“For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land.”
The psalmist indicates that the enemies do not speak peace but devise deceitful words against those who are quiet in the land. The phrase 'quiet in the land' suggests that the psalmist is not aggressive or bellicose but peaceful, making the unprovoked hostility all the more unjust. The reference to 'deceitful words' indicates that the enemies' assault is primarily through false speech and accusation rather than through direct force. This verse positions the psalmist as a peaceful person victimized by those who use deception as their weapon.
Church Fathers on Psalms 35:20
1. ...The title of it causes us no delay, for it is both brief, and to be understood not difficult, especially to those nursed in the Church of God. For so it is, “To David himself.” The Psalm then is to David himself: now David is interpreted, Strong in hand, or Desirable. The Psalm then is to the Strong in hand, and Desirable, to Him who for us has overcome death, who unto us has promised life: for in this is He Strong in hand, that He has overcome death for us; in this is…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
Publish a reflection on this verse
No reflections on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!