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Commentary on Psalms 64 verses 7–10
We may observe here,
I. The judgments of God which should certainly come upon these malicious persecutors of David. Though they encouraged themselves in their wickedness, here is that which, if they would believe and consider it, was enough to discourage them. And it is observable how the punishment answers the sin. 1. They shot at David secretly and suddenly, to wound him; but God shall shoot at them, for the ordains his arrows against the persecutors (Psa 7:13), against the face of them, Psa 21:12. And God's arrows will hit surer, and fly swifter, and pierce deeper, than theirs do or can. They have many arrows, but they are only bitter words, and words are but wind: the curse causeless shall not come. But God has one arrow that will be their death, his curse which is never causeless, and therefore shall come; with it they shall be suddenly wounded, that is, their wound by it will be a surprise upon them, because they were secure and not apprehensive of any danger. 2. Their tongues fell upon him, but God shall make their tongues to fall upon themselves. They do it by the desert of their sin; God does it by the justice of his wrath, Psa 64:8. When God deals with men according to the desert of their tongue-sins, and brings those mischiefs upon them which they have passionately and maliciously imprecated upon others, then he makes their own tongues to fall upon them; and it is weight enough to sink a man to the lowest hell, like a talent of lead. Many have cut their own throats, and many more have damned their own souls, with their tongues, and it will be an aggravation of their condemnation. O Israel! thou hast destroyed thyself, art snared in the words of thy mouth. If thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it. Those that love cursing, it shall come unto them. Sometimes men's secret wickedness is brought to light by their own confession, and then their own tongue falls upon them.
II. The influence which these judgments should have upon others; for it is done in the open sight of all, Job 34:26.
1.Their neighbours shall shun them and shift for their own safety. They shall flee away, as the men of Israel did from the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, Num 16:27. Some think this was fulfilled in the death of Saul, when not only his army was dispersed, but the inhabitants of the neighbouring country were so terrified with the fall, not only of their king but of his three sons, that they quitted their cities and fled, Sa1 31:7.
2.Spectators shall reverence the providence of God therein, Psa 64:9. (1.) They shall understand and observe God's hand in all (and, unless we do so, we are not likely to profit by the dispensations of Providence, Hos 14:9): They shall wisely consider his doing. There is need of consideration and serious thought rightly to apprehend the matter of fact, and need of wisdom to put a true interpretation upon it. God's doing is well worth our considering (Ecc 7:13), but it must be considered wisely, that we put not a corrupt gloss upon a pure text. (2.) They shall be affected with a holy awe of God upon the consideration of it. All men (all that have any thing of the reason of a man in them) shall fear and tremble because of God's judgments, Psa 119:120. They shall fear to do the like, fear being found persecutors of God's people. Smite the scorner and the simple shall beware. (3.) They shall declare the work of God. They shall speak to one another and to all about them of the justice of God in punishing persecutors. What we wisely consider ourselves we should wisely declare to others, for their edification and the glory of God. This is the finger of God.
3.Good people shall in a special manner take notice of it, and it shall affect them with a holy pleasure, Psa 64:10. (1.) It shall increase their joy: The righteous shall be glad in the Lord, not glad of the misery and ruin of their fellow-creatures, but glad that God is glorified, and his word fulfilled, and the cause of injured innocency pleaded effectually. (2.) It shall encourage their faith. They shall commit themselves to him in the way of duty and be willing to venture for him with an entire confidence in him. (3.) Their joy and faith shall both express themselves in a holy boasting: All the upright in heart, that keep a good conscience and approve themselves to God, shall glory, not in themselves, but in the favour of God, in his righteousness and goodness, their relation to him and interest in him. Let him that glories glory in the Lord.
