What is the meaning of Psalm 35:11? Hostile witnesses come forward “Hostile witnesses come forward…” (Psalm 35:11a) • David pictures an unexpected courtroom scene. People he never summoned suddenly rise and line up against him. • Scripture repeatedly warns about such treachery: “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16), yet in real life evil hearts ignore that command. • David had already prayed, “Do not deliver me over to the will of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence” (Psalm 27:12). The pattern is familiar—godly living often attracts unwarranted hostility. • Centuries later, the same dynamic surrounded Jesus: “The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence… but they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward” (Matthew 26:59-60). Stephen faced it too (Acts 6:13). • Practical take-away: – Expect that standing for truth may draw opposition. – Remember that sudden attack does not mean God has abandoned you; David was still “a man after God’s own heart.” – Trust the Lord to expose lies in His timing (Proverbs 19:5). They make charges I know nothing about “…they make charges I know nothing about.” (Psalm 35:11b) • The accusations are not merely exaggerated—they are fabricated. David is blindsided by allegations completely foreign to his conduct. • Other psalms echo this injustice: “Those who repay my good with evil slander me when I pursue what is good” (Psalm 38:20); “With words of hatred they surround me; they attack me without cause” (Psalm 109:3). • The verse foreshadows Christ’s experience: “He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth” (Isaiah 53:9), yet false testimony condemned Him. 1 Peter 2:22-23 urges believers to follow His example—entrust themselves to “Him who judges justly.” • How to respond when innocence is questioned: – Maintain integrity; do not let slander provoke sin (Romans 12:17-19). – Pray for vindication rather than orchestrating revenge (Psalm 35:23-24). – Keep serving others—silencing critics by righteous deeds (Titus 2:7-8). summary Psalm 35:11 paints a two-part picture: enemies step forward as hostile witnesses, then level charges totally disconnected from reality. David’s lament affirms that believers can be godly and still face brazen lies. The verse reminds us to expect opposition, cling to truth, and entrust final judgment to the Lord who sees every heart and will ultimately vindicate His people, just as He vindicated His Son. |
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