For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together,
For mine enemies {H341}{H8802)} speak {H559}{H8804)} against me; and they that lay wait {H8104}{H8802)} for my soul {H5315} take counsel {H3289}{H8738)} together {H3162},
For my enemies are talking about me, those seeking my life are plotting together.
For my enemies speak against me, and those who lie in wait for my life conspire,
For mine enemies speak concerning me; And they that watch for my soul take counsel together,
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Jeremiah 20:10
For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, [say they], and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, [saying], Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him. -
Psalms 83:3
They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones. -
Psalms 56:6
They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul. -
Psalms 31:13
For I have heard the slander of many: fear [was] on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life. -
Matthew 26:3
Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, -
Matthew 26:4
And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill [him]. -
2 Samuel 17:1
¶ Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:
Psalm 71:10 captures the psalmist's deep distress and vulnerability in the face of relentless opposition. This verse articulates the double threat faced: open verbal attacks and secret, premeditated schemes against his very life.
Context
Psalm 71 is a heartfelt prayer of an aged individual, traditionally attributed to David in his later years, seeking God's deliverance and protection. The psalmist recounts a lifetime of trusting God and now, in old age, feels abandoned by some and actively targeted by enemies. Verse 10 specifically describes the nature of these adversaries: they are not just generally hostile but are actively conspiring against him. The preceding verses establish his long-standing faith and plea for God not to forsake him in his weakness, making the enemies' actions even more painful.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insight
The Hebrew phrase translated "lay wait for my soul" uses the word nephesh (נֶפֶשׁ), often rendered as "soul," but here it signifies the psalmist's very life, being, or person. The verb for "lay wait" (צָפָה, tsaphah) implies watching, observing, or ambushing, suggesting a strategic and patient malevolence. "Take counsel together" (יָעַץ, ya'ats) describes deliberate planning and plotting, emphasizing the premeditated nature of the enemies' malicious intentions. This isn't just spontaneous anger, but a calculated effort to bring harm.
Practical Application
This verse resonates deeply with anyone who has faced unfair opposition, slander, or covert plots. It reminds us that such experiences are not new and are often part of the human condition, even for the righteous. The psalmist's response, though not explicitly in this verse but throughout Psalm 71, is to turn to God for refuge and deliverance. When facing those who "speak against" us or "take counsel together" to harm us, this verse encourages us to:
Psalm 71:10 serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual battles we may encounter, highlighting the importance of unwavering faith and reliance on God's steadfast love and justice in the face of human malice.