Seventh-day Adventist Bible CommentaryPsalms 64

Prayer. Heb. śiach, “concern”; also translated “complaint” (Ps. 55:2).

Secret counsel. Or, “confidential talk” (see on Ps. 25:14). Insurrection. Heb. rigshah, “tumult,” contrasted with the secret conversations referred to in the first part of the verse.

Bitter words. That is, words of malice; the phrase has become common in English. Nothing is more cruel than the attack of a lying tongue.

In secret. Literally, “in hiding places” (see Ps. 10:8). Perfect. Heb. tam, “complete,” “right,” “peaceful” (see on Job 1:1). The psalmist here refers to himself as morally blameless as far as the things of which he is accused are concerned. Fear not. The enemies of the psalmist are evidently not afraid of either God or man (see Ps. 55:19).

Matter. Literally, “word.” The language of the wicked plotters is evil. They say. That is, to themselves. Who shall see them? They flatter themselves that God pays no attention to them.

Search out. They search for and examine every plan that might aid them in accomplishing their wicked purposes. Diligent search. Verses 2–6 describe the restless activity of the wicked. Aided by the master mind of evil, the unrighteous zealously “search out” iniquity, carefully plan its execution, diligently prepare for action, and suddenly strike when the moment is opportune. It would be well for the righteous to be as diligent in the practice of righteousness. Too often godliness becomes an entirely passive matter. No growth in grace is discernible, no new exploits for God are planned. The words of Christ are pertinent, “The children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light” (Luke 16:8).

Shall shoot. The psalmist gives evidence of his confidence that God will vindicate his cause. With an arrow. The tables will be turned. Instead of the psalmist’s enemies shooting arrows against others (v. 3), God will shoot His arrows at them.

Their own tongue. The instrument that they had used to injure others would be, like a sword (see v. 3), the means of their own destruction. Shall flee away. According to some authorities, from the Heb. nadad, “to retreat,” or “to flee”; according to others, from nud, “to be shaken to and for,” or “to shake oneself [disapprovingly].”

Shall wisely consider. They will see evidence that God delivers His children from the machinations of the wicked.

Be glad. The psalmist expresses his gratitude for deliverance. All the upright. All God’s people, whether involved in the danger that is the subject of the psalm or not, will rejoice in the triumph of the psalmist.