Psalm 64 – Seeking divine protection from slanders

Psalm 64 is another Psalm written by David. Like many of his other Psalms, this one was written for the choir director also. Neatly this poem divides itself into two parts: verses 1-6, he appealed to God against the schemes of the wicked, then in verses 7-10, he envisaged the wicked being reckoned.

The flaw of the wicked certainly centred in their speech. There is real potency in what a person says. Hence we are told in the book of proverbs that life and death lies in the power of the tongue. And the wicked always major in death speeches. So David knew the potential havoc it could create. Here he complaint to God about it and asked to be protected from those malicious slanders. He described the words of his enemies as sword and arrow – sharp and piercing. Their slanders would be let loose on the blameless covertly and relentlessly without any fear. Every word was firmly rooted in evil intention, as well as thought out schemes, set up to ensnare and trap the blameless. What David was saying was that the depth of their wicked intent could not be fully fathomed. They had hardened heart and conscience. We can safely conclude that at the depth of the being of the wicked, they do not consider or factor God into their equation.     

Verses 7-10 show us the contrast effect that would happen to their wicked schemes. David knew with certainty that God would act just as swift and would bring about appropriate judgment. He would thwart their plans and bring them to naught. They would be frustrated by their own tongues. The righteous would rejoice and make God their refuge and find their glory in Him.

     

We all know the potential of slanders but we cannot prevent them. Very often they are spoken behind our back. Our surest protection is God, so we can tell Him about it. He has the capacity to frustrate every malicious lie spread about us. In fact those who speak those falsehood against you may find their words coming back to roost. This Psalm teaches us to trust God to conceal us, and keep us from the impact of those malicious lies. God will help us to triumph over them.