"And every man feared" [Psalm 64:9]. They that feared not, were not even men. "Every man feared;" that is, every one using reason to perceive the things which were done. Whence they that feared not, must rather be called cattle, rather beasts savage and cruel. A lion ramping and roaring is that people as yet. But in truth every man feared: that is, they that would believe, that trembled at the judgment to come. "And every man feared: and they declared the works of God."..."And every man has feared: and they have declared the works of God, and His doings they have perceived." What is, "His doings they have perceived"? Was it, O Lord Jesus Christ, that You were silent, and like a sheep for a victim wast being led, and did not open before the shearer Your mouth, [Isaiah 53:7] and we thought You to be set in smiting and in grief, [Isaiah 53:4] and knowing how to bear weakness? [Isaiah 53:3] Was it that You were hiding Your beauty, O Thou beautiful in form before the sons of men? Was it that You did not seem to have beauty nor grace? [Isaiah 53:2] You bore on the Cross men reviling and saying, "If Son of God He is, let Him come down from the Cross." [Matthew 27:40] ...This thing they, that would have had Him come down from the Cross, perceived not: but when He rose again, and being glorified ascended into Heaven, they perceived the works of God.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 64:9 serves as the triumphant crescendo to David's plea for divine intervention, powerfully articulating the profound and universal impact of God's righteous judgment. It foresees a future where humanity, witnessing the undeniable evidence of God's decisive action against the wicked, will be compelled to acknowledge His supreme sovereignty with reverent awe, publicly proclaim His mighty deeds, and deeply ponder the wisdom and justice inherent in His providential workings.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalms 64 is a lament psalm, structured as a fervent prayer from David to God for deliverance from his malevolent adversaries. The initial verses, from Psalms 64:1-6, vividly portray the insidious nature of David's enemies, describing their secret plotting, their malicious words sharpened like swords, and their bitter words aimed like arrows. David implores God to protect him from their hidden snares and their confident, unrighteous schemes. A dramatic shift occurs in Psalms 64:7-8, where David expresses unwavering confidence that God will suddenly strike down these enemies with His own "arrow"—a divine judgment that will cause them to stumble and bring their own ruin upon themselves. Verse 9 then acts as the culminating declaration, describing the inevitable and public consequence of this divine intervention, portraying the widespread reaction of those who witness God's righteous hand at work.
Historical & Cultural Context: The backdrop for Psalms 64 is likely a period in David's tumultuous life when he faced significant and often clandestine opposition, whether from King Saul, rebellious factions like Absalom's, or foreign adversaries. In the ancient Near East, public vindication and reputation were of paramount importance, especially for a king or leader. When an individual or a community suffered unjustly, the expectation was not only for divine justice to be enacted, but for it to be visibly and undeniably demonstrated. God's intervention was therefore not merely a private spiritual experience but a public declaration of His character, power, and commitment to justice. The "fear" and "declaration" described in this verse reflect the profound societal impact of such a public display of divine justice, reinforcing the understanding that the God of Israel was actively involved in the affairs of humanity, upholding righteousness and punishing wickedness. This public recognition served to solidify the community's faith, deter further wrongdoing, and affirm God's covenant faithfulness.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Justice, asserting that God is not a passive observer of human wickedness but actively intervenes to bring about righteous judgment, as seen in the righteous rejoicing over God's justice in Psalms 58:10-11. Secondly, it highlights the Sovereignty of God, demonstrating His ultimate control over human affairs and His ability to thwart the most cunning plans of the wicked, even when they operate in secret. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the Fear of the Lord, which is not merely terror but a profound reverence, awe, and humble submission that results from witnessing God's power and justice, leading to a proper understanding of His character, as articulated in Proverbs 9:10. Finally, it speaks to the theme of Witness and Testimony, where God's actions compel observers to "declare" His works, serving as a public proclamation of His deeds and purposes, much like the call to "declare His works with rejoicing" in Psalms 9:1.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 64:9 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful and transformative message. The verse exhibits a clear instance of Parallelism, specifically a form of synthetic or progressive parallelism, where the second and third clauses build upon and deepen the meaning of the first. The phrase "shall declare the work of God" is logically followed by "for they shall wisely consider of his doing," indicating that the declaration is not a superficial announcement but one born out of deep understanding and thoughtful reflection. The conjunction "for" clearly establishes a Cause and Effect relationship: the fear and subsequent declaration are presented as a direct and inevitable result of the wise consideration of God's actions. The phrase "all men" functions as a form of Hyperbole or Generalization, emphasizing the widespread, compelling, and undeniable impact of God's judgment, suggesting that His actions are so evident that they compel a universal recognition among those who witness or hear of them. The verse also implies Divine Retribution made manifest, where the unseen, malicious plotting of the wicked (described earlier in the psalm) is met by a visible, undeniable act of God's justice, turning their secret malice into public vindication for the righteous and profound awe for all observers.