NOTES for Psa 64

The psalmist, and we after him, often have to ask for help in the face of open enemy attacks. Yet more than once we also hear a plea for help in hiding from the enemies’ treachery. Enemies seek to act not only with the point of a sword in open battle, but often with lies and cunning from around a corner. Their behavior is vividly portrayed, and it is all too familiar, too “human.” Yet there is no humanity in this “human” behavior.

This is understandable, for the Lord is the source of what we call humanity. He is above everything earthly, yet only with Him does life on earth become truly possible. To remain on a human level, we must strive toward Him.

Conversely, when we establish ourselves solely on the human level, we easily slip below it—and we are fortunate if we do not fall all the way to the bottom. Meanwhile, evil cunningly devised to harm one’s neighbor sooner or later returns to the schemers themselves. This has long been known, and it almost feels awkward to repeat it yet again. But repetition does not make this old thought untrue.