What does Psalm 64:8 mean?
This verse returns to two common themes in the book of Psalms. The first is that of evil men suffering the consequences of their own plots (Psalm 5:10; 7:16; Proverbs 29:6). Rather than defeating David through their careful planning (Psalm 64:5–6), their conspiracies fail and bring them judgment. The second theme is that of what is sometimes called a "cautionary tale," or "making an example of" someone. The downfall of the wicked serves as a warning about the consequences of defying God (Psalm 40:3; 52:6–7; 58:10–11; 64:9).Second Peter 3:9 teaches that the Lord "is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." Before sending the flood on an evil world, God waited many years to give humans opportunity to repent (Genesis 6:1–8). Before leading the Hebrews into Canaan, He waited generations (Exodus 1:1, 7; 12:40). The patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob lived as travelers, providing a witness to the one, true God (Hebrews 11:13–22). The full force of God's judgment awaits the end of time, when God convenes the great white throne judgment. Unrepentant sinners throughout history will assemble before Him and will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11–15).
Psalm 64:7–10 follows descriptions of David's enemies and their plans. Now, he reveals the result: that God will turn plots against the plotters and make them fearful examples for the rest of the world. Psalm 64 ends with the theme of the Lord's retributive justice and how God's people should respond to it.
David prays for rescue from his enemies. He accuses them of slanderous and evil words, aimed at his own destruction. These men think they are hidden and that their plots will not be uncovered. Yet David trusts that the Lord will expose evil and make an example of these wicked attackers. This is cause for all believers to trust in God and praise Him.
