Psalm 64: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on God’s Protection from Wicked Plots

Executive Summary ✨

Psalm 64, a fervent plea for divine protection, resonates deeply with the Coptic Orthodox understanding of spiritual warfare. This psalm is not merely a lament but a powerful affirmation of God’s sovereignty and his unwavering commitment to shielding the righteous from the machinations of the wicked. King David, experiencing the tangible threat of enemies plotting in secret, implores God to hear his voice, preserve his life, and ultimately bring justice upon those who seek his harm. This Psalm offers enduring wisdom for believers facing adversity, reminding us to seek refuge in God, trusting in His power to expose evil and deliver His faithful. We, like David, can find solace in knowing that God is our shield and our defender, forever attentive to the cries of His children. This is a profound meditation on finding divine protection from wicked plots.

Introduction: Psalm 64 offers a timeless perspective on the struggles faced by the righteous in a world rife with wickedness. David’s passionate plea for deliverance serves as a powerful reminder of God’s attentiveness to our cries and His unwavering commitment to protect those who trust in Him. Let us delve into this Psalm and uncover the profound spiritual lessons it holds for us today.

Commentary on Psalm 64: Verse by Verse

Verse 1

Hebrew: לַמְנַצֵּחַ מִזְמֹור לְדָוִד׃ שְׁמַע־אֱלֹהִים קֹולִי בְשִׂיחִי מִפַּחַד אֹויֵב תִּצֹּר חַיָּי׃

KJV: Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.

NKJV: Hear my voice, O God, in my meditation; Preserve my life from fear of the enemy.

Commentary: David begins with a direct and fervent plea, “Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer.” This isn’t a passive request; it’s an urgent cry for divine attention. The Hebrew word for “prayer” here can also be translated as “meditation” or “complaint” highlighting the intensity of David’s emotional state. He recognizes God as the only one who can truly preserve his life. The “fear of the enemy” is not just a physical threat, but also the spiritual terror that accompanies the plots of the wicked. It is a cry for both physical and spiritual deliverance. For modern believers, this verse underscores the importance of persistent prayer, especially when facing persecution or spiritual attack. We can learn more about services to enhance security at services to better protect our loved ones. We must approach God with the same earnestness, trusting in His ability to shield us from harm.

Verse 2

Hebrew: תַּסְתִּירֵנִי מִסֹּוד מְרֵעִים מֵרִגְשַׁת פֹּעֲלֵי אָוֶן׃

KJV: Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:

NKJV: Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked, From the insurrection of the workers of iniquity,

Commentary: David implores God to “hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked.” The “secret counsel” suggests that the wicked are plotting in secrecy, indicating the insidious nature of their evil. The phrase “workers of iniquity” describes those actively engaged in perpetrating injustice. The Coptic Orthodox Church teaches that evil thrives in darkness, away from the light of God’s truth. St. Athanasius, in *Contra Gentes*, reminds us that “the devil himself, who is the instigator of all wickedness, shuns the light and prefers to dwell in darkness” (*ὁ γὰρ διάβολος αὐτὸς, ὁ τῆς κακίας πάσης ἐγχειριστής, τὸ φῶς φεύγει καὶ ἐν σκότει οἰκεῖν προτιμᾷ*). We are called to expose evil with truth and prayer, relying on God to dismantle the plots of the wicked. Practically, this verse calls us to discernment, recognizing the subtle ways in which evil can manifest and seeking God’s wisdom to navigate complex situations.

Verse 3

Hebrew: אֲשֶׁר שָׁנְנוּ כַחֶרֶב לְשֹׁונָם דָּרְכוּ חִצָּם דָּבָר מָר׃

KJV: Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:

NKJV: Who sharpen their tongue like a sword, And bend their bows to shoot their arrows—bitter words,

Commentary: This verse vividly depicts the weaponry of the wicked: their tongues are “sharpened like a sword,” and their words are “bitter arrows.” This imagery conveys the destructive power of malicious speech. In the Coptic tradition, we understand that words can be instruments of both healing and destruction. James 3:5-6 similarly cautions against the untamed tongue, stating that it is “a fire, a world of iniquity.” The “bitter words” are not just unpleasant but are designed to inflict pain, wound, and ultimately destroy. For Coptic Christians, this is a call to guard our tongues, speaking words of edification, love, and truth, rather than contributing to the cycle of negativity and harm. We should also pray for those who use their words to wound, asking God to soften their hearts and guide them towards righteousness.

Verse 4

Hebrew: לִירוֹת בַּמִּסְתָּרִים תָּם פִּתְאֹם יִירֻהוּ וְלֹא יִירָאוּ׃

KJV: That they may shoot secretly at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.

NKJV: That they may shoot secretly at the blameless; Suddenly they shoot at him and do not fear.

