For they do not speak peace, but they devise deceitful schemes against those who live quietly in the land. For they do not speak peaceThe phrase "speak peace" in Hebrew is "דַּבְּרוּ שָׁלוֹם" (dabbĕrû shālôm). The word "peace" (שָׁלוֹם, shālôm) is rich in meaning, encompassing not just the absence of conflict but also completeness, welfare, and harmony. In the context of ancient Israel, peace was a sign of God's favor and blessing. The psalmist laments that his adversaries do not promote this divine peace. Instead, their words are void of the harmony and goodwill that should characterize relationships among God's people. This highlights the deep betrayal and moral corruption of those who oppose the righteous. but they devise deceitful schemes
The Hebrew word for "devise" is "חָשַׁב" (ḥāšab), which means to think, plan, or calculate. This indicates a deliberate and premeditated effort to cause harm. "Deceitful schemes" translates from "דְּבָרִים מִרְמָה" (dĕbārîm mirmāh), where "מִרְמָה" (mirmāh) means deceit or treachery. The psalmist is emphasizing the malicious intent of his enemies, who are not merely passive in their opposition but actively plotting harm. This reflects a broader biblical theme of the wicked plotting against the righteous, as seen throughout the Psalms and Proverbs. against those who live quietly in the land
The phrase "live quietly" comes from the Hebrew "רִגְעֵי אֶרֶץ" (rig'ê 'ereṣ), suggesting a lifestyle of peace, contentment, and integrity. The "land" (אֶרֶץ, 'ereṣ) often refers to the Promised Land, a place of divine inheritance and blessing for the Israelites. Those who "live quietly" are the faithful, who abide by God's commandments and seek to live in harmony with others. The psalmist contrasts their peaceful existence with the hostility of the wicked, underscoring the injustice of the situation. This serves as a reminder of the spiritual battle between good and evil, and the call for believers to trust in God's justice and protection. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe author of Psalm 35, traditionally believed to be King David, who often faced opposition and betrayal from those around him. 2. Enemies of DavidThe individuals or groups who plotted against David, seeking to harm him through deceit and false accusations. 3. The Quiet in the LandRefers to those who live peacefully and righteously, often becoming targets for the wicked due to their integrity and faithfulness. Teaching Points The Reality of OppositionBelievers should be aware that living righteously may attract opposition from those who do not value peace and truth. The Power of IntegrityMaintaining integrity and peace in the face of deceitful schemes is a powerful testimony to God's faithfulness. Trust in God's JusticeWhile deceit may seem to prevail temporarily, God ultimately upholds justice and defends the righteous. Responding to DeceitChristians are called to respond to deceit and opposition with grace and truth, following Christ's example. Prayer for ProtectionRegular prayer for God's protection and wisdom is essential when facing deceit and opposition. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding the context of David's life help us interpret Psalm 35:20? 2. In what ways can we identify "deceitful schemes" in our own lives today, and how should we respond? 3. How does the call to be "quiet in the land" challenge our current lifestyle and interactions with others? 4. What other biblical examples can you find where the righteous faced deceit and opposition, and how did they respond? 5. How can we actively pursue peace in our communities while remaining vigilant against deceitful schemes? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 37:12-15This passage also speaks of the wicked plotting against the righteous, highlighting the ongoing struggle between good and evil. Proverbs 6:16-19Lists things the Lord hates, including a heart that devises wicked schemes, which parallels the deceitful actions described in Psalm 35:20. Matthew 5:9Jesus blesses the peacemakers, contrasting the peaceable nature of the righteous with the deceitful schemes of the wicked. Romans 12:18Encourages believers to live at peace with everyone, aligning with the call to be "quiet in the land" despite opposition. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics FALSE, Conceive, Deceit, Deceitful, Designing, Devise, Evil, Matters, Ones, Peace, Peaceably, Quiet, Quietly, SpeakDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 35:20 6146 deceit, and God
8328 quietness
8402 claims Psalm 35:15-25 8817 ridicule, objects of Psalm 35:19-20 5202 accusation, false
6702 peace, destruction 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 35:20 NIVPsalm 35:20 NLTPsalm 35:20 ESVPsalm 35:20 NASBPsalm 35:20 KJV
Psalm 35:20 Commentaries
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