They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search; rather, they devise iniquities . We have accomplished ( they say ) a well devised device . So modern critics generally (Hengstenberg, Kay, Cheyne, Canon Cook, Revised Version). Both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep. Therefore the righteous man is in great danger from them, unless God interpose. read more
But God shall shoot at them with an arrow. But God will interpose. As they have shot with their arrows at the righteous ( Psalms 64:3 ), so with his arrow shall God shoot at them . Suddenly shall they be wounded. The first word, "suddenly," may belong equally well either to the preceding or to the following clause. The result is all that is important. Not the righteous, but they themselves, shall receive the wound; literally, their wound shall be . read more
So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves; rather, so shall they be made to stumble ; their own tongue shall be against them . The tongue, which they "whetted like a sword," shall be the principal means of bringing them into trouble (see 2 Samuel 17:1-23 ). All that see them shall flee away; rather, shall wag the head (Cheyne, Revised Version) in derision. read more
And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God. The fate of David's enemies shall cause widespread fear and alarm. Men shall perceive God's hand in it, and shall be led, in consequence, to declare "God's work." The tragic ends of Ahithophel and Absalom were certainly well calculated to impress the minds of men generally, and to strike awe into the hearts of those who had looked with indifference, or even, perhaps, with satisfaction, on the political troubles. For they shall... read more
Hide me - Or, more literally, thou wilt hide me. There is both an implied prayer that this might be done, and a confident belief that it would be done. The idea is, Protect me; guard me; make me safe - as one is who is hidden or concealed so that his enemies cannot find him.From the secret counsel - The word used here - סוד sôd - means properly couch, cushion; and then, a divan, a circle of friends sitting together on couches for familiar conversation, or for counsel. See Psalms 25:14, note;... read more
Who whet their tongue like a sword - Who sharpen their tongue; that is, they utter words that will cut deep, or penetrate the soul. The idea is that of slander or reproach - the same idea which we have in Shakespeare (Cymbeline):“‘Tis slander;Whose edge is sharper than the sword.”This comparison is a favorite one with David. Compare Psalms 52:2; Psalms 57:4; Psalms 59:7.And bend their bows ... - That is, they prepare for this - as they make ready to shoot who bend their bows, and fix their... read more
That they may shoot in secret - From an unobserved quarter; from a place where they are so concealed that it cannot be known where the arrows come from. There was a purpose to ruin him, and at the same time to conceal themselves, or not to let him know from what source the ruin came. It was not an open and manly fight, where he could see his enemy, but it was a warfare with a concealed foe.At the perfect - At the upright; at one who is perfect so far as his treatment of them is concerned.... read more
They encourage themselves - literally, they strengthen themselves, or make themselves strong. That is, they take counsel; they encourage each other; they urge one another forward; they suggest to each other methods by which what they purpose may be done, and by which difficulties may be overcome. This was a part of their “secret counsel” or their consultation, Psalms 64:2.In an evil matter - Margin, as in Hebrew, speech. The reference is to their purpose or plan. They strengthen themselves for... read more
They search out iniquities - They search deep; they examine plans; they rack their invention to accomplish it. The original word - חפשׂ châphaś - is a word which is used to denote the act of exploring - as when one searches for treasure, or for anything that is hidden or lost - implying a deep and close attention of the mind to the subject. So here they examined every plan, or every way which was suggested to them, by which they could hope to accomplish their purpose.They accomplish - This... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 64:5
They encourage themselves in an evil matter; or, in an evil scheme —the plan of making David unpopular, and then raising the standard of open revolt against him ( 2 Samuel 15:1-12 ). They commune of laying snares privily. The ungodly continually set traps for the righteous, who are so simple that they often fall into them. We do not know the exact proceedings of his enemies against David at the time, the narrative of 2 Samuel 15:1-37 being so brief; but it was probably by some... read more