Psalms 35:20

Psalms 35:20 vividly portrays the malicious character of David's adversaries, emphasizing their active hostility and deceptive plots against individuals who are peaceful and unassuming. It highlights the profound injustice faced by the innocent at the hands of the treacherous.

Context

This verse is a significant part of Psalm 35, a heartfelt prayer of lament and imprecation from King David. It is believed to have been written during a period of intense, unjust persecution, where David faced false accusations and cunning schemes from enemies who sought his destruction. The psalm is a cry to God for deliverance and vindication, detailing the wrongful nature of his adversaries' actions. Verse 20 specifically unmasks the true nature of these enemies: they are not interested in reconciliation but are actively plotting harm against those who pose no threat. For a deeper understanding of David's desperate plea for divine intervention, see Psalms 35:1-3.

Key Themes

• Active Malice and Deception: The phrase "they speak not peace" reveals a complete absence of goodwill or desire for harmony. Instead, their actions are characterized by "devising deceitful matters," indicating deliberate, cunning, and fraudulent plotting. This highlights their reliance on treachery rather than open, honest engagement.
• Vulnerability of the Peaceful: "Them that are quiet in the land" refers to individuals who are peaceful, humble, and unprovoking. They are targeted not because they are aggressors, but precisely because of their non-confrontational nature, making the injustice against them particularly egregious. This theme resonates with the blessing promised to the meek in Psalms 37:11.
• Absence of True Peace: The verse underscores a stark contrast between genuine peace and the destructive intentions of the enemies. Their actions are fundamentally antithetical to well-being, harmony, and truth.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "devise" is ḥāšaḇ (חָשַׁב), which conveys the idea of intricate thought, calculation, or planning, suggesting that the enemies' schemes are not impulsive but carefully premeditated. "Deceitful matters" comes from mirmah (מִרְמָה), signifying treachery, fraud, or guile, emphasizing the dishonest and insidious nature of their plots. The expression "quiet in the land" is from ʾanaḥēy ʾāreṣ (אֲנָחֵי אָרֶץ), often denoting the humble, peaceful, or unsuspecting inhabitants, thereby stressing the unprovoked and unjust nature of the attacks they endure.

Practical Application

Psalms 35:20 offers profound relevance for believers today, acknowledging the enduring reality of injustice and malicious intent in the world. It provides comfort and instruction for those who find themselves victims of deceit and treachery:

• Trust in God's Justice: Like David, we are encouraged to bring our grievances before God, trusting in His ultimate righteousness and divine judgment when faced with false accusations or malicious plots.
• Embrace Peace: The verse implicitly commends those who are "quiet in the land," encouraging believers to live peacefully and avoid unnecessary conflict, as exhorted in Romans 12:18.
• Cultivate Discernment: It serves as a reminder that not all words spoken are sincere or benevolent. We are called to be discerning of intentions, recognizing that some may harbor deceitful motives beneath a veneer of normalcy.