Psalms 71:11

"For my enemies talk about me. Those who watch for my soul conspire together,"

Key Reflection

In first-century Israel, Psalms 71:11 spoke to a common experience where enemies not only verbally attacked but actively plotted against someone, often for personal gain or revenge. The original audience would have recognized the vivid imagery of "watchers for my soul" as those who lay in wait, carefully planning to seize an opportunity to harm or destroy their target. This verse captures the intense and dangerous situation many faced, highlighting both the verbal assault and the physical threats they endured from adversaries.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Saying, God hath forsaken him -That is, God has given him over; he no longer protects him; he regards him as a wicked man, and we shall therefore, not only be “safe” in our attempts upon his life, but we shall be “justified” in those attempts. Persecute and take him -It can be done safely now; it can be done with propriety. For there is none to deliver him -He has no one now to whom to look; no one on whom he can rely. Abandoned by God and by man, he will be an easy prey. Compare the notes atPsalms 41:7-8.

More from Psalms 71

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