Though they intend You harm, the schemes they devise will not prevail. Though they intend You harmThis phrase highlights the malicious intent of the enemies against the anointed king, who is a representative of God’s chosen people. The Hebrew root for "intend" is "חָשַׁב" (chashab), which means to think, plan, or devise. This suggests a deliberate and calculated effort to cause harm. Historically, the people of Israel often faced adversaries who plotted against them, yet the psalmist reassures that such intentions, no matter how well-conceived, are ultimately futile against God’s sovereign will. This reflects the broader biblical theme that God protects His anointed and His people from the evil intentions of others. the schemes they devise
The word "schemes" comes from the Hebrew "מְזִמּוֹת" (mezimot), which refers to plans or plots, often with a negative connotation of cunning or deceit. This indicates that the enemies are not only intent on harm but are actively plotting and strategizing to achieve their goals. In the biblical context, this can be seen in various narratives where the enemies of Israel or God’s anointed attempt to undermine them through deceitful means. The historical context of Israel surrounded by hostile nations underscores the reality of such threats. However, the psalmist’s confidence in God’s protection serves as a reminder that no human scheme can thwart divine purpose. will not prevail
The assurance that these schemes "will not prevail" is rooted in the Hebrew word "יָכוֹל" (yakol), meaning to be able, to overcome, or to prevail. This is a powerful declaration of God’s sovereignty and the ultimate futility of opposing Him. Throughout scripture, there is a consistent message that God’s plans and purposes cannot be thwarted by human actions. This phrase serves as a source of comfort and encouragement to believers, affirming that despite the presence of evil and opposition, God’s will is supreme and His protection is assured. It echoes the broader biblical narrative of God’s faithfulness and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe author of the psalm, King David, is expressing his confidence in God's protection against his enemies. 2. Enemies of DavidThese are the adversaries who plot against David, representing those who oppose God's anointed. 3. GodThe central figure who protects and ensures the failure of the enemies' schemes. 4. IsraelThe nation under David's leadership, often facing threats from surrounding nations. 5. The Anointed KingA reference to the king chosen by God, which in a broader sense can also point to the Messiah. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyTrust in God's ultimate control over all situations, knowing that no plan against His will can succeed. Confidence in God's ProtectionLike David, believers can have confidence that God will protect them from the schemes of their enemies. The Futility of Evil SchemesRecognize that any plan devised against God's people is ultimately doomed to fail. Prayer for DeliveranceEncourage regular prayer for God's protection and deliverance from those who intend harm. Living RighteouslyEmphasize the importance of living in alignment with God's will, trusting that He will thwart any opposition. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding God's sovereignty in Psalm 21:11 impact your response to personal challenges or adversities? 2. In what ways can you apply the confidence David had in God's protection to your own life situations? 3. How do the connections to other scriptures, like Isaiah 54:17, reinforce the message of Psalm 21:11? 4. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are living in alignment with God's will, trusting in His protection? 5. How can you encourage others who may be facing opposition or adversity to trust in God's promises as seen in Psalm 21:11? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 2This psalm also speaks of the futility of nations plotting against God's anointed, emphasizing God's sovereign power. Proverbs 21:30This verse highlights that no wisdom, understanding, or counsel can prevail against the Lord, reinforcing the message of Psalm 21:11. Romans 8:31This New Testament passage echoes the assurance that if God is for us, no one can stand against us, similar to the confidence expressed in Psalm 21:11. Isaiah 54:17This verse promises that no weapon formed against God's people will prosper, aligning with the theme of divine protection. Ephesians 6:11Encourages believers to put on the full armor of God to stand against the devil's schemes, connecting to the idea of divine protection against evil plans. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Able, Bitter, Conceived, Design, Device, Devise, Devised, Effect, Evil, Execute, Imagined, Intended, Minds, Mischief, Mischievous, Perform, Plan, Plot, Plotted, Prevail, Schemes, Stretched, Succeed, Though, Thoughts, Wherewith, WickedDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 21:11 5589 trap
5817 conspiracies Psalm 21:11-12 5236 bow and arrow
6186 evil scheming Library Epistle Lviii. To all the Bishops Throughout Helladia .
