But God shoots his arrow at them; they are wounded suddenly.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights a divine reversal: just as the wicked aimed their words and schemes like arrows, God turns their own weapons against them. This isn't just punishment; it's a stark demonstration of how God makes the evil people devise boomerang back onto their own heads.
But God shoots his arrow at them; they are wounded suddenly.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist has been detailing the wicked's secret plots and malicious words, comparing them to hidden arrows and traps. He expresses frustration that their schemes seem to go unnoticed and unpunished. This verse marks a turning point, shifting from the psalmist's distress over his enemies' actions to a confident declaration that God will intervene.
The wicked plot and shoot their arrows of malice. But who ultimately holds the bow?
The psalm powerfully illustrates a divine 'turnabout.' The very weapons the wicked prepare for others are turned back on them by God. This isn't just poetic justice; it's a profound truth about how God handles those who actively work against righteousness. He doesn't need elaborate human strategies; a single 'arrow' from His hand is enough.
This is a consistent theme in Scripture: 'He traps the wicked in the works of their own hands' (Psalm 9:15). God allows their schemes to unfold, not because He's unaware, but because their own devices will ultimately be their downfall, executed by His hand.
The wicked feel safe, confident in their hidden plots. What happens when that security shatters?
The word 'suddenly' is key here. It speaks to the complete surprise and shock the wicked experience when judgment falls. They are so entrenched in their schemes, so convinced of their impunity, that they are caught completely off guard. Their prosperity and secrecy breed a false sense of security.
This suddenness highlights God's sovereignty and His perfect timing. While their plots might seem to drag on, God's intervention is swift and decisive, shattering their illusions and bringing swift retribution when they least expect it.
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chets · Hebrew Noun
A weapon used in battle or for hunting, frequently used metaphorically in Scripture to represent God’s swift and accurate judgment upon the wicked.
The verse speaks to a divine reversal where enemies who plot destruction find themselves suddenly and unexpectedly struck down by God's judgment, mirroring their own malicious intent.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
David's Troubled Reign
David, the likely author, faced numerous enemies and conspiracies throughout his reign, often feeling threatened by treacherous plots and slander.
c. 1030-970 BC
Saul's Pursuit of David
King Saul, driven by jealousy, relentlessly pursued David, viewing him as a threat. This intense period of persecution involved secret plots and attacks.
c. 970 BC
Death of Saul and Archery Incident
In the battle against the Philistines, King Saul and his sons died. Some interpretations suggest this event, where Saul was wounded by archers, is foreshadowed.
This passage shares the powerful imagery of the wicked digging a pit and falling into it themselves, mirroring the sudden retribution described in Psalm 64:7.
Jeremiah 8:11This verse speaks of proclaiming 'peace and safety' when 'sudden destruction' comes upon the wicked, echoing the unexpected downfall described in Psalm 64:7.
1 Samuel 31:3This historical account depicts archers sorely wounding Saul, which could be seen as a real-world example of the 'arrows' and sudden wounding mentioned prophetically in Psalm 64:7.
Romans 8:1This verse declares 'there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,' offering a stark contrast to the condemnation and sudden judgment faced by the wicked in Psalm 64:7.
Matthew 7:12Jesus' teaching to 'do to others what you would have them do to you' is the principle behind the 'tables being turned' when God deals with the wicked as they intended to deal with others, as suggested in Psalm 64:7.
barnesPsalms 64:7: "But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded."
But God shall shoot at them with an arrow - That is, Instead of their being able to carry out their purposes of shooting the arrows which they had prepared against others, God will shoot his arrows against them. The tables will be turned. They themselves will experience what they had intended to inflict on others. God will deal with them as they intended to deal with others. The sentiment here is substanti…
calvinPsalms 64:7-10: "But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded."
- And God shall shoot an arrow at them; suddenly shall they be wounded. 8. And they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: and all that see them shall flee away. [441] 9. And all men shall see, and shall declare the work of God, and shall understand [442] what he hath done. 10. The righteous shall be glad in Jehovah, and shall hope in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.
7 And…
The verse highlights a divine reversal: just as the wicked aimed their words and schemes like arrows, God turns their own weapons against them. This isn't just punishment; it's a stark demonstration of how God makes the evil people devise boomerang back onto their own heads.
The psalmist has been detailing the wicked's secret plots and malicious words, comparing them to hidden arrows and traps. He expresses frustration that their schemes seem to go unnoticed and unpunished. This verse marks a turning point, shifting from the psalmist's distress over his enemies' actions to a confident declaration that God will intervene.
The psalmist has been detailing the wicked's secret plots and malicious words, comparing them to hidden arrows and traps. He expresses frustration that their schemes seem to go unnoticed and unpunished. This verse marks a turning point, shifting from the psalmist's distress over his enemies' actions to a confident declaration that God will intervene.
"But God shoots his arrow at them; they are wounded suddenly." — The verse highlights a divine reversal: just as the wicked aimed their words and schemes like arrows, God turns their own weapons against them. This isn't just punishment; it's a stark demonstration…
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Last reviewed October 2026