READ: Ps. 64:1–11: … Preserve my life from fear of the enemy. Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked … The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and trust in Him. And all the upright in heart shall glory.
Beginning with Psalm 52, David speaks about enemies in every psalm, and so also here. Yet not once does he expect help from men. Time and again he turns to the LORD for help and assistance. Time and again he shows his trust in and gratitude toward the LORD.
This psalm begins with a complaint against the enemy, which he brings before the LORD as an example for us. If we feel ourselves unjustly attacked, whether outside or within the church, then, besides giving a defence or a corrective answer, we may not punish the other person. No, it is for the LORD to judge and to repay, as Deut. 32:35, Rom. 12:19, and Heb. 10:30 say.
Even when deceitful methods are employed, as described in this psalm (vv.3–7), we may not repay in the same way. We must follow the way that Peter points out: “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:7).
This does not mean that we may surrender ourselves to the thinking of the opponent when it deviates from God’s ways, merely in order to preserve outward peace. This requires resistance with the help and strength of the LORD (1 Pet. 5:8–10).
This psalm teach us about the methods and means of the enemies of God’s children. First, we read of a conspiracy within God’s people (v.3). We read of the use of sharp, bitter, injurious words within the church (v.4). James also spoke about this as a fire, set alight by hell; an unruly evil, full of deadly poison (James 3:1–12).
The psalm also mentions the suddenness of the attack, for which the victim is unprepared (v.5). The attackers think that they can get away with it, for: “Who will see them?” In this they take no account of God, or they think that God is on their side because they are the majority (think of the Pharisees and the Inquisition). But however cunningly and confidently these people may act, God will strike them. Therefore the righteous has every reason to always trust in God and to praise Him.
How do we prevent ourselves from speaking evil?
Sing: Ps. 64:1,2,7