrows from a bow, highlighting their deceitful and destructive verbal attacks, which are often the product of their "secret counsel." Thus, verse 2 serves as a concise summary of the two primary forms of aggression the psalmist faces: hidden conspiracy and open rebellion, setting the stage for the detailed description of their methods.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the psalm does not specify a particular historical event, it resonates deeply with the experiences of King David, who frequently faced both covert plots and open rebellion throughout his reign. Examples include the persistent animosity and pursuit by King Saul, who sought his life through various means, and the devastating rebellion led by his own son, Absalom, which involved widespread conspiracy and organized military action (e.g., [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion")). In the ancient Near East, political intrigue, court conspiracies, and popular uprisings were common threats to rulers. "Secret counsel" (Hebrew: _sod_) often refers to the inner circle of advisors or a confidential gathering where strategy, often malicious, was planned. "Insurrection" (Hebrew: _rigshath_) points to a tumultuous, agitated gathering or a concerted, violent uprising. The psalmist's prayer reflects the precarious position of leaders who relied on divine protection against both the hidden machinations of their enemies and the overt, collective aggression of those who sought to overthrow them.

* **Key Themes:** Psalm 64:2 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sanctuary and Protection**, portraying God as the ultimate refuge and hiding place from all forms of danger, whether seen or unseen. The plea "Hide me" emphasizes a complete reliance on God's active intervention, echoing sentiments found in [Psalm 27:5](/psalms/27-5 "Psalm 27:5 - God Hides His People") and [Psalm 31:20](/psalms/31-20 "Psalm 31:20 - God's Hiding Place from the Plots of Men"). Secondly, the verse illuminates the **Nature of Wickedness**, presenting it as a two-pronged threat: cunning, deceptive, and secretly plotted ("secret counsel") on one hand, and overtly violent, tumultuous, and organized ("insurrection") on the other. This duality highlights the comprehensive danger posed by those who are "workers of iniquity." Thirdly, the psalmist's prayer implicitly asserts **God's Omniscience and Sovereignty**, trusting that even the most clandestine plots are known to God, and that He possesses the power to thwart them and bring justice, a theme powerfully expressed in [Psalm 2:4](/psalms/2-4 "Psalm 2:4 - God Laughs at the Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"secret counsel" (סוֹד, _sod_):** This Hebrew term carries a range of meanings, from an intimate circle of friends or confidants to a confidential meeting, a secret, or a plot. In this context, combined with "of the wicked," it strongly denotes a clandestine gathering or a conspiracy where malicious plans are hatched in secret. It speaks to the insidious nature of evil that operates under the cloak of darkness, seeking to undermine or destroy through hidden schemes and deceptive strategies. The psalmist fears not just open attack, but the unseen, calculated malice of his foes.
* **"insurrection" (רִגְשַׁת, _rigshath_):** Derived from a root meaning "to rage," "to be in a tumult," or "to gather tumultuously," _rigshath_ vividly portrays a tumultuous, agitated gathering or a concerted, violent uprising. It signifies a collective, agitated movement of people united in hostility, ready to engage in open aggression or rebellion. This word contrasts sharply with "secret counsel," moving from the covert planning to the overt, chaotic, and potentially violent execution of wicked intentions.
* **"workers of iniquity" (פֹּעֲלֵי אָוֶן, _po'alei aven_):** This phrase is a common biblical idiom. _Po'alei_ (from _pa'al_) means "doers" or "workers," emphasizing active, habitual engagement. _Aven_ refers to trouble, sorrow, wickedness, evil, or even idolatry. Together, "workers of iniquity" describes those who not only commit evil acts but whose very character is defined by their deliberate, consistent practice of wrongdoing. They are not merely perpetrators of isolated acts but agents whose lives are dedicated to producing harm and injustice, often with a disregard for God's law.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hide me":** This is the direct, urgent plea at the heart of the verse. It expresses the psalmist's profound vulnerability and his absolute dependence on God for protection. It's not merely a request for concealment, but for active divine intervention to shield, preserve, and secure him from the impending dangers. It implies that God is the ultimate sanctuary, the only one capable of providing true safety from such formidable threats.
* **"from the secret counsel of the wicked":** This clause specifies the first type of threat: the insidious, hidden plots and conspiracies of those who are morally corrupt. The psalmist is aware of unseen dangers—malicious strategies, deceptive schemes, and whispered slanders—that are devised in secret by those whose intentions are evil. This highlights the psychological and emotional toll of facing an enemy whose true intentions and methods are obscured.
* **"from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity":** This second clause describes the overt, collective, and violent manifestation of wickedness. It speaks of a tumultuous uprising or a concerted, aggressive movement by those who habitually practice evil. This contrasts with the "secret counsel" by pointing to open hostility and organized aggression, demonstrating that the psalmist faces dangers from both hidden machinations and direct, potentially chaotic, attacks from those committed to wrongdoing.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 64:2 effectively employs several **literary devices** to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where "secret counsel of the wicked" is mirrored by "insurrection of the workers of iniquity." While not perfectly identical, these two phrases express similar ideas of malicious activity by evil individuals, but with a subtle distinction between covert plotting and overt action, thereby encompassing the full spectrum of threats. This creates a sense of comprehensive danger from which the psalmist seeks refuge. There is also an implied **Merism**, as the combination of "secret counsel" (hidden, insidious) and "insurrection" (open, tumultuous) represents the totality of wicked actions, from the planning stages to their full, violent manifestation. The phrase "workers of iniquity" uses **Personification**, attributing the abstract concept of "iniquity" with "workers" or agents, emphasizing the deliberate and active nature of evil. While not explicit in this verse, the broader psalm's use of **Metaphor** (e.g., sharpening their tongue like a sword in [Psalm 64:3](/psalms/64-3 "Psalm 64:3 - The Wicked's Malice")) underscores the destructive power of the wicked's words and actions, which are the product of the "counsel" and "insurrection" mentioned here.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 64:2 serves as a powerful theological statement about God's role as the ultimate protector and the pervasive nature of human wickedness. It underscores the biblical truth that evil manifests in both subtle, hidden forms (conspiracy, slander, deception) and overt, violent expressions (rebellion, aggression). The psalmist's prayer for God to "hide" him is a profound declaration of faith in divine sovereignty and omnipotence, acknowledging that only God can truly discern and thwart the deepest plots of the human heart and withstand the most formidable uprisings. This plea resonates with the broader biblical narrative of God's people facing relentless opposition from forces of darkness, both human and spiritual, and their constant need to seek refuge in the Lord. It highlights the contrast between the fleeting, ultimately futile plans of the wicked and the eternal, unshakeable purposes of God, who ultimately brings justice and vindicates the righteous.

* [Psalm 27:5](/psalms/27-5 "God Hides His People")
* [Psalm 31:20](/psalms/31-20 "God's Hiding Place from the Plots of Men")
* [Proverbs 11:3](/proverbs/11-3 "Integrity Guides the Upright")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 64:2 offers a timeless model for prayer and a profound source of comfort for believers navigating a world fraught with malice and opposition. In our contemporary context, "secret counsel" might manifest as malicious gossip, online slander, corporate espionage, political machinations, or hidden agendas designed to undermine. "Insurrection" could be seen in overt acts of hostility, organized opposition, or even societal movements that stand against truth and righteousness. This verse reminds us that our primary response to such threats should be to turn to God, our ultimate refuge. It encourages us to surrender our anxieties, knowing that God sees what is hidden from us and has the power to dismantle even the most elaborate schemes of the wicked. Our faith is not in our own ability to uncover or combat every plot, but in God's perfect knowledge and sovereign control. This prayer fosters a spirit of humble dependence, urging us to trust that God will expose injustice and bring about His righteous judgment in His perfect timing, allowing us to rest in His protective care even amidst turmoil.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "secret counsel" or "insurrection" might you be facing in your life today, whether personally, professionally, or spiritually?**
* **How does the psalmist's plea to "hide me" deepen your understanding of God as your ultimate refuge and protector?**
* **In what ways can you actively trust God's discernment and sovereignty when you cannot fully comprehend the hidden motives or plans of others?**
* **Beyond personal safety, how might this prayer inform your intercession for others who are victims of injustice or malicious plots?**

