Psalms 64 - Introduction

This psalm is described as a “psalm of David,” and it bears internal evidence that it was composed by him, as it contains first, a prayer for deliverance from enemies Psalms 64:1; and second, a confident expectation of deliverance, Psalms 64:7; a form of structure found in many of the psalms written by David. It is addressed, or dedicated, as many others are, “To the chief Musician.” This fact shows that it was not designed as an expression of mere private feeling, but was intended to be employed in the worship of God. See the notes at the Introduction to Psalms 4:1.

The occasion on which this psalm was composed is unknown. In its general structure and character, it bears a strong resemblance to Psalms 58:1. Indeed, many of the expressions in the two psalms are the same, and it would seem probable that it was composed with reference to the same occasion, or that the circumstances in the two cases were so similar as to make the same expressions in the main appropriate. The occasion may have been, either the times of persecution under Saul, or the rebellion of Absalom. Perhaps we may suppose, without impropriety, that the former psalm Psalms 58:1 was composed in the time of Saul, and this in the time of Absalom, and that the circumstances in the two eases were so similar, that the author found the same phraseology which he had used on the former occasion to be appropriate to his present position, or that his feelings were so identical now with what they were then, that he naturally expressed himself in substantially the same language.

The psalm, as observed above, is composed of two parts:

I. A prayer for deliverance from his enemies, with a description of their character, Psalms 64:1.

II. An expression of confident expectation that his prayer would be answered, and that God would interpose in his behalf, Psalms 64:7.