Psalms 64-65
Dear RTB’ers,
Two psalms today, both ascribed to David, and totally different in their content. Psalm 64 is all about David’s enemies while Psalm 65 is all about praise. As to David’s enemies… The first eight verses in Psalm 64 mention the enemies; only the last two, speak of God’s deliverance. The enemies are not named, even as to whether they are local or international, so we cannot go to any specific incidents in II Samuel to look for guidance. However, much of the focus is on their tongue, so we can imagine that these enemies are people somewhat close to David: Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked, from the throng of evildoers, who whet their tongues like swords, who aim bitter words like arrows… (vv. 64:2-3) Sadly, these enemies make secret plots, confident that no one can know their goals. However, God knows – and acts: They … talk of laying snares secretly, thinking, “Who can see them?” … But God shoots His arrow at them; they are brought to ruin, with their own tongues turned against them… (vv. 64:5, 7-8a) He wins, they lose!
Then, the dramatic contrast with all the praise and thankfulness in Psalm 65: Blessed is the one You choose and bring near, to dwell in Your courts! (v. 65:4a) In the bulk of the Psalm David uses creation, the climate, the environment to speak of God’s glory. Creation itself praises God: The pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills gird themselves with joy, the meadows clothe themselves with flocks, the valleys deck themselves with grain, they shout and sing together for joy. (vv. 65:12-13) GLORY!
Blessings.
See also: