What is the meaning of Psalm 71:10?

For my enemies

- David is honest about the presence of literal, personal foes. Life in a fallen world still sets the righteous in conflict with those who resent holiness (Psalm 3:1: “How many are my foes!”).

- The psalmist’s enemies are not faceless; they are people with real power to harm (Psalm 27:2: “When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, my adversaries and foes stumbled and fell”).

- Believers today should not be surprised when following the Lord arouses hostility, just as Jesus warned in John 15:18–19.

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speak against me

- Words can wound deeply; slander is one of Satan’s favorite tools (Psalm 109:2: “For wicked and deceitful mouths open against me; they speak against me with lying tongues”).

- Ill–intended speech aims to erode reputation, courage, and faith, but truth ultimately prevails (Isaiah 54:17).

- Jesus Himself endured false accusations (Matthew 26:59–60); He sympathizes with every believer who is maligned.

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and those who lie in wait for my life

- The danger is active, not hypothetical. Enemies “lurk” and “watch” (Psalm 56:6: “They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, eager to take my life”).

- Hidden plots remind us to stay alert yet rest in God’s vigilance (Psalm 121:4: “indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep”).

- David’s experiences with Saul (1 Samuel 23:14) model the balance of prudent caution and unwavering trust.

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conspire

- Opposition often organizes itself; evil unites when righteousness stands firm (Psalm 83:3: “With cunning they conspire against Your people”).

- The cross is the ultimate example: “For truly in this city there were gathered together…to do what Your hand and Your purpose had predestined” (Acts 4:27–28). God overrules every conspiracy for His glory.

- The believer’s confidence rests in the Lord’s sovereignty: plots may gather, but the outcome is already secure (Psalm 2:1–4).

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summary

Enemies, slander, ambushes, and conspiracies are real, yet none exceed God’s control. Psalm 71:10 voices a seasoned saint’s candid distress while implicitly affirming the Lord’s deliverance. As hostility mounts, we cling to the God who hears every word spoken against us, sees every hidden trap, and turns every scheme to serve His purposes.