Psalm 64 (63):6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Extraordinary miracles were performed there, yet they remained unmoved, stubbornly engaged in deceitful speech. The accused was presented before the judge, who trembled; yet those who handed Him over remained unshaken. Power quaked, while brutality stood firm. The judge washed his hands, but they stained their tongues. What was the purpose of this? They solidified their own malicious narratives. How many actions did Pilate undertake, striving to absolve himself! What did he proclaim? What actions did he take? But they only reinforced their wicked claims: crucify Him, crucify Him (Luke 23:21). The repetition is the affirmation of malevolent words. Consider how they fortified their evil words.

The Lord has not been resurrected, and there are those who claim that He has not risen. They instructed others to conceal the trap. They devised numerous schemes to eliminate the heralds of the Gospel’s truths in secrecy. They questioned who would witness their actions. They undertook these plans under the misguided belief that God would overlook their malice.

They affirmed the wicked words and instructed each other to conceal their trap. Symmachus captures this idea more vividly: they affirmed the malicious statement and contemplated how to hide the snare. They devised plans concerning my death, collaborating on the deceit they would employ against me, and their intentions were made evident through their actions. Yet, they proceed with such schemes, believing that no one is aware of human endeavors. This sentiment is further emphasized by the phrase, 'Reshah, who will witness them?' They presume there is no judge overseeing their actions.

They have devised a wicked idea within themselves. These treacherous individuals concocted a malicious scheme targeting the blameless and were resolute in their intentions. Athanasius notes that the claim of this wicked idea reflects the assurance of the Jews that the Lord had not risen from the dead. An unnamed commentator asks how they made this claim. They did so through deceit, swearing false oaths, recruiting witnesses and accusers from among themselves, fabricating tricks, and presenting false evidence to lend credibility to their malevolent assertion.

In this passage, the author begins by expressing concern over the relentless cruelty of his foes and their unprincipled collaboration. He then discusses their audacity, noting how their perception of David's helplessness emboldened them, leading them to intensify their assaults on him. He highlights their secretive plotting, revealing their schemes to undermine him while concealing their treachery. They conspired to hide their traps, muttering, "Who will notice them?" In verse 7, the author amplifies their deceit, stating that they exhaustively explored every avenue for destruction and left no wicked strategy unconsidered. The Hebrew text conveys this by indicating that they have scrutinized unrighteousness with calculated intent.

In light of the fulfillment of the law through Christ our Savior (Rom. 10:4), consider this psalm, which was divinely inspired and given to David. In this lament, the prophet, troubled by those who persecute him, implores God's assistance against his adversaries, expressing the hope that they will be judged according to their actions. Most importantly, this psalm serves as a supplication to God the Father, to Christ our Lord, during His suffering, and for all His devoted followers, including the righteous and martyrs.