Psalms 64:5
They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?
Original Language Analysis
יְחַזְּקוּ
They encourage
H2388
יְחַזְּקוּ
They encourage
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
1 of 11
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
דָּ֘בָ֤ר
matter
H1697
דָּ֘בָ֤ר
matter
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
3 of 11
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְֽ֭סַפְּרוּ
they commune
H5608
יְֽ֭סַפְּרוּ
they commune
Strong's:
H5608
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
מוֹקְשִׁ֑ים
snares
H4170
מוֹקְשִׁ֑ים
snares
Strong's:
H4170
Word #:
7 of 11
a noose (for catching animals) (literally or figuratively); by implication, a hook (for the nose)
מִ֣י
H4310
מִ֣י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
9 of 11
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
Historical Context
The secret plotting recalls Absalom's conspiracy where he 'stole the hearts' of Israel (2 Samuel 15:6) through private conversations undermining David. Such covert operations depend on assuming God doesn't observe.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the wicked's mutual encouragement in evil parallel or parody believers' mutual encouragement in good?
- What does the assumption 'Who shall see?' reveal about the importance of God's omniscience?
Analysis & Commentary
The wicked encouraging 'themselves in an evil matter' reveals conspiracy's self-reinforcing nature. 'Commune of laying snares privily' indicates shared plotting. Their question 'Who shall see them?' demonstrates practical atheism—assuming no divine accountability. This hubris anticipates the fool's claim 'There is no God' (Psalm 14:1).