Psalms 64:7

KJV

¶ But God shall shoot at them [with] an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded.

KJV (with Strong's)

But God {H430} shall shoot {H3384}{H8686)} at them with an arrow {H2671}; suddenly {H6597} shall they be wounded {H4347}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Suddenly God shoots them down with an arrow, leaving them with wounds;

Berean Standard Bible

But God will shoot them with arrows; suddenly they will be wounded.

American Standard Version

But God will shoot at them; With an arrow suddenly shall they be wounded.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 64:7 marks a dramatic shift in David's prayer, moving from a lament about the insidious plots of his enemies to a bold declaration of faith in God's decisive and sudden intervention. This verse proclaims that just as the wicked devise hidden schemes and shoot their "bitter words" like arrows, God Himself will retaliate with a swift and unexpected blow, causing them to be suddenly wounded. It underscores divine sovereignty, justice, and the inevitable downfall of those who plot evil against the righteous.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 64 is a fervent prayer of David, a lament (a type of psalm expressing sorrow, complaint, or petition to God) that transitions into a declaration of trust and praise. The preceding verses (64:1-6) vividly describe the nature of David's adversaries: they "sharpen their tongue like a sword" and "bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words" ([Psalm 64:3](/psalms/64-3 "Psalm 64:3 - The Enemies' Bitter Words")). They plot secretly, confident that their malicious deeds will go unseen, saying, "Who shall see them?" ([Psalm 64:5](/psalms/64-5 "Psalm 64:5 - The Enemies' Secret Plots")). Verse 7, therefore, is the turning point, where the focus shifts from the enemies' actions and David's distress to God's direct, powerful, and sudden response, setting the stage for the ultimate vindication of the righteous and the glorification of God in the psalm's conclusion ([Psalm 64:9-10](/psalms/64-9 "Psalm 64:9-10 - The Righteous Rejoice in God's Justice")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, warfare was a constant reality, and the imagery of bows and arrows was universally understood as instruments of swift and deadly attack. Kings and warriors were often depicted as skilled archers. David, as a king and warrior himself, would have been intimately familiar with such weaponry. The concept of divine justice and retribution was also deeply embedded in the worldview of the time, where gods were believed to intervene directly in human affairs, punishing the wicked and defending the righteous. The idea of secret plots and conspiracies was common in courtly intrigues, making the "hidden snares" and "bitter words" particularly potent threats. This context highlights the vulnerability of the righteous to unseen malice and the desperate need for a divine champion.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major themes within Psalm 64 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Retribution and Justice**, asserting God's ultimate sovereignty and active involvement in human affairs. While the enemies believe their plots are hidden, God sees all and will bring their wickedness to light through swift judgment, echoing the truth that [vengeance belongs to the Lord](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine"). Secondly, the phrase "suddenly shall they be wounded" highlights the **Suddenness and Unexpectedness of God's Judgment**. Just as the enemies planned their attacks in secret and suddenly, God's response will be equally swift and unanticipated by them. Thirdly, the imagery of God "shooting an arrow" portrays Him as a **Divine Warrior** who fights for His people, contrasting sharply with the enemies' ineffective "bitter words" and hidden traps. This portrayal of God as a mighty champion, taking swift action against His foes, resonates with other passages where [the Lord is depicted as a man of war](/exodus/15-3 "Exodus 15:3 - The Lord as a Man of War").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shoot (ירה, _yarah'_):** This Hebrew verb means "to throw," "to cast," or "to shoot." In the context of an arrow, it implies deliberate aim, precision, and an unstoppable trajectory. It suggests an active, intentional, and direct intervention by God, not a passive observation. The same root can also mean "to teach" or "to instruct," subtly hinting that God's judgment is also a form of instruction or revelation of His justice.
* **Arrow (חֵץ, _chets_):** A literal arrow, but here employed as a powerful **metaphor** for God's swift, precise, and inescapable act of divine judgment. It directly counters the "arrows" of the wicked (their harmful words and deceitful schemes) mentioned earlier in the psalm ([Psalm 64:3](/psalms/64-3 "Psalm 64:3 - Enemies' Bitter Words")). God's arrow is effective and decisive where human malice is ultimately futile.
* **Wounded (מַכָּה, _makkah_):** This noun can denote a "blow," "stroke," "wound," or even a "plague" or "slaughter." It implies a decisive, painful, and incapacitating impact. The use of this word suggests that the judgment will be severe and debilitating for the wicked, often leading to their downfall or destruction. The suddenness of this wound highlights God's ability to turn the tables on those who plot evil.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But God shall shoot at them [with] an arrow;":** This clause introduces a dramatic **contrast** ("But God") to the preceding verses that describe the enemies' malicious actions. It asserts God as the supreme agent, taking direct, active, and decisive action against the wicked. The imagery of "shooting an arrow" is a powerful **anthropomorphism**, depicting God as a divine warrior engaging in direct combat. The "arrow" symbolizes a precise, swift, and unavoidable act of divine judgment, aimed directly at those who oppose Him and His righteous ones.
* **"suddenly shall they be wounded.":** This second clause emphasizes the nature and timing of God's judgment. The adverb "suddenly" highlights the unexpected and immediate nature of the divine blow. It implies that the wicked will be caught off guard, experiencing a swift and unforeseen reversal of their fortunes. The passive voice "shall they be wounded" underscores that the wound comes from an external, divine source, not from their own doing, yet it is a direct consequence of their actions. The wound itself is severe and incapacitating, leading to their downfall or exposure.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 64:7 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, particularly evident in the "But God" that opens the verse. This immediately sets God's decisive action against the insidious, hidden plots of the enemies described earlier in the psalm. While the enemies "shoot their arrows, even bitter words" ([Psalm 64:3](/psalms/64-3 "Psalm 64:3 - The Enemies' Bitter Words")), God's "arrow" is real and effective, demonstrating His superior power and justice. **Metaphor** is central, as God is depicted "shooting an arrow," which is a figurative representation of His swift and certain judgment. This **Anthropomorphism** (attributing human characteristics to God) makes the divine action relatable and impactful, portraying God as an active participant in human affairs, a divine warrior fighting for His people. Furthermore, the verse creates a sense of **Dramatic Irony**: the enemies plot in secret, believing no one will see them, yet God, from His unseen vantage point, not only sees but acts "suddenly," turning their own tactics of surprise and hiddenness against them. The **suddenness** of the divine wound also serves as a potent literary element, emphasizing the unexpected and overwhelming nature of God's justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 64:7 profoundly articulates the biblical truth of divine justice and God's active defense of the righteous. It reassures believers that God is not a passive observer of injustice but an engaged sovereign who will ultimately intervene on behalf of His people. This intervention is often unexpected and decisive, turning the tables on those who plot evil. The verse underscores that while human wickedness may operate in secret and with cunning, it cannot escape the all-seeing eye and the swift hand of God. It serves as both a comfort to the oppressed and a solemn warning to the oppressor, affirming that God’s righteousness will prevail and that the wicked will inevitably reap the consequences of their deeds.

* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to the Lord"): "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."
* [Psalm 7:15](/psalms/7-15 "Psalm 7:15 - The Wicked Fall into Their Own Pit"): "He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made."
* [Psalm 94:23](/psalms/94-23 "Psalm 94:23 - God Will Bring Their Wickedness Upon Themselves"): "And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; yea, the Lord our God shall cut them off."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 64:7 offers profound comfort and a powerful reminder for believers navigating a world often marked by hidden opposition, slander, and secret plots. When we feel vulnerable to unseen malice or when injustice seems to prevail, this verse assures us that God is neither unaware nor inactive. He sees what is done in secret and will act decisively on behalf of His righteous ones. It encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's perfect justice and timing, knowing that He will bring the wickedness of the wicked upon themselves. For those who might be tempted to engage in malice, deceit, or secret schemes, it serves as a solemn warning: God's judgment is inevitable and can come suddenly, often causing the wicked to fall into the very pit they dug for others. Our response, therefore, should be to commit our way to the Lord, to trust in His vindication, and to live righteously, leaving ultimate justice in His capable hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of God "shooting an arrow" challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character and His involvement in human affairs?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to take matters into your own hands when facing injustice, and how does this verse encourage you to trust God's timing and method of justice?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live righteously and trust God, even when facing hidden opposition or slander?**

### FAQ
**What does "suddenly" imply about God's judgment in this verse?**

Answer: The word "suddenly" (פֶּתַע, _petaʿ_) emphasizes the unexpected and immediate nature of God's intervention. It implies that the wicked will be caught off guard, experiencing a swift and unforeseen reversal of their fortunes. This suddenness highlights God's sovereign control over time and events, demonstrating that He can act decisively and without warning, often turning the tables on those who believe their schemes are secure. It contrasts sharply with the enemies' careful, secret plotting, showing that God's response is both unanticipated and overwhelming, leading to their instant downfall or exposure. This element of surprise is a key component of divine retribution, ensuring that the wicked cannot prepare for or evade the consequences of their actions.

**How does God "shoot an arrow" or "wound" people today, given that we don't typically see literal arrows from heaven?**

Answer: The imagery of God "shooting an arrow" and "wounding" is a powerful **metaphor** for divine judgment and the consequences of sin, rather than a literal physical act in most contexts today. In the biblical worldview, God's judgment can manifest in various ways: through natural consequences of sinful actions, the exposure of hidden deeds, the failure of wicked schemes, the turning of tables by seemingly natural circumstances, or even through the internal torment of a guilty conscience. Just as an arrow finds its mark swiftly and precisely, God's justice ensures that wrongdoing does not go unaddressed. The "wound" can represent the collapse of reputation, the loss of power, the failure of plans, or any form of severe, debilitating consequence that befalls those who persist in wickedness, often leading to their public disgrace or ruin, as seen in [Psalm 64:8](/psalms/64-8 "Psalm 64:8 - Their Own Tongue Will Make Them Fall"). Ultimately, it speaks to God's active role in upholding justice in the world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 64:7, with its imagery of God's decisive and sudden judgment against the wicked, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the psalm speaks of immediate, earthly retribution, the New Testament reveals Christ as the one through whom all divine judgment, both present and future, is executed. The "arrow" of God's judgment is ultimately aimed at sin itself, and it was on the cross that Christ, the sinless Lamb of God, absorbed the full force of that divine wrath, becoming wounded for our transgressions ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounded for Our Transgressions")). In His first coming, Jesus disarmed the spiritual enemies—principalities and powers—making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). He demonstrated His authority over evil, casting out demons and overcoming the schemes of the wicked. His resurrection was the ultimate "sudden wounding" of death and the grave, securing victory for all who believe. Furthermore, Christ is depicted as the divine warrior who will return in glory, not with a literal arrow, but with the "sharp sword" of His mouth, to strike down the nations and execute righteous judgment upon all who oppose God ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")). Thus, the psalmist's cry for divine intervention is answered in Christ, who is both the recipient of God's judgment on sin and the agent of God's final, victorious judgment over all evil, ensuring ultimate justice and peace for His people ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Overcoming the World")).

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 7:12

If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.

Psalms 7:13

He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors.

Proverbs 6:15

Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.

Psalms 18:14

Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them.

Deuteronomy 32:42

I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh; [and that] with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy.

1 Chronicles 10:3

And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him, and he was wounded of the archers.

1 Chronicles 10:7

And when all the men of Israel that [were] in the valley saw that they fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, then they forsook their cities, and fled: and the Philistines came and dwelt in them.