Secret Plots of the Wicked
Study note
David asks God to hide him from the scheming of the wicked who sharpen their tongues like swords and shoot bitter words like arrows. They plot in secret and think no one sees.
1 God, hear my voice as I lay out my complaint before you. Shield my life from the threat my enemy poses. Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.
2 Keep me hidden from the secret plots of the wicked — from the scheming mob of evildoers. Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:
3 They sharpen their tongues until they cut like swords. They load their bitter words like arrows, Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:
4 then shoot at innocent people from their hiding spots. They fire without warning and feel no fear. That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.
5 They cheer each other on in their evil plans. They talk about where to hide their traps and say, "Nobody will ever notice." They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?
6 They design one injustice after another and declare, "Our plan is foolproof!" The scheming of the human heart runs deep. They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep.
God Strikes Back
Study note
God will suddenly shoot at them with his arrow. Their own tongues will bring them down. Everyone will see what God has done and be amazed. The righteous will be glad and take refuge in the Lord.
7 But God will fire his own arrow at them. Out of nowhere, they will be struck down. But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded.
8 Their own words will be used against them and bring them crashing down. Everyone who sees it will shake their heads in amazement. So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away.
9 Then everyone will be filled with awe before God. They will talk about what he has done and finally understand his works. And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing.
10 Those who live right will find their joy in the Lord and run to him for safety. Every honest heart will have reason to celebrate. The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.