Commentary: The wicked “shoot secretly at the blameless,” emphasizing their cowardly and underhanded tactics. They strike suddenly, without warning, revealing their lack of conscience or fear of retribution. The term “blameless” describes those who strive to live righteously before God, making them targets for those who resent goodness and truth. St. Cyril of Alexandria, in his commentary on Isaiah, notes that “the righteous are always hated by the wicked because their very existence is a rebuke to their unrighteousness” (*οἱ δίκαιοι πάντοτε μισοῦνται ὑπὸ τῶν ἀσεβῶν, διότι αὐτὴ ἡ ὕπαρξις αὐτῶν ἐλέγχει τὴν ἀδικίαν αὐτῶν*). For contemporary believers, this verse serves as a reminder that persecution often comes unexpectedly. We must remain vigilant, grounded in faith, and prepared to face adversity with courage and trust in God’s protection. This also means showing compassion to those who persecute us, praying for their repentance and transformation.

Verse 5

Hebrew: יְחַזְּקוּ־לָמוֹ דָּבָר רָע יְסַפְּרוּ לִטְמוֹן מֹוקְשִׁים אָמְרוּ מִי יִרְאֶה־לָמֹו׃

KJV: They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?

NKJV: They encourage themselves in an evil way; They talk of laying snares secretly; They say, “Who will see them?”

Commentary: The wicked “encourage themselves in an evil way,” indicating a deliberate and calculated pursuit of wickedness. They conspire to “lay snares secretly,” revealing their intention to deceive and trap the innocent. Their question, “Who will see them?” reflects their arrogance and belief that they can escape accountability. This verse highlights the collaborative nature of evil and the delusion that wickedness can remain hidden. The Coptic Church emphasizes the importance of community and mutual support in resisting temptation. We must be wary of those who encourage us towards unrighteousness and seek accountability with fellow believers. This also serves as a warning against the dangers of pride, which can blind us to our own sin and lead us to believe we are above reproach.

Verse 6

Hebrew: יַחְפְּשׂוּ־עֹולֹות תַּמְנוּ חֵפֶשׂ מְחֻפָּשׂ וְקֶרֶב אִישׁ וְלֵב עָמֹק׃

KJV: They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep.

NKJV: They devise iniquities: “We have perfected a shrewd scheme.” Both the inward thought and the heart of each of them are deep.

Commentary: This verse emphasizes the diligence and depth of the wicked’s plotting. They “search out iniquities,” indicating their relentless pursuit of evil. Their “inward thought and the heart” are described as “deep,” suggesting a profound and entrenched commitment to wickedness. Their scheming is complex and well-planned. However, this verse contains a hint of irony. While the wicked believe they are clever and undetectable, God sees all. The Book of Wisdom 1:6 states, “For wisdom is a loving spirit, and will not acquit a blasphemer of his words; because God is witness of his reins, and a true beholder of his heart, and an hearer of his tongue.” The Coptic tradition emphasizes the all-seeing nature of God. We are reminded that nothing is hidden from His gaze. While the wicked may believe they are acting in secret, their deeds are ultimately known to God, who will bring them to justice.

Verse 7

Hebrew: וַיִּירֵם אֱלֹהִים חֵץ פִּתְאֹום הָיוּ מַכֹּותָם׃

KJV: But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded.

NKJV: But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; Suddenly they shall be wounded.

Commentary: Here is the turning point! Despite their secret plots and malicious intentions, “God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded.” This verse underscores the swift and unexpected nature of God’s judgment. The wicked, confident in their ability to escape detection, are suddenly struck down by divine intervention. This “arrow” symbolizes God’s power and justice, penetrating through their deceit and bringing swift retribution. In the Coptic understanding, this demonstrates God’s ultimate authority and His unwavering commitment to upholding righteousness. This verse is a testament to the fact that evil, no matter how carefully planned, will ultimately be exposed and punished by God. It offers hope and reassurance to those who are suffering at the hands of the wicked, reminding them that God’s justice will prevail.

Verse 8

Hebrew: וַיַּכְשִׁילוּהוּ עָלֵימוֹ לְשֹׁונָם יִתְנֹדֲדוּ כֹּל־רֹאֵה בָם׃

KJV: So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away.

NKJV: So they will make their own tongue stumble against themselves; All who see them will flee away.

Commentary: The wicked, in their attempt to harm others with their tongues, will ultimately cause their own downfall. “So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves.” Their own words, intended to wound and destroy, will become the instrument of their own destruction. This verse illustrates the principle of sowing and reaping. Those who sow seeds of wickedness will inevitably reap a harvest of destruction. The second part of the verse, “all that see them shall flee away,” suggests that the wicked will become objects of shame and revulsion. This is a powerful reminder that God will turn the tables on the wicked, using their own tactics against them. For the modern believer, this verse offers comfort and encouragement. We can trust that God will not only protect us from the plots of the wicked but will also ensure that they ultimately face the consequences of their actions.

Verse 9

Hebrew: וַיִּירְאוּ כָּל־אָדָם וַיַּגִּידוּ פֹּעַל אֱלֹהִים וּמַעֲשֵׂהוּ הִשְׂכִּילוּ׃

KJV: And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing.

NKJV: All men shall fear, And shall declare the work of God; For they shall wisely consider His doing.

