Psalms 64:5

_THEY ENCOURAGE THEMSELVES IN AN EVIL MATTER: THEY COMMUNE OF LAYING SNARES PRIVILY; THEY SAY, WHO SHALL SEE THEM?_ They encourage themselves in an evil matter - literally, 'They confirm for themselves an evil matter' or 'word.' THEY COMMUNE - each one proposing his plan in the secret council. THEY SAY, WHO SHALL SEE THEM? - literally, 'Who shall see concerning them?'-namely, concerning the "snares" which they 'lay privily.' They flatter themselves God takes no cognizance of, because He does not immediately punish, their plots (Psalms 10:11; Psalms 59:7)....

5_They 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 poverty and exile, and without means of resistance, to persecute him with the greater freedom. Having adverted to them as being beyond hope of amendment, and incapable of any impressions of humanity, he speaks of their meeting together to plot his destruction; and, in connection with this, of the unbounded confidence which they were led to display, from a belief that their designs were not seen. It is wel...

1-6 The psalmist earnestly begs of God to preserve him from disquieting fear. The tongue is a little member, but it boasts great things. The upright man is the mark at which the wicked aim, they cannot speak peaceably either of him or to him. There is no guard against a false tongue. It is bad to do wrong, but worse to encourage ourselves and one another in it. It is a sign that the heart is hardened to the greatest degree, when it is thus fully set to do evil. A practical disbelief of God's knowledge of all things, is at the bottom of every wickedness. The benefit of a good cause and a good conscience, appears most when nothing can help a man against his enemies, save God alone, who is always a present help....

Verse Psalms 64:5. _THEY COMMUNE OF LAYING SNARES_] They lay snares to _entrap_ those whom they cannot slay by _open_ attack or private _ambush_....

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 doing what they know to be a wrong or wicked thing. THEY COMMUNE - literally, they tell or speak. That is, they tell each other how it may be done, or suggest different methods by which it may be successfully accomplishled. They compare views, that they may select that which will be most

EXPOSITION AT a time of great danger from domestic enemies, who threaten insurrection (Psalms 64:2), the psalmist first complains to God, and entreats his aid (Psalms 64:1); after which he boldly denounces his foes, and threatens them with discomfiture (Psalms 64:7, Psalms 64:8). Finally, he draws a lesson from their fate, of warning to men in general (Psalms 64:9), and of encouragement to the righteous (Psalms 64:10). The author is probably David,

THEY ENCOURAGE THEMSELVES [IN] AN EVIL MATTER,.... Or "strengthen him" c; 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 SNARES PRIVILY; that is, they conversed together, and consulted how to lay snares for the perfect man in the most private manner, that they might entrap him and destroy him; THEY SAY, WHO SHALL SEE THEM? either the snares laid, or the persons that laid them? None; no, not even God himself; see Psalms 10:11. c

Psalms 64 The Wicked and their End _ 1. The power of the wicked displaced (Psalms 64:1)_ 2. Their sudden end (Psalms 64:7) This Psalm stands in contrast with the preceding ones. The outward circumstances, the deeds and power of the wicked, are seen again. But suddenly the Lord will act and strike down the wicked. He will avenge His own elect, who cry day and night unto Him. (See Luke 18:1. The widow in this parable is the godly Israelitish remnant.)...

LXIV. PRAYER OF A RIGHTEOUS MAN AGAINST TREACHEROUS FOES. Psalms 64:6. The text needs correction. We may read, They plan evil deeds: they have hidden a well-devised plot, for the inner man is incurable and their heart is deep. Psalms 64:8. Read, He shall make them stumble because of their tongue....

EVIL. Hebrew. _ra'a'._ App-44....