Psalm 64:5

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 64:1-6

David, in these verses, puts in before God a representation of his own danger and of his enemies? character, to enforce his petition that God would protect him and punish them. I. He earnestly begs of God to preserve him (Ps. 64:1, 2): Hear my voice, O God! in my prayer; that is, grant me the thing I pray for, and this is it, Lord, preserve my life from fear of the enemy, that is, fro the enemy that I am in fear of. He makes request for his life, which is, in a particular manner, dear to him,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 64:5

They encourage themselves in an evil matter ,.... Or "strengthen him" F3 יהזקו למו "firmant illi", Muis. ; that is, Saul, by making use of arguments and reasonings to induce him to go on in his wicked persecution of David; or they strengthened and hardened themselves in their wickedness, as Saul's courtiers and the enemies of Christ did, and as all wicked men do, when they observe the sentence against them is not speedily executed, Ecclesiastes 8:11 ; they commune of laying... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 64:5

They commune of laying snares - They lay snares to entrap those whom they cannot slay by open attack or private ambush. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 64:5

Verse 5 5They assure themselves in an evil work. He proceeds to complain of the perverse determination with which they pursued their wickedness, and of their combinations amongst themselves; remarking, at the same time, upon the confidence with which they stirred one another up to the most daring acts of iniquity. In this there can be little doubt that they were encouraged by the present state of weakness to which David was reduced in his circumstances, taking occasion, when they found him in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 64:1-10

Two strophes of four verses each ( Psalms 64:1-4 , Psalms 64:7-10 ) are separated by one of two verses ( Psalms 64:5 , Psalms 64:6 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 64:1-10

Man's inhumanity to man. I. DRIVING THE GODLY MAN TO PRAYER . We see many evils we cannot remedy. They move our pity, they stir our indignation. Perhaps we argue and remonstrate; perhaps in a moment of generous impulse we may try our hand at redress. But how little can we do! and our best efforts not only fail, but may even bring ourselves and others into greater trouble ( Exodus 2:11-14 ). In our grief and despair we turn to God; his ear is ever open to the cry of the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 64:1-10

Danger and faith. The psalm was probably written by David at the court of Saul. I. DANGER . ( Psalms 64:2-6 .) 1 . To character . From slander. 2 . To life . ( Psalms 64:1 .) From secret plots and conspiracies. II. FAITH IN GOD . 1 . Expressed in prayer for protection . 2 . That God will destroy the plots of his enemies . ( Psalms 64:7 , Psalms 64:8 .) "The Divine judgment is now painted as if actually fulfilling itself before the very... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 64:5

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

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 64:5-6

Psalms 64:5-6. They encourage themselves Hebrew, יחזקו , jechazeku, they strengthen, or fortify themselves, by firm resolutions, by assured confidence of success, by uniting their counsels and forces together, and by mutual encouragements and exhortations. They say, Who shall see them Their snares are so secretly laid, that they think David cannot discern, nor therefore avoid them. They search out iniquities They study diligently and constantly to find out either matter which they... read more

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