Commentary: “And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God.” The downfall of the wicked will inspire awe and reverence in others, leading them to acknowledge God’s power and justice. This “fear” is not a fear of terror, but a profound respect and recognition of God’s sovereignty. People will “wisely consider His doing,” meaning they will reflect on God’s righteous actions and learn from them. This verse highlights the redemptive aspect of God’s judgment. While the wicked are punished, their downfall serves as a testimony to God’s power and encourages others to turn to Him. The Coptic tradition emphasizes the importance of bearing witness to God’s grace and justice in our lives. We are called to share our experiences of God’s protection and deliverance, inspiring others to trust in Him. This verse encourages us to view adversity as an opportunity to glorify God and point others towards His saving power.

Verse 10

Hebrew: יִשְׂמַח צַדִּיק בַּיהוָה וְחָסָה בוֹ וְיִתְהַלְלוּ כָּל־יִשְׁרֵי־לֵב׃

KJV: The righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.

NKJV: The righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and trust in Him. And all the upright in heart shall glory.

Commentary: The psalm concludes with a triumphant declaration: “The righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.” The downfall of the wicked leads to rejoicing among the righteous. Their joy is not rooted in schadenfreude, but in the vindication of God’s justice and the affirmation of His faithfulness. “Trust in Him” emphasizes the importance of placing our reliance on God, even in the midst of adversity. “All the upright in heart shall glory” signifies that those who remain true to God will ultimately be vindicated and honored. The Coptic Church emphasizes the importance of maintaining joy and hope, even in the face of suffering. We are called to fix our eyes on Christ, trusting that He will ultimately triumph over evil. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God’s promises are true, and that those who remain faithful to Him will ultimately experience His blessings and His glory. This is the ultimate divine protection from wicked plots.

Subtopic: The Significance of ‘Secret Counsel’ in Psalm 64 💡

The phrase “secret counsel” appears in verse 2 and is central to understanding the nature of the threats David faced. It reveals much about the dynamics of evil.

• Secrecy and Deception: Evil often thrives in secrecy, using deception and manipulation to achieve its goals. The secrecy allows evil to spread unnoticed and unchallenged.
• Planning and Conspiracy: The “secret counsel” implies careful planning and conspiracy among the wicked, highlighting the deliberate nature of their actions.
• Spiritual Warfare: In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, we understand that this “secret counsel” reflects the hidden machinations of spiritual forces of darkness. We must be aware of the spiritual forces that influence actions on earth.
• Vigilance and Discernment: The emphasis on secrecy underscores the need for vigilance and discernment, urging believers to be aware of the subtle ways in which evil can manifest.
• Trust in God’s Revelation: Ultimately, God reveals the “secret counsel” of the wicked. This should provide reassurance to those facing adversity, knowing that God exposes evil.
• The Importance of Light: Light symbolizes truth and exposure. When the light shines, evil is exposed and loses its power.

FAQ ❓

Q: Why does God allow the wicked to plot in secret for so long?

A: God’s timing is not always our timing. He allows the wicked to plot, in part, to test the faith and perseverance of the righteous, and to ultimately reveal His glory in their deliverance. It also provides opportunity for the wicked to repent.

Q: How can I apply Psalm 64 to my daily life when I feel threatened by evil influences?

A: Pray Psalm 64 daily, meditate on its message of God’s protection, and cultivate a spirit of discernment to recognize the subtle ways in which evil operates. Remember that God sees all and that ultimately, He will bring justice.

Q: What does it mean to “trust in the Lord” as mentioned in verse 10?

A: To “trust in the Lord” means to place our complete reliance on Him, believing in His power, His wisdom, and His love, even when circumstances seem dire. It requires surrendering our fears and anxieties to Him.

Q: How does the Coptic Orthodox Church view the concept of ‘divine protection’ found in Psalm 64?

A: The Coptic Orthodox Church understands ‘divine protection’ as an active and tangible reality. We believe that God intervenes in the lives of those who trust in Him, shielding them from harm and guiding them through trials, as exemplified by the lives of the saints and the martyrs.

Conclusion

Psalm 64 is more than just a prayer for deliverance; it’s a profound declaration of faith and a testament to God’s unwavering commitment to protecting His children. From David’s initial plea for God to hear his voice, to the final rejoicing of the righteous, this psalm offers a powerful message of hope and assurance. We learn that evil, though it may plot in secret, cannot ultimately prevail against the power and justice of God. The wicked will stumble in their own schemes, and the righteous will find joy and refuge in Him. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we are called to embrace this message, seeking God’s protection in prayer, trusting in His faithfulness, and bearing witness to His glory in our lives. Let us always seek divine protection from wicked plots through faith and righteous living, knowing that God’s loving gaze is forever upon us, shielding us from the darkness and guiding us towards the light.

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Psalm 64, David, Coptic Orthodox, divine protection, wicked plots, prayer, spiritual warfare, persecution, justice, faith

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Explore Psalm 64 with a Coptic Orthodox lens. Discover God’s promises of divine protection from wicked plots, offering timeless wisdom for believers facing adversity.