Psalms 64:2-4
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, shooting from ambush at the blameless, shooting at him suddenly and without fear.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse reveals a dual threat: the subtle, hidden plotting of adversaries ("secret counsel") and the more overt, noisy chaos of their actions ("insurrection"). David isn't just asking to be hidden from danger, but from the very ways in which danger takes shape against him.
The psalmist is under threat, feeling exposed to enemies who are not only openly hostile but are also secretly plotting against him. He's crying out to God for protection, not just from their general wickedness but specifically from their hidden schemes and the noisy, violent opposition they stir up. This plea sets the stage for the rest of the psalm, which details these plots and anticipates God's righteous intervention.
The psalmist isn't just worried about any kind of trouble. He's facing threats that come in two distinct forms.
David cries out to God, asking to be hidden from two specific dangers:
David recognizes that his enemies are dangerous not only in their calculated, hidden malice but also in their potential for public, violent action. He needs God's protection from both the calculated strategy and the unleashed chaos.
When David asks God to 'hide' him, what does that really mean in the face of such threats?
The plea to be 'hidden' isn't about disappearing or avoiding reality. It's a deep trust in God's power to protect.
Understand the original words
rasha · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Those who act in opposition to God’s law and His people, characterized by moral depravity and hostility toward righteousness.
rigshah · Hebrew Noun
A collective group or tumultuous gathering, often implying a coordinated crowd of people working toward a common, malicious goal.
po'al 'aven · Hebrew Noun phrase
A person who habitually practices evil; one whose character and actions are consistently against God’s standard.
tam · Hebrew Adjective
Refers to moral integrity; one who is free from guilt or defect, living in obedience to God’s law.
This psalm reflects a time of intense personal danger, where the psalmist felt threatened by both hidden conspiracies and public upheaval, common experiences during periods of political instability in ancient Israel.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
David's Reign as King
David's reign was marked by significant political and military challenges, including internal strife and external threats, leading to numerous plots against him.
c. 970 BC
Absalom's Rebellion
Absalom's rebellion against David involved a widespread conspiracy and open insurrection, forcing David to flee Jerusalem and highlighting the danger of secret plots turning into open revolt.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom split into Israel and Judah, leading to ongoing political instability and conflicts between the two nations.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Assyrian conquest of the northern kingdom of Israel resulted in the deportation of its people and demonstrated the devastating consequences of internal weakness and external aggression.
This passage mirrors the psalmist's plea, describing betrayal by someone close and the enemy's deceitful words that are like weapons.
Proverbs 1:10-11This proverb directly addresses the temptation to join in wicked plots, warning against listening to those who plot evil and seek to harm others.
Jeremiah 11:18-19This passage describes a similar situation where enemies plot destruction against the prophet, highlighting the deep-seated malice behind their schemes.
Matthew 26:3-5This New Testament account shows the religious leaders secretly plotting Jesus' arrest, demonstrating how 'secret plots' continue throughout history.
barnesPsalms 64:2: "Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:"
Hide me - Or, more literally, thou wilt hide me. There is both an implied prayer that this might be done, and a confident belief that it would be done. The idea is, Protect me; guard me; make me safe - as one is who is hidden or concealed so that his enemies cannot find him. From the secret counsel - The word used here - סוד sôd - means properly couch, cushion; and then, a divan, a…
poolePsalms 64:2: "Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:"
From the secret counsel, i.e. from the ill effects of their plots against me.
The verse reveals a dual threat: the subtle, hidden plotting of adversaries ("secret counsel") and the more overt, noisy chaos of their actions ("insurrection"). David isn't just asking to be hidden from danger, but from the very ways in which danger takes shape against him.
The psalmist is under threat, feeling exposed to enemies who are not only openly hostile but are also secretly plotting against him. He's crying out to God for protection, not just from their general wickedness but specifically from their hidden schemes and the noisy, violent opposition they stir up. This plea sets the stage for the rest of the psalm, which details these plots and anticipates God's righteous intervention.
The psalmist is under threat, feeling exposed to enemies who are not only openly hostile but are also secretly plotting against him. He's crying out to God for protection, not just from their general wickedness but specifically from their hidden schemes and the noisy, violent opposition they stir up. This plea sets the stage for the rest of the psalm, which details these plots and anticipates God's righteous intervention.
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c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
The Babylonian conquest of Judah and destruction of Jerusalem led to the exile of many Israelites, a time of great suffering and reflection on divine justice.
"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, shooting from ambush at the blameless, shooting at him suddenly and wi…" — The verse reveals a dual threat: the subtle, hidden plotting of adversaries ("secret counsel") and the more overt, noisy chaos of their actions ("insurrection"). David isn't just asking to be hidden…