### FAQ

**What does "secret counsel" mean in this context, and how does it differ from "insurrection"?**

Answer: "Secret counsel" (Hebrew: _sod_) refers to a clandestine gathering, a confidential meeting, or a hidden plot where malicious plans are devised. It speaks to the insidious, deceptive, and often unseen machinations of the wicked. It's about the planning and strategizing of evil behind closed doors. "Insurrection" (Hebrew: _rigshath_), on the other hand, describes an overt, tumultuous, and often violent uprising or a concerted, agitated gathering of people. It's the public, active, and often chaotic manifestation of the wicked's intentions. So, "secret counsel" is the hidden planning, while "insurrection" is the open, collective execution of that malice. The psalmist fears both the hidden danger and the visible threat.

**How does Psalm 64:2 relate to the concept of spiritual warfare?**

Answer: While primarily addressing human adversaries, Psalm 64:2 offers a powerful parallel to spiritual warfare. The "secret counsel of the wicked" can be understood as the unseen strategies and deceptions of spiritual forces of evil, as described in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces"). These forces operate in the unseen realm, influencing minds and orchestrating events to cause harm. The "insurrection of the workers of iniquity" can represent the tangible, often chaotic, manifestations of evil in the world—sin, injustice, societal unrest—which are ultimately driven by these spiritual forces. The prayer "Hide me" becomes a plea for divine protection against both the subtle temptations and deceptions of the enemy, and the overt attacks that seek to undermine faith and cause destruction. It reminds us that our ultimate refuge in this spiritual battle is God Himself, who is greater than any adversary (cf. [1 John 4:4](/1_john/4-4 "1 John 4:4 - Greater is He Who is in You")).

**Is this prayer for divine protection still relevant for believers today?**

Answer: Absolutely. The human condition, marked by sin, continues to produce individuals and groups who engage in "secret counsel" (gossip, slander, conspiracy, cyberbullying) and "insurrection" (organized crime, social unrest, persecution, outright violence). Believers today still face both subtle and overt forms of opposition to their faith and well-being. Psalm 64:2 provides a timeless template for prayer, reminding us to seek God's divine protection in a world where evil persists. It encourages us to trust in God's omniscient awareness of all plots and His sovereign power to thwart them, even when we feel vulnerable or unaware of the full scope of the threats against us. It is a prayer of reliance on God as our constant shield and refuge (cf. [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is Our Refuge and Strength")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 64:2, with its urgent plea for protection from both the "secret counsel" and "insurrection" of the wicked, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus was the target of relentless "secret counsel" from the religious authorities, who constantly plotted His demise (e.g., [Matthew 26:3-4](/matthew/26-3 "Matthew 26:3-4 - The Plot Against Jesus")). Judas's betrayal, a result of secret dealings, was a direct manifestation of such counsel (e.g., [Luke 22:3-6](/luke/22-3 "Luke 22:3-6 - Judas's Betrayal")). Ultimately, the "insurrection of the workers of iniquity" culminated in the unjust trial and crucifixion of the innocent Son of God, as the crowds clamored for His death (e.g., [John 18:28-40](/john/18-28 "John 18:28-40 - Jesus Before Pilate")). Yet, in His death and resurrection, Christ perfectly fulfilled the psalmist's longing for divine protection, not by being hidden from the wicked, but by triumphing over them through His ultimate sacrifice. He disarmed the principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them (e.g., [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")), thereby providing the ultimate "hiding place" and refuge for all who trust in Him. For believers, Christ is our secure refuge from the schemes of the evil one and the ultimate victory over all forms of iniquity, offering us an eternal sanctuary and the promise that no weapon formed against us shall prosper (e.g., [Romans 8:31-39](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31-39 - God is For Us")).

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 143:9

Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.

Psalms 59:2

Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men.

Jeremiah 11:19

But I [was] like a lamb [or] an ox [that] is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, [saying], Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.

Psalms 31:20

Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.

Psalms 109:2

For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are opened against me: they have spoken against me with a lying tongue.

Psalms 109:3

They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause.

Psalms 27:5

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.