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 64:9 serves as a profound theological statement on God's active involvement in human history, particularly concerning the administration of justice and judgment. It unequivocally underscores the truth that God is not a passive or distant observer but an active, sovereign Lord who intervenes decisively to uphold righteousness and bring an end to wickedness. This divine intervention is not merely for the benefit of the oppressed but also serves as a public witness to His character, compelling humanity to acknowledge His power, wisdom, and moral governance. The "fear" described is a proper, reverent awe that leads to worship, submission, and a right relationship with God, while the "declaration" is a necessary and public testimony to His mighty deeds. The "wise consideration" signifies that God's actions are intelligible and reveal His nature, inviting humanity to deep reflection, understanding, and a transformative response to His ways.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 64:9 offers a powerful and enduring reminder that God's justice is not an abstract concept or a distant hope, but a tangible reality that will ultimately be revealed in His perfect timing. In a world often marked by hidden injustices, secret plots, and the apparent prosperity of the wicked, this verse provides a profound source of comfort, reassurance, and hope for believers. It encourages us to cultivate a steadfast trust in God's sovereign timing and His perfect methods of intervention, knowing that He will ultimately bring to light what is hidden, expose all wickedness, and vindicate the righteous. Furthermore, it challenges us to cultivate a posture of reverent awe and humble submission towards God, allowing His mighty works—both in judgment and deliverance—to profoundly shape our understanding of His sovereignty and character. As witnesses to His ongoing work in the world, we are called not only to observe with discernment but also to boldly declare His deeds and to diligently seek a deeper, wiser understanding of His purposes, allowing His actions to transform our perspectives, deepen our faith, and prompt us to share His truth and glory with others.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does "all men" literally mean every single person on earth?
Answer: While the phrase "all men" (כָל־אָדָם, kol-adam) can literally mean every human being, in poetic and prophetic contexts like Psalms, it often functions as a hyperbole or a generalization to emphasize the widespread, undeniable, and compelling nature of the impact. It signifies that the effect of God's intervention will be so clear and profound that it will compel recognition and response from a significant portion of humanity, particularly those who witness or hear of it. It implies that God's actions are not obscure but are publicly manifest, leaving no room for doubt for those who are willing to observe and consider. Ultimately, the Bible teaches that all will one day acknowledge God's sovereignty, as seen in Philippians 2:10-11, but in this psalm, it refers to the immediate and compelling response to a specific divine act of justice.
How does God's "work" or "doing" relate to His judgment?
Answer: In Psalms 64:9, God's "work" (פֹּעַל, pôʻal, H6467) and "doing" (מַעֲשֶׂה, maʻăseh, H4639) directly refer to His act of righteous judgment and intervention against the wicked, as described in the preceding verses. The psalm details the malicious plots of the enemies and David's fervent plea for God to strike them down. When God answers this prayer, His "work" becomes evident as His decisive action against the unrighteous. Therefore, His "work" here is specifically His exercise of divine justice, where He exposes and punishes the wicked. This act of judgment is not arbitrary but is a powerful demonstration of His holy character, His unwavering commitment to upholding righteousness, and His active governance over creation. It is through these acts of judgment that His power, wisdom, and justice are made manifest to "all men," leading them to fear Him and wisely consider His ways. This concept is consistent with other passages where God's deeds include His righteous judgments, such as in Revelation 15:3-4, which speaks of God's "just and true" ways.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 64:9 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "work of God" and "his doing" are supremely demonstrated in the life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection of Jesus, which collectively represent God's decisive and ultimate intervention in human history. The cross, in particular, is the preeminent display of God's perfect justice against sin and His boundless love for humanity, where the hidden schemes of evil, sin, and death were decisively defeated. As Colossians 2:15 declares, Christ "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame by triumphing over them in him." The awe and "fear" that "all men" shall experience are most fully realized in the universal recognition of Christ's Lordship, as prophesied in Philippians 2:9-11, where "every knee should bow...and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." The command to "declare the work of God" becomes the very essence of the Great Commission, the mandate to proclaim the Gospel—the good news of God's saving work in Christ—to all nations. Finally, to "wisely consider of his doing" is to profoundly grasp the magnificent redemptive plan of God revealed in Christ, understanding the divine wisdom of God's seemingly foolish plan of salvation through the cross, as powerfully described in 1 Corinthians 1:18-25. Jesus is the ultimate manifestation of God's righteous judgment and redemptive power, compelling all who truly encounter Him to fear, declare, and wisely consider His unparalleled work.