Psalms 71:10

“For mine enemies speak against, me, etc.] Or “say unto me” f962 what is expressed in the following verse, “God hath forsaken him”; and so these words are a reason of the above petitions: or “mine enemies speak to me”; or “of me” f963; not good, but evil, and so the Targum paraphrases it, “for mine enemies speak evil against me;” or concerning me. David had his enemies, and many, as Ahithophel, and others, who spake against him to the people, and thereby drew many with them into rebellion against him; and particularly Shimei spoke against him, and cursed him, calling him a bloody man, a man of Belial, (<101607>2 Samuel 16:7); and they that lay wait for my soul; or “life”; that laid snares for…”

“For mine enemies speak against me - That is, they said substantially, as it is stated in Psalms 71:11, that God had forsaken him, and that therefore, they would arise and punish him, or treat him as an outcast from God. And they that lay wait for my soul - For my life; or, to take my life. The margin here - as the Hebrew - is, “watch,” or “observe.” The “watchers for my life;” that is, they who watch for an opportunity to take my life, or to destroy me. Take counsel together - About the best means of accomplishing their object. return to 'Top of Page'”

“71:10 In their plotting, the psalmist’s enemies take counsel and scheme together (2:2; 21:11; 31:13; 35:4; 63:9-10).”

“and they: Psa 10:9, Psa 56:6; Pro 1:11 lay wait for: Heb. watch or observe, Psa 37:32, Psa 37:33; Sa1 19:11; Jer 20:10 take: Psa 2:2, Psa 83:3; Sa2 17:1-14; Mat 26:3, Mat 26:4, Mat 27:1 Psalms 71:11”