Hostile witnesses come forward; they make charges I know nothing about. Hostile witnessesThe phrase "hostile witnesses" refers to individuals who bear false testimony against the psalmist, David. In the Hebrew text, the word for "witnesses" is "עֵדִים" (edim), which can mean those who testify or give evidence. The term "hostile" implies enmity and malice, suggesting that these witnesses are not merely mistaken but are intentionally deceitful. Historically, false witnesses were a significant concern in ancient Israel, as seen in the account of Naboth's vineyard (1 Kings 21), where false testimony led to Naboth's unjust execution. This phrase highlights the psalmist's experience of betrayal and injustice, a theme that resonates with the trials faced by Jesus, who also encountered false witnesses ( Mark 14:56). come forward
The action "come forward" indicates a deliberate and public act of accusation. In the Hebrew, the verb "קוּם" (qum) means to arise or stand up, suggesting a formal and confrontational setting, such as a court or assembly. This phrase underscores the boldness and audacity of the accusers, who are not content with private slander but seek to publicly undermine the psalmist. It reflects the psalmist's sense of being besieged by adversaries who are eager to see his downfall. they make charges
The phrase "they make charges" involves the act of bringing accusations or allegations against someone. The Hebrew verb "שָׁאַל" (sha'al) can mean to ask or demand, but in this context, it implies making claims or accusations. This reflects the psalmist's experience of being unjustly accused, a situation that evokes the broader biblical theme of the righteous suffering at the hands of the wicked. It is a reminder of the spiritual battle between truth and falsehood, and the psalmist's reliance on God for vindication. I know nothing about
The concluding phrase "I know nothing about" emphasizes the psalmist's innocence and ignorance of the charges against him. The Hebrew word "יָדַע" (yada) means to know or be aware of, and its negation here underscores the baselessness of the accusations. This phrase highlights the psalmist's bewilderment and distress at being falsely accused, a situation that calls for divine intervention and justice. It resonates with the experiences of many biblical figures, including Job, who also faced unfounded accusations and sought vindication from God. This phrase serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of integrity and the ultimate justice of God, who knows the truth and will defend the innocent. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe author of Psalm 35, David is expressing his distress over false accusations and the betrayal he faces from those who should be his allies. 2. Hostile WitnessesThese are individuals who falsely accuse David, representing betrayal and injustice. They are symbolic of those who oppose God's anointed. 3. Courtroom ImageryThe setting is metaphorically akin to a courtroom where false witnesses testify against the innocent, highlighting themes of justice and truth. Teaching Points The Reality of False AccusationsBelievers should be prepared for the possibility of facing false accusations, as even the most righteous individuals in Scripture experienced this. Trust in God's JusticeIn times of unjust accusations, trust that God sees the truth and will ultimately vindicate the righteous. Responding with IntegrityWhen falsely accused, respond with integrity and leave vindication to God, following the example of David and Jesus. Prayer as a ResponseUse prayer as a means to seek God's intervention and maintain a heart of forgiveness towards accusers. Community SupportSeek support and counsel from fellow believers when facing false accusations, as the body of Christ is meant to uphold one another. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's experience with false witnesses in Psalm 35:11 relate to the experiences of Jesus and Stephen in the New Testament? 2. What steps can you take to maintain your integrity when faced with false accusations, based on biblical examples? 3. How can prayer be a powerful tool in dealing with situations of injustice, as seen in David's response in the Psalms? 4. In what ways can the church community provide support to those who are unjustly accused? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced false accusations. How did you respond, and what biblical principles can guide you in similar future situations? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 23:1This verse warns against spreading false reports and being a malicious witness, directly connecting to the theme of false accusations in Psalm 35:11. Matthew 26:59-60The false witnesses against Jesus during His trial echo the experience of David, showing a pattern of righteous individuals facing unjust accusations. Acts 6:13Stephen, like David, faces false witnesses, illustrating the ongoing struggle between truth and deceit in the lives of God's servants. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics FALSE, Crimes, Forward, Got, Laid, Lay, Malicious, Nothing, Question, Questions, Rise, Unrighteous, Violent, WitnessesDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 35:11 5625 witnesses, false
5824 cruelty, examples
8796 persecution, forms of Psalm 35:11-14 5496 revenge, examples Library Specific References to Prophecy in the Gospels
20. But, if it does not weary you, let the point out as briefly as possible, specific references to prophecy in the Gospels, that those who are being instructed in the first elements of the faith may have these testimonies written on their hearts, lest any doubt concerning the things which they believe should at any time take them by surprise. We are told in the Gospel that Judas, one of Christ's friends and associates at table, betrayed Him. Let the show you how this is foretold in the Psalms: "He …
Various—Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. Historical Summary and Chronological Tables.
a.d. 340. Birth of St. Ambrose (probably at Trèves), youngest son of Ambrose, Prefect of the Gauls. Constantine II. killed at Aquileia. Death of Eusebius. 341. Seventh Council of Antioch. Second exile of St. Athanasius. 343. Photinus begins teaching his heresy. 347. Birth of St. John Chrysostom. Council of Sardica. St. Athanasius restored. 348. Birth of Prudentius the Christian poet. 349. Synod of Sirmium against Photinus. 350. Death of the Emperor Constans. St. Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers. …
St. Ambrose—Works and Letters of St. Ambrose The Sixth Commandment
Thou shalt not kill.' Exod 20: 13. In this commandment is a sin forbidden, which is murder, Thou shalt not kill,' and a duty implied, which is, to preserve our own life, and the life of others. The sin forbidden is murder: Thou shalt not kill.' Here two things are to be understood, the not injuring another, nor ourselves. I. The not injuring another. [1] We must not injure another in his name. A good name is a precious balsam.' It is a great cruelty to murder a man in his name. We injure others in …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Ninth Commandment
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.' Exod 20: 16. THE tongue which at first was made to be an organ of God's praise, is now become an instrument of unrighteousness. This commandment binds the tongue to its good behaviour. God has set two natural fences to keep in the tongue, the teeth and lips; and this commandment is a third fence set about it, that it should not break forth into evil. It has a prohibitory and a mandatory part: the first is set down in plain words, the other …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Question of the Comparison Between the Active and the Contemplative Life
I. Is the Active Life preferable to the Contemplative? Cardinal Cajetan, On Preparation for the Contemplative Life S. Augustine, Confessions, X., xliii. 70 " On Psalm xxvi. II. Is the Active Life more Meritorious than the Contemplative? III. Is the Active Life a Hindrance to the Contemplative Life? Cardinal Cajetan, On the True Interior Life S. Augustine, Sermon, CCLVI., v. 6 IV. Does the Active Life precede the Contemplative? I Is the Active Life preferable to the Contemplative? The Lord …
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life After the Scripture.
"In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God created He him."--Gen. v. 1. In the preceding pages we have shown that the translation, "in Our image," actually means, "after Our image." To make anything in an image is no language; it is unthinkable, logically untrue. We now proceed to show how it should be translated, and give our reason for it. We begin with citing some passages from the Old Testament in which occurs the preposition "B" which, in Gen. i. 27, stands before image, where …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit Opposition to Messiah Unreasonable
Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD , and against His Anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. I t is generally admitted, that the institutes of Christianity, as contained in the New Testament, do at least exhibit a beautiful and salutary system of morals; and that a sincere compliance with the precepts of our Lord and His apostles, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Notes on the Third Century
Page 161. Line 1. He must be born again, &c. This is a compound citation from John iii. 3, and Mark x. 15, in the order named. Page 182. Line 17. For all things should work together, &c. See Romans viii. 28. Page 184. Lines 10-11. Being Satan is able, &c. 2 Corinthians xi. 14. Page 184. Last line. Like a sparrow, &c. Psalm cii. Page 187. Line 1. Mechanisms. This word is, in the original MS., mechanicismes.' Page 187. Line 7. Like the King's daughter, &c. Psalm xlv. 14. Page 188. Med. 39. The best …
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations Concerning Persecution
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 We are now come to the last beatitude: Blessed are they which are persecuted . . '. Our Lord Christ would have us reckon the cost. Which of you intending to build a tower sitteth not down first and counteth the cost, whether he have enough to finish it?' (Luke 14:28). Religion will cost us the tears of repentance and the blood of persecution. But we see here a great encouragement that may …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 35:11 NIVPsalm 35:11 NLTPsalm 35:11 ESVPsalm 35:11 NASBPsalm 35:11 KJV
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