Psalm 64
Taking Refuge in God's Protection
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Intro
In Psalm 64, the psalmist cries out to God for protection against their enemies. As we study this psalm from a New Covenant perspective, we will see how it points to Jesus Christ as our ultimate refuge and defender. We will explore the themes of seeking God's deliverance, finding security in His protection, and trusting in His righteous judgment.
Section 1: Seeking God's Deliverance (vs 1-6)
"Hear me, my God, as I voice my complaint; protect my life from the threat of the enemy. Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from the plots of evildoers. They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim cruel words like deadly arrows. They shoot from ambush at the innocent; they shoot suddenly, without fear. They encourage each other in evil plans, they talk about hiding their snares; they say, 'Who will see it?' They plot injustice and say, 'We have devised a perfect plan!' Surely the human mind and heart are cunning."
Talking Points:
The psalmist's plea for God's protection and deliverance from their enemies.
The description of the wicked's evil plots and their use of destructive words as weapons.
The acknowledgment of the cunning nature of the human mind and heart in devising injustice.
Harmony: 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV), "But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one."
Questions:
How does the psalmist's cry for God's deliverance challenge you to seek His protection in the face of opposition and evil plots?
In what ways can we find comfort and security in knowing that God is our ultimate defender against the schemes of the enemy?
How does Jesus, as the one who strengthens and protects us from the evil one, enable us to stand firm in the face of adversity?
Section 2: Finding Security in God's Protection (vs 7-9)
"But God will shoot them with his arrows; they will suddenly be struck down. He will turn their own tongues against them and bring them to ruin; all who see them will shake their heads in scorn. All people will fear; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what he has done."
Talking Points:
The assurance that God will bring judgment upon the wicked and cause them to experience their own ruin.
The recognition that witnessing God's righteous judgment will evoke fear and awe in people.
The expectation that people will proclaim the works of God and reflect on His deeds.
Harmony: Romans 12:19 (NIV), "Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord."
Questions:
How does the psalmist's confidence in God's righteous judgment challenge you to trust in His ultimate justice?
In what ways can we find security and peace in knowing that God will bring about justice in His perfect timing?
How does Jesus, as the one who will ultimately judge the world with righteousness, inspire us to trust in God's righteous judgment and leave room for His wrath?
Section 3: Trusting in God's Righteous Judgment (vs 10)
"The righteous will rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in him; all the upright in heart will glory in him!"
Talking Points:
The response of the righteous, who rejoice in the Lord and find refuge in Him.
The recognition that those with upright hearts will boast in God's character and faithfulness.
Harmony: 1 Corinthians 1:31 (NIV), "Therefore, as it is written: 'Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.'"
Questions:
How does the psalmist's call for the righteous to rejoice in the Lord challenge you to find your ultimate source of joy and security in Him?
In what ways can we trust in God's righteous judgment and boast in His faithfulness, even in the face of adversity?
How does Jesus, as the one who enables us to take refuge in God and find our identity and worth in Him, inspire us to trust in His sovereign judgment?
Summary
Psalm 64, interpreted through the perspective of the New Covenant in Christ, portrays the psalmist's cry for protection from enemies and God's judgment upon evildoers, finding its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus.
The psalmist's plea for God to hide him from the secret plots of the wicked foreshadows Jesus' protection over His followers from the schemes of the evil one (John 17:15, 1 John 5:18).
The psalmist's description of the wicked as shooting in secret reflects the hidden and deceitful ways of those who opposed Jesus during His ministry (John 7:1, John 11:53).
The psalmist's plea for God to bring judgment on the wicked points to the future return of Jesus as the righteous Judge, who will separate the righteous from the wicked (Matthew 25:31-33, 2 Thessalonians 1:6-7).
The psalmist's assurance of God's protection and the righteous rejoicing in Him aligns with the security and joy we find in Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer (Psalm 5:11, Romans 8:37-39).
The psalmist's declaration of the righteous trusting in God's name anticipates our faith in the name of Jesus, by which we are saved and find deliverance (Acts 4:12, Philippians 2:9-11).
Ultimately, Psalm 64 leads us to Jesus as our Protector, Judge, and the source of our security, inviting us to put our trust in Him and find refuge in His name.