3 Who have whet their tongue like a sword, And have aimed their arrows, even bitter words,
4 That they may shoot in secret places at the perfect: Suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.
5 They encourage themselves in an evil purpose; They commune of laying snares privily; They say, Who will see them?
6 They search out iniquities; We have accomplished, `say they', a diligent search: And the inward thought and the heart of every one is deep.
7 But God will shoot at them; With an arrow suddenly shall they be wounded.
8 So they shall be made to stumble, their own tongue being against them: All that see them shall wag the head.
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Commentary on Psalms 64 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 64
Ps 64:1-10. A prayer for deliverance from cunning and malicious enemies, with a confident view of their overthrow, which will honor God and give joy to the righteous.
1. preserve … fear—as well as the danger producing it.
2. insurrection—literally, "uproar," noisy assaults, as well as their secret counsels.
3, 4. Similar figures for slander (Ps 57:4; 59:7).
bend—literally, "tread," or, "prepared." The allusion is to the mode of bending a bow by treading on it; here, and in Ps 58:7, transferred to arrows.
4. the perfect—one innocent of the charges made (Ps 18:23).
fear not—(Ps 55:19), not regarding God.
5. A sentiment here more fully presented, by depicting their deliberate malice.
6. This is further evinced by their diligent efforts and deeply laid schemes.
7. The contrast is heightened by representing God as using weapons like theirs.
8. their … tongue to fall, &c.—that is, the consequences of their slanders, &c. (compare Ps 10:2; 31:16).
all that see … away—Their partners in evil shall be terrified.
9, 10. Men, generally, will acknowledge God's work, and the righteous, rejoicing in it, shall be encouraged to trust Him (Ps 58:10).