Psalms 64:5

"to shoot innocent men from ambushes. They shoot at him suddenly and fearlessly."

Key Reflection

In first-century Israel, the practice of shooting arrows from hidden positions was a common tactic in warfare and hunting. The psalmist vividly describes how enemies lay in wait to attack their victims unexpectedly and without hesitation, symbolizing the stealthy and relentless nature of evil intentions. This imagery would have resonated with the psalmist's audience, who lived in a society where such tactics were well-known, making the threat feel all too real and immediate.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

They encourage themselves -literally, they strengthen themselves, or make themselves strong. That is, they take counsel; they encourage each other; they urge one another forward; they suggest to each other methods by which what they purpose may be done, and by which difficulties may be overcome. This was a part of their “secret counsel” or their consultation,Psalms 64:2. In an evil matter -Margin, as in Hebrew, speech. The reference is to their purpose or plan. They strengthen themselves for doing what they know to be a wrong or wicked thing. They commune -literally, they tell or speak.

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