Psalms 64:9

KJV

And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all men {H120} shall fear {H3372}{H8799)}, and shall declare {H5046}{H8686)} the work {H6467} of God {H430}; for they shall wisely consider {H7919}{H8689)} of his doing {H4639}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Everyone is awestruck they acknowledge that it is God at work, they understand what he has done.

Berean Standard Bible

Then all mankind will fear and proclaim the work of God; so they will ponder what He has done.

American Standard Version

And all men shall fear; And they shall declare the work of God, And shall wisely consider of his doing.

Commentary

### 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](/psalms/64-1-6 "Psalms 64:1-6 - David's Earnest Plea Against Secret Enemies"), 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](/psalms/64-7-8 "Psalms 64:7-8 - God's Sudden Retribution"), 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](/psalms/58-10-11 "Psalms 58:10-11 - The Righteous Rejoice in God's Justice"). 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](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom"). 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](/psalms/9-1 "Psalms 9:1 - David's Praise for God's Wonderful Works").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** This term (H3372) is more profound than simple fright. It denotes a deep reverence, awe, and respectful submission to a superior power, especially God. In this context, it signifies a recognition of God's absolute sovereignty and a humble acknowledgment of His just and powerful intervention. It implies a transformative shift in perspective, moving observers from indifference or hostility to a profound, respectful understanding of God's authority and an appropriate response to His manifest power.
* **Declare (Hebrew, _nâgad'_):** This verb (H5046) means to announce, tell, make known, or report. It implies a public, open, and often formal proclamation, not merely private observation. The witnessing of God's "work" compels an outward testimony, making His deeds evident to others. It suggests that God's actions are so clear, impactful, and undeniable that they cannot be ignored but must be spoken about and shared widely.
* **Wisely consider (Hebrew, _sâkal'_):** This word (H7919) implies acting prudently, gaining insight, understanding, and having success through intelligent action. It suggests a thoughtful, discerning, and intelligent reflection on God's actions, moving beyond mere observation to a deep comprehension of His purposes, character, and methods. This leads to a wise and appropriate response, acknowledging God's hand in events and learning from His ways for future conduct and understanding.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all men shall fear":** This initial clause anticipates a universal, or at least widespread and compelling, reaction to God's decisive action against the wicked. The "fear" is not a paralyzing terror but a profound sense of awe and reverence, acknowledging God's omnipotence, justice, and sovereignty. It signifies a recognition of His undeniable presence and active involvement in the world, compelling a response of respect, humility, and proper alignment from those who witness His deeds.
* **"and shall declare the work of God":** Following the internal response of reverent fear, this clause describes the outward, public manifestation of that awe. Those who witness God's intervention will feel compelled to speak about it, to make known His mighty deeds. The "work of God" refers specifically to His act of judgment and deliverance described in the preceding verses, a clear and public demonstration of His righteous character and power. This declaration serves as a vital testimony to His active rule and His commitment to justice.
* **"for they shall wisely consider of his doing":** This final clause provides the profound reason and depth behind the fear and declaration. The observers will not merely see and react superficially, but they will deeply and intelligently reflect upon God's actions. To "wisely consider" implies a process of discernment, understanding, and gaining insight, moving beyond superficial observation to grasp the divine purpose, the inherent justice, and the profound wisdom embedded in God's "doing" (His actions or operations). This thoughtful reflection leads to a proper, reverent, and transformative understanding of God's character and His ways in the world.

#### 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.

* [Psalms 58:10-11](/psalms/58-10-11 "Psalms 58:10-11 - The Righteous Rejoice in God's Justice")
* [Isaiah 5:16](/isaiah/5-16 "Isaiah 5:16 - God Exalted in Justice and Righteousness")
* [Revelation 15:3-4](/revelation/15-3-4 "Revelation 15:3-4 - The Song of Moses and the Lamb")

### 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
* **How does witnessing God's justice or intervention, whether in biblical accounts or in contemporary events, affect your own sense of awe and reverence for Him?**
* **In what practical ways are you called to "declare the work of God" in your own sphere of influence, whether through your words, your actions, or your testimony?**
* **What does it mean for you to "wisely consider of his doing" in the face of current global events, personal challenges, or the unfolding narrative of God's redemptive history?**
* **How does this verse encourage you to trust in God's ultimate sovereignty and justice, even when His intervention seems delayed or His ways appear obscured to human understanding?**

### 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](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow"), 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](/revelation/15-3-4 "Revelation 15:3-4 - The Song of Moses and the Lamb"), 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](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Evil") 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](/philipians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation and Universal Confession"), 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](/1_corinthians/1-18-25 "1 Corinthians 1:18-25 - The Wisdom of God in Christ Crucified"). 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.

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

Jeremiah 51:10

The LORD hath brought forth our righteousness: come, and let us declare in Zion the work of the LORD our God.

Jeremiah 50:28

The voice of them that flee and escape out of the land of Babylon, to declare in Zion the vengeance of the LORD our God, the vengeance of his temple.

Psalms 40:3

And he hath put a new song in my mouth, [even] praise unto our God: many shall see [it], and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

Hosea 14:9

Who [is] wise, and he shall understand these [things]? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD [are] right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.

Psalms 58:11

So that a man shall say, Verily [there is] a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.

Psalms 107:42

The righteous shall see [it], and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth.

Psalms 107:43

Whoso [is] wise, and will observe these [things], even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.