Psalm 64

Here is yet another Psalm that takes off from Psalm 1 on the contrast of the righteous and the wicked.  What is the difference?  According to Psalm 1 it is

·         *a difference in the focus of life (walking, standing and sitting in evil versus meditating on the word and things of God); and

·        * a difference in significance (a fruitful life versus a life like chaff which the wind blows away); and

·        * a difference with God (He knows the way of the righteous but the way of the ungodly will perish).

There is further definition of this distinction in Psalm 64. 

·         There is a difference in words. 

Ø  The wicked are said to sharpen their tongue.  They speak against God, that no one will see as they carry out their evil plans.  “We have perfected a shrewd scheme” they say; they think deeply about the evil they want to do.  In the end, God brings retribution (the law of the harvest, getting caught in their own trap).  He will make them stumble over their own tongue!

Ø  But the righteous “declare” the work of God, a term that not only tells us what they say but indicates they will see God’s work so as to be able to declare it in praise.  The words of the righteous will express their gladness in the Lord and their trust in Him.

·         There is most profoundly, a difference in fear.

Ø  The meditation or complaint (v1) of the righteous is prompted by his fear of the enemy.  The word here is pachad meaning terror or dread.  It is easily illustrated these days by the terror that is going on today in Israel.  People have been fearful to be out because of the many stabbings and other acts of terror that are being perpetrated.  To live in that kind of fear is hardly the fruitful life promised to the righteous in Psalm 1.  So the righteous cry out to God because they fear the enemy.

Ø  The workers of iniquity are brash and arrogant.  They do not fear.  But this Hebrew word is different.  It is the same word as in v9 when, in the end, all men shall fear.  The Hebrew is yare and sure enough, it is the term meaning to revere, be in awe of.  Lack of this is the very reason the wicked devise their evil plans, certain they will get away with it.  Having this is the very reason the righteous cry out to the Lord when they fear the enemy.  The righteous know that in the end all men shall fear.

So friends, here is a powerful Song in the Sacred Hymnbook.  We see that in our relationship with God there is no need to live in fear-terror-dread.  And it is the only true wisdom to live in fear-reverence-awe of God the LORD!  What a wonderful promise: The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and trust in Him.  And all the upright in heart shall glory.