Psalms – Chapter 64

Old Testament • 14 Verses

Chapter Summary

"To the end, a psalm of David. The canticle of Jeremias and Ezechiel to the people of the captivity, when they began to go out." — so begins Psalms 64. The chapter centers on Ezekiel, Jeremiah and David. Across its 14 verses, two threads run through the text: prayer and worship and praise. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1To the end, a psalm of David. The canticle of Jeremias and Ezechiel to the people of the captivity, when they began to go out.

2A hymn, O God, becometh thee in Sion: and a vow shall be paid to thee in Jerusalem.

3O hear my prayer: all flesh shall come to thee.

4The words of the wicked have prevailed over us: and thou wilt pardon our transgressions.

5Blessed is he whom thou hast chosen and taken to thee: he shall dwell in thy courts. We shall be filled with the good things of thy house; holy is thy temple,

6Wonderful in justice. Hear us, O God our saviour, who art the hope of all the ends of the earth, and in the sea afar off.

7Thou who preparest the mountains by thy strength, being girded with power:

8Who troublest the depth of the sea, the noise of its waves. The Gentiles shall be troubled,

9And they that dwell in the uttermost borders shall be afraid at thy signs: thou shalt make the outgoings of the morning and of the evening to be joyful.

10Thou hast visited the earth, and hast plentifully watered it; thou hast many ways enriched it. The river of God is filled with water, thou hast prepared their food: for so is its preparation.

11Fill up plentifully the streams thereof, multiply its fruits; it shall spring up and rejoice in its showers.

12Thou shalt bless the crown of the year of thy goodness: and thy fields shall be filled with plenty.

13The beautiful places of the wilderness shall grow fat: and the hills shall be girded about with joy,

14The rams of the flock are clothed, and the vales shall abound with corn: they shall shout, yea they shall sing a hymn.

Important Verses in Psalms 64

“To the end, a psalm of David. The canticle of Jeremias and Ezechiel to the people of the captivity, when they began to go out.”

Psalms 64:1

“Wonderful in justice. Hear us, O God our saviour, who art the hope of all the ends of the earth, and in the sea afar off.”

Psalms 64:6

“Thou hast visited the earth, and hast plentifully watered it; thou hast many ways enriched it. The river of God is filled with water, thou hast prepared their food: for so is its preparation.”

Psalms 64:10

“The rams of the flock are clothed, and the vales shall abound with corn: they shall shout, yea they shall sing a hymn. ”

Psalms 64:14

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Psalms was written with god's people at prayer in every age in view. Chapter 64 of 150 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 14 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Ezekiel, Jeremiah and David appear at the center of the events recorded here. The passage starts with these words: "To the end, a psalm of David. The canticle of Jeremias and Ezechiel to the people of the captivity, when they began to…" It concludes: "The rams of the flock are clothed, and the vales shall abound with corn: they shall shout, yea they shall sing a hymn. " The wider setting of Psalms is this: The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, the psalmist voices praise, lament, thanksgiving, or petition before God. A pivotal line is verse 1: "To the end, a psalm of David. The canticle of Jeremias and Ezechiel to the people of the captivity, when they began to go out." The passage repeatedly touches on prayer and petition to God.

Catholic exegesis reads Psalms 64 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). St. John Damascene and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 1362).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • ✓God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.
  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • ✓God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.

People in This Chapter

Ezekiel1 mentionJeremiah1 mentionDavid1 mention

Reflection for Today

Catholic exegesis approaches Psalms Chapter 64 with reverence, seeking both the literal sense and the spiritual meaning ordered to Christ.

Catholic theology recognizes that prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God is not an abstract idea but a reality encountered in prayer, sacraments, and charity. This chapter contributes to that vision by stressing the reality of spiritual combat and vigilance.

Let Psalms Chapter 64 deepen your love for the Eucharist, where the Word made flesh continues to feed His people. The same Christ who speaks in Scripture offers Himself sacramentally on the altar.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 64 about?

Psalms 64 contains 14 verses. It opens with "To the end, a psalm of David. The canticle of Jeremias and Ezechiel to the people of the captivity, when they began to…" and closes with "The rams of the flock are clothed, and the vales shall abound with corn: they shall shout, yea they shall sing a hymn. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 64?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "To the end, a psalm of David. The canticle of Jeremias and Ezechiel to the people of the captivity, when they began to go out." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 64?

This chapter mentions Ezekiel, Jeremiah, David.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Related Chapters

Sirach 49Shares people and themes with this chapterNehemiah 12Shares people and themes with this chapterJeremiah 21Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏The Our Father🙏Morning Offering🙏Gloria in Excelsis🙏The Divine Praises

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