Tyndale Open Study NotesPsalms 64

These psalms of David share a common theme. They reflect on the experience of evil. In Psalm 51, the psalmist admits his wrongdoing and asks for God's forgiveness. Psalms 52–64 express sorrow over specific evils David faced. A song of praise (Psalm 65) brings David's laments to an end.

This lament speaks against the destructive plans and arrogant attitude of the wicked (Psalm 64:1–6). The psalmist prays to God and finds comfort in God's justice because the righteous judge will undo the wicked's actions. The godly will rejoice and gain wisdom as they think about God's powerful deeds.

These verses form a prayer for rescue from bold and powerful liars.

their tongues … bitter words: Liars use their words to harm others. This description might also refer to practicing magic.

• The enemies make a plan to harm the innocent without getting caught.

• Human beings can act with extreme evil through words, actions, or plans (Psalm 83:3; see Jeremiah 17:9).

God acts righteously. God stops wickedness and gives the wicked what they intended for others.