To all the Bishops throughout Helladia [1626] . Gregory to all bishops constituted in the province of Helladia. I return thanks with you, dearest brethren, to Almighty God, who has caused the hidden sore which the ancient enemy had introduced to come to the knowledge of all, and has cut it away by a wholesome incision from the body of His Church. Herein we have cause both to rejoice and to mourn; to rejoice, that is, for the correction of a crime, but to mourn for the fall of a brother. But, since …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the GreatMy Brethren.
OUR Lord Jesus Christ calls those for whom He died and who have believed on Him "My Brethren." What a word it is! The Brethren of the Man in Glory! Brethren of Him who is at the right hand of God, the upholder and heir of all things! Pause for a moment, dear reader. Let your heart lay hold anew of this wonderful message of God's Grace; Brethren of the Lord Jesus Christ! What depths of love and grace these words contain! What heights of glory they promise to us, who were bought by His own precious …
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom
Theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 Here is high preferment for the saints. They shall be advanced to a kingdom. There are some who, aspiring after earthly greatness, talk of a temporal reign here, but then God's church on earth would not be militant but triumphant. But sure it is the saints shall reign in a glorious manner: Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.' A kingdom is held the acme and top of all worldly felicity, and this honour have all the saints'; so says our Saviour, Theirs is the …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Fourteenth Day for the Church of the Future
WHAT TO PRAY.--For the Church of the Future "That the children might not be as their fathers, a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not steadfast with God."--PS. lxxviii. 8. "I will pour My Spirit upon thy seed, and My blessing upon thy offspring."--ISA. xliv. 3. Pray for the rising generation, who are to come after us. Think of the young men and young women and children of this age, and pray for all the agencies at work among them; that in association and societies …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession Of Deeper Matters, and God's Hidden Judgments which are not to be Inquired Into
"My Son, beware thou dispute not of high matters and of the hidden judgments of God; why this man is thus left, and that man is taken into so great favour; why also this man is so greatly afflicted, and that so highly exalted. These things pass all man's power of judging, neither may any reasoning or disputation have power to search out the divine judgments. When therefore the enemy suggesteth these things to thee, or when any curious people ask such questions, answer with that word of the Prophet, …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ The Evening of the Third Day in Passion-Week - on the Mount of Olives: Discoures to the Disciples Concerning the Last Things.
THE last and most solemn denunciation of Jerusalem had been uttered, the last and most terrible prediction of judgment upon the Temple spoken, and Jesus was suiting the action to the word. It was as if He had cast the dust of His Shoes against the House' that was to be left desolate.' And so He quitted for ever the Temple and them that held office in it. They had left the Sanctuary and the City, had crossed black Kidron, and were slowly climbing the Mount of Olives. A sudden turn in the road, and …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Sermons of St. Bernard on the Passing of Malachy
Sermon I (November 2, 1148.)[1005] 1. A certain abundant blessing, dearly beloved, has been sent by the counsel of heaven to you this day; and if it were not faithfully divided, you would suffer loss, and I, to whom of a surety this office seems to have been committed, would incur danger. I fear therefore your loss, I fear my own damnation,[1006] if perchance it be said, The young children ask bread, and no man offereth it unto them.[1007] For I know how necessary for you is the consolation which …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh What Messiah did the Jews Expect?
1. The most important point here is to keep in mind the organic unity of the Old Testament. Its predictions are not isolated, but features of one grand prophetic picture; its ritual and institutions parts of one great system; its history, not loosely connected events, but an organic development tending towards a definite end. Viewed in its innermost substance, the history of the Old Testament is not different from its typical institutions, nor yet these two from its predictions. The idea, underlying …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Letter Li to the virgin Sophia
To the Virgin Sophia He praises her for having despised the glory of the world: and, setting forth the praises, privileges, and rewards of Religious Virgins, exhorts her to persevere. Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, to the Virgin Sophia, that she may keep the title of virginity and attain its reward. I. Favour is deceitful and beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised (Prov. xxxi. 31). I rejoice with you, my daughter, in the glory of your virtue, whereby, as I hear, you …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux 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 21:11 NIVPsalm 21:11 NLTPsalm 21:11 ESVPsalm 21:11 NASBPsalm 21:11 KJV
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