Psalms 35:21
Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, and said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen it.
Psalms 35:21
In this verse, David describes the mouthy aggression of his foes: they “opened their mouth wide against me” and boasted, “Aha, aha, our eye hath seen it.” The language captures taunting and triumphalism in the face of perceived victory. Such braggadocio was common in ancient warfare and legal disputes, where adversaries would loudly claim eyewitness certainty and mock the defendant’s vulnerability. The psalmist’s heart is wounded by the scornful laughter and the sense that he has been publicly exposed. Yet in the psalm’s larger frame, the complaint is not merely personal; it reflects a larger test of trust in God’s justice when enemies control the narrative and seek to shame the righteous.
This verse highlights the moral charge of mockery and the spiritual cost of public scorn. It presents a contrast between human boasting and divine truth-telling. The psalmist’s appeal to God’s impending intervention sits against the backdrop of yet unanswered questions about justice. Theologically, it foregrounds the reality that God does not overlook verbal aggression, humiliating taunts, or the power dynamics that elevate the wicked. The psalm teaches that