Psalms 71:10

KJV

For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together,

KJV (with Strong's)

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},

Complete Jewish Bible

For my enemies are talking about me, those seeking my life are plotting together.

Berean Standard Bible

For my enemies speak against me, and those who lie in wait for my life conspire,

American Standard Version

For mine enemies speak concerning me; And they that watch for my soul take counsel together,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 71:10 powerfully articulates the psalmist's profound distress and vulnerability, revealing the dual nature of the opposition he faces: overt verbal attacks and insidious, premeditated conspiracies against his very life and well-being. This verse underscores the psalmist's desperate need for divine intervention as he contends with relentless and calculated malice from his adversaries, highlighting the isolating and terrifying experience of being targeted by those who seek to destroy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 71 is a poignant prayer of an elderly individual, traditionally associated with David in his later years, who is facing severe adversity and feels abandoned by some while being actively targeted by enemies. The preceding verses establish the psalmist's lifelong trust in God, recounting His faithfulness from birth and pleading for God not to forsake him in his old age and weakness (e.g., [Psalms 71:5-9](/psalms/71-5 "Psalms 71:5-9 - A Lifelong Trust in God")). Verse 10 specifically details the nature of the adversaries, moving beyond general hostility to describe their active plotting and verbal assaults. The subsequent verses continue the plea for deliverance and express confidence in God's eventual vindication, contrasting the enemies' malicious intent with God's steadfast love and power (e.g., [Psalms 71:12-13](/psalms/71-12 "Psalms 71:12-13 - Plea for God's Intervention")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical backdrop for Psalms 71 is not explicitly stated, the themes resonate with the experiences of many righteous individuals in ancient Israel who faced unjust persecution, slander, and political intrigue. The concept of "enemies" in the Psalms often encompasses not only foreign invaders but also internal adversaries, false accusers, and those within the community who seek to undermine or destroy. Conspiracies and "laying wait" were common tactics in ancient near eastern societies, reflecting a world where power struggles, betrayals, and the pursuit of personal vendettas were prevalent. The psalmist's vulnerability in old age would have been particularly acute, as physical weakness often invited opportunism from those seeking to gain an advantage, making reliance on divine protection all the more critical.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 71:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader book of Psalms. It vividly portrays the theme of **Adversarial Opposition**, detailing the active and malicious nature of the psalmist's foes. This verse also highlights the theme of **Vulnerability and Dependence on God**, as the psalmist's distress underscores his helplessness without divine intervention, especially in his advanced years. Furthermore, it touches upon **The Suffering of the Righteous**, a recurring motif in the Psalms, where faithful individuals endure hardship and injustice at the hands of the wicked. The psalmist's lament here sets the stage for his subsequent pleas for God's justice and deliverance, reinforcing the theme of **Divine Deliverance and Vindication**, as seen in his anticipation of God's righteous judgment against his enemies (e.g., [Psalms 71:4](/psalms/71-4 "Psalms 71:4 - Deliverance from the Wicked")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"lay wait" (Hebrew, _ṣāp̄â'_):** The Hebrew verb צָפָה (*ṣāp̄â*) means "to watch," "to look out," or "to spy." In this context, it carries the sinister connotation of ambushing or lying in wait, implying a strategic and patient malevolence. It suggests that the enemies are not acting impulsively but are carefully observing the psalmist, seeking the opportune moment to strike, much like a hunter stalks its prey. This word emphasizes the premeditated and treacherous nature of their intentions.
* **"my soul" (Hebrew, _nep̄eš'_):** The Hebrew word נֶפֶשׁ (*nep̄eš*) is often translated as "soul," but its semantic range is much broader, encompassing the entire person, one's life, vital breath, or inner being. Here, "lay wait for my soul" means they are plotting against the psalmist's very existence, his life force, or his well-being. It is not merely an attack on his reputation or possessions, but a direct threat to his core being, implying a desire for his utter destruction or ruin.
* **"take counsel together" (Hebrew, _yāʿaṣ yaḥaḏ'_):** The verb יָעַץ (*yāʿaṣ*) means "to counsel," "to advise," or "to plot." When combined with יַחַד (*yaḥaḏ*), meaning "together," it vividly portrays a unified, deliberate, and collaborative effort to devise evil schemes. This is not random antagonism but a concerted conspiracy, indicating a high level of organization and malicious intent among the adversaries. It underscores the calculated and premeditated nature of the threat, making it all the more terrifying for the psalmist.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For mine enemies speak against me;":** This clause describes the overt, verbal assault the psalmist endures. "Speak against me" implies slander, false accusations, public denouncement, or malicious gossip aimed at discrediting, shaming, or undermining the psalmist's character and standing. This public defamation adds to his distress, as it attacks his reputation and potentially isolates him from support.
* **"and they that lay wait for my soul":** This second clause introduces a more insidious and covert threat. "They that lay wait" refers to those who are secretly watching and planning an ambush. The target, "my soul," signifies the psalmist's very life or being. This suggests a hidden, strategic plot to cause him ultimate harm, perhaps even death, or to utterly destroy his well-being and existence.
* **"take counsel together,":** The final clause clarifies the nature of the "laying wait." It reveals that the enemies are not acting individually or spontaneously but are collaborating in a premeditated conspiracy. They are actively "taking counsel together," meaning they are meeting, planning, and strategizing as a group to achieve their destructive aims against the psalmist. This collective, deliberate malice intensifies the sense of danger and betrayal.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 71:10 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey the psalmist's predicament. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically a form of **Synthetic Parallelism**, where the second and third clauses expand upon and intensify the meaning of the first. "Speak against me" (verbal assault) is followed by the more sinister "lay wait for my soul" and "take counsel together" (covert conspiracy), building a crescendo of threat. There is also strong **Imagery** of a hunted individual, with the enemies depicted as cunning predators who "lay wait" and "take counsel," evoking a sense of being trapped and targeted. The phrase "my soul" functions as a **Synecdoche**, where a part (soul/life) stands for the whole person, emphasizing the existential threat to the psalmist's entire being. The enemies are also subtly **Personified** through their deliberate actions of speaking, waiting, and counseling, giving them a tangible, malevolent presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse deeply connects to the broader biblical themes of the suffering of the righteous, the reality of spiritual warfare, and the necessity of divine refuge. The psalmist's experience mirrors that of many biblical figures who faced unjust opposition and conspiracy, from Joseph's brothers plotting against him ([Genesis 37:18](/genesis/37-18 "Genesis 37:18 - Joseph's Brothers Plot Against Him")) to Jeremiah's contemporaries seeking his life ([Jeremiah 11:19](/jeremiah/11-19 "Jeremiah 11:19 - Jeremiah's Enemies Plot Against Him")). The theological implication is that even those who walk in faith may encounter profound malice and calculated evil. However, the psalmist's subsequent appeal to God throughout Psalm 71 underscores the conviction that God sees, hears, and will ultimately deliver His faithful ones, acting as their ultimate protector and vindicator against those who conspire against them. This highlights God's sovereignty over human evil and His unwavering commitment to justice.

* [Psalms 31:13](/psalms/31-13 "Psalms 31:13 - Enemies Plotting and Slander")
* [Psalms 35:7](/psalms/35-7 "Psalms 35:7 - Enemies Laying a Snare")
* [Lamentations 3:60-61](/lamentations/3-60 "Lamentations 3:60-61 - God Sees and Hears the Plots of Enemies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 71:10 offers a raw and relatable portrayal of human vulnerability in the face of targeted malice. In a world where reputation can be swiftly tarnished by slander and where hidden agendas often undermine trust, the psalmist's cry resonates deeply. This verse reminds us that opposition is not always overt; it can manifest as subtle whispers, calculated plots, and secret councils designed to cause harm. For the believer, this reality calls for a heightened awareness of both human depravity and divine sovereignty. It encourages us to acknowledge the reality of such threats without succumbing to despair, instead channeling our distress into fervent prayer and unwavering trust in God, who alone can discern the hidden motives of the heart and bring justice to light. Like the psalmist, our ultimate refuge and defense must be found in the Lord, who promises to be a fortress for the righteous, even when surrounded by those who plot their downfall.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have you experienced "enemies speaking against you" or "taking counsel together" in your own life, whether literally or metaphorically?**
* **How does the psalmist's vulnerability in this verse encourage you to rely more fully on God's protection in your own moments of weakness or opposition?**
* **What practical steps can we take to guard our hearts and minds against the fear and bitterness that can arise when we know others are plotting against us?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse suggest that all opposition is a spiritual attack?**

Answer: While the psalmist's enemies are human agents, the depth of their malice—plotting against one's very "soul" and taking "counsel together"—often points to a spiritual dimension behind such intense and calculated evil. The Bible frequently describes human opposition as influenced by spiritual forces of darkness (e.g., [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")). Therefore, while not every conflict is a direct spiritual attack, this verse highlights the profound and sometimes supernaturally motivated nature of human enmity, urging believers to seek divine protection and wisdom in discerning the true source of their trials.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 71:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the life and passion of Jesus Christ. Like the psalmist, Jesus faced relentless opposition, both overt and covert. His "enemies" constantly "spoke against" Him, slandering His character, questioning His authority, and accusing Him falsely (e.g., [Matthew 12:24](/matthew/12-24 "Matthew 12:24 - Accusations Against Jesus"); [John 8:48](/john/8-48 "John 8:48 - Slander Against Jesus")). More significantly, the religious and political leaders "laid wait for His soul" and "took counsel together" to orchestrate His death. From the very beginning of His ministry, there were plots to destroy Him ([Mark 3:6](/mark/3-6 "Mark 3:6 - Pharisees Plot Against Jesus")), culminating in the deliberate conspiracy of the Sanhedrin and Judas's betrayal ([Matthew 26:3-4](/matthew/26-3 "Matthew 26:3-4 - The Chief Priests Plot to Arrest Jesus"); [John 11:53](/john/11-53 "John 11:53 - The Decision to Kill Jesus")). Jesus, the perfectly righteous sufferer, endured the very malice described in this psalm, not for His own sin, but for the sins of humanity. His ultimate victory over these conspiring forces, through His death and resurrection, demonstrates God's perfect deliverance and establishes Him as the ultimate refuge for all who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, offering a hope far greater than mere earthly vindication ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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: