The Bible Says
Psalm 64:7-10 Meaning

In Psalm 64:7-10, David depicts a sudden and decisive demonstration of God’s active justice when he writes, But God will shoot at them with an arrow; Suddenly they will be wounded (v. 7). In this scene, the Lord intervenes against those who speak evil or lay hidden traps, emphasizing that such conspirators cannot ultimately escape His notice. Despite the hidden nature of their schemes, God’s response arrives with swiftness, showing that no one, no matter how carefully they plot, can stand against His perfect wisdom and authority. This spiritual principle aligns with many passages throughout Scripture in which God protects His people and judges wrongdoing.

The psalm builds on this divine intervention by noting, So they will make him stumble; Their own tongue is against them; All who see them will shake the head (v. 8). The words an evildoer uses to harm others become the very tools of his own downfall. This emphasizes the internal consequences of sin - those who seek to bring destruction upon others with malicious words eventually face the collapse of their own plans. It also shows a measure of poetic justice, where the judgments from God often arise from people’s own destructive devices, bringing them to shame in the sight of all.

As the psalm continues, it proclaims, Then all men will fear, And they will declare the work of God, And will consider what He has done (v. 9). This points to a collective awakening when humanity observes God exposing and addressing injustice. All people are moved to a holy fear and reverence for the Lord, recognizing that He sees the intents of the heart and can act in ways that reveal His righteousness. This fear extends beyond individuals, rippling through entire communities and pointing them to the greatness of God’s justice - a theme that resonates powerfully with New Testament teachings of Christ’s authority over every realm (Matthew 28:18).

The conclusion of these verses contains a promise of hope and joy for those who stand with God: The righteous man will be glad in the LORD and will take refuge in Him; And all the upright in heart will glory (v. 10). This highlights that, amid adversity, the faithful person can rejoice because God is both protector and provider. While the wicked experience the sudden intervention of God's judgment, the upright gain a deeper confidence in God’s steadfast love. By taking refuge in the Lord, the righteous discover the ultimate source of security and a cause for praise and thanksgiving.