Psalm 64:7-10

In Psalm 64:7-10, the composer proclaims his or her confidence that God will respond to the threats of his or her wicked enemies and overthrow them:

"But God will shoot his arrow at them;
they will be wounded suddenly.
Because of their tongue he will bring them to ruin;
all who see them will shake with horror.
Then everyone will fear;
they will tell what God has brought about,
and ponder what he has done.
Let the righteous rejoice in the Lord
and take refuge in him.
Let all the upright in heart glory."

1. The psalmist's wicked enemies aimed bitter words like arrows against her or him, and shot suddenly from ambush at the blameless (verses 3-4). In response, God will shoot his arrow at these enemies, and will wound them suddenly (verse 7). Similar language arising from a similar situation appears in Psalm 7:12-13:
"If one does not repent, God will whet his sword;
he has bent and strung his bow;
he has prepared his deadly weapons,
making his arrows fiery shafts."
God punishes the wicked as they have oppressed the blameless and helpless.
2. Verse 3a says the psalmist's wicked enemies whet their tongues like swords. In response, God will bring them to ruin because of their tongue (verse 8a). God's punishment will be so severe and impactful that all who see it will be stricken with horror (verse 8b).
3. Verse 4b says the psalmist's wicked enemies oppressed the defenseless without fear. In response, when God punishes these enemies, everyone will fear (verse 9a). "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Hebrews 10:31).
4. When people experience God's mighty works in the world and in their lives, it is natural for them to want to "tell" others what God has done. And as they live each day, they cannot help but "ponder" his amazing acts, which reveal his magnificence (verse 9b-c). The composer of Psalm 66 says in verse 16:
"Come and hear, all you who fear God,
and I will tell you what he has done for me."
5. All who hear reports of God's mighty acts will naturally "rejoice" and "glory" in the Lord, and when life's troubles and danger come, will "take refuge in" him (verse 10). See Psalms 16:1; 18:2. God is not pleased with those who merely "appear" to be upright, but delights in those who are truly "upright in heart."

John Willis