Psalm 64 (63):4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Another psalm articulates: The children of men; their teeth are like weapons and arrows, and their tongue is a keen sword. Let not the Jews claim, We have not slain Christ. For they entrusted Him to Pilate, the judge, with that intention, so that they could appear to be free from guilt regarding His death. But are those who coerced him into it truly innocent, even if they acted without malice? Certainly not. He rendered a verdict against Him, ordered His crucifixion, and effectively was complicit in His death; moreover, you Jews played a role in His demise. How did you bring about His death? Through the sharpness of your tongues: for you honed your speech. And when did you inflict punishment, if not when you shouted, Crucify, crucify? (Luke 23:21).

They have honed their speech like a weapon. This is evident in the way the Jewish leaders, in their blasphemy against Jesus, threatened the apostles, saying, 'We have prohibited you from speaking about this Name to anyone (Acts 4:17).' Their words are akin to the tension of a bowstring, laden with bitterness. The lethal nature of their speech resembles the release of an arrow. For are not their beliefs fatal, failing to acknowledge that Jesus is God?

He proceeds to illustrate their various deceptions. They sharpen their tongues like a sword and draw their bows, crafting words that are bitter. They aim at the innocent and pure in heart. As the Prophet states, they spread falsehoods against me, although I have given them no reason for their hostility. Here, the innocent are referred to as blameless. Aquila translates this as a bitter utterance, while Theodotion renders it as a bitter word. Simmachus interprets it as filling their bow with a bitter saying. The term ‘in secret’ is understood by Symmachus as engaging in stealth, utilizing ambushes and surveillance. This is further emphasized by the addition: They will strike suddenly and without fear from an unseen position. They launch their attacks from concealed places, unafraid of the Lord who observes all.

They have honed their tongues as if they were swords. He notes that his adversaries sharpen their tongues as weapons, engaging in slander and scheming malevolence against him. This reflects the sentiments found in Psalms 56:4, which states: "their tongue is a sharp sword." They draw back their bows, which is a bitter act. Refer to the Commentary on Psalm 63:5 for further insights.

Despite the intense fury directed at David by his foes, he particularly attributes blame to the venomous malice of their words. It becomes evident that he is speaking chiefly of slander and false accusations that unjustly cast him in a negative light before the people, leading to their hatred of him. He likens their speech to swords and their damaging words to arrows. In contrast, he defends himself by asserting that these adversaries are targeting a righteous and innocent man with their attacks. This realization bolsters his hope for what he petitions, as he is aware of his innocence amidst the unfounded assaults from wicked and unlawful souls.

In light of the fulfillment of the law found in Christ the Lord (Rom. 10:4), consider this psalm, which the Holy Spirit inspired in David. The prophet, lamenting his adversaries, beseeches God for assistance against them, with the anticipation of recompensing them for their actions. Notably, this psalm serves as a prayer directed to God the Father and to Christ the Lord amidst His suffering, as well as a petition for all His faithful ones, the just and the martyrs.