Hostile witnesses come forward; they make charges I know nothing about. Hostile witnesses come forward;This phrase reflects a common theme in the Psalms where the psalmist faces false accusations and persecution. In ancient Israel, legal proceedings often involved witnesses who would testify against the accused. The term "hostile witnesses" suggests a deliberate intent to harm or deceive. This can be seen in the story of Naboth's vineyard (1 Kings 21), where false witnesses were used to unjustly accuse Naboth. The concept of false testimony is also addressed in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:16), highlighting its seriousness in biblical law. they make charges I know nothing about. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe author of Psalm 35, David is expressing his distress over false accusations and the betrayal he faces from those who should be his allies. 2. Hostile Witnesses These are individuals who falsely accuse David, representing betrayal and injustice. They are symbolic of those who oppose God's anointed. 3. Courtroom Imagery The setting is metaphorically akin to a courtroom where false witnesses testify against the innocent, highlighting themes of justice and truth. Teaching Points The Reality of False AccusationsBelievers should be prepared for the possibility of facing false accusations, as even the most righteous individuals in Scripture experienced this. Trust in God's Justice In times of unjust accusations, trust that God sees the truth and will ultimately vindicate the righteous. Responding with Integrity When falsely accused, respond with integrity and leave vindication to God, following the example of David and Jesus. Prayer as a Response Use prayer as a means to seek God's intervention and maintain a heart of forgiveness towards accusers. Community Support Seek support and counsel from fellow believers when facing false accusations, as the body of Christ is meant to uphold one another. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's experience with false witnesses in Psalm 35:11 relate to the experiences of Jesus and Stephen in the New Testament?2. What steps can you take to maintain your integrity when faced with false accusations, based on biblical examples? 3. How can prayer be a powerful tool in dealing with situations of injustice, as seen in David's response in the Psalms? 4. In what ways can the church community provide support to those who are unjustly accused? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced false accusations. How did you respond, and what biblical principles can guide you in similar future situations? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 23:1This verse warns against spreading false reports and being a malicious witness, directly connecting to the theme of false accusations in Psalm 35:11. Matthew 26:59-60 The false witnesses against Jesus during His trial echo the experience of David, showing a pattern of righteous individuals facing unjust accusations. Acts 6:13 Stephen, like David, faces false witnesses, illustrating the ongoing struggle between truth and deceit in the lives of God's servants.
People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics FALSE, Crimes, Forward, Got, Laid, Lay, Malicious, Nothing, Question, Questions, Rise, Unrighteous, Violent, WitnessesDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 35:11 5625 witnesses, false Library Specific References to Prophecy in the Gospels20. 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. The Sixth Commandment The Ninth Commandment Question of the Comparison Between the Active and the Contemplative Life After the Scripture. Opposition to Messiah Unreasonable Notes on the Third Century Concerning Persecution Psalms Links Psalm 35:11 NIVPsalm 35:11 NLT Psalm 35:11 ESV Psalm 35:11 NASB Psalm 35:11 KJV Psalm 35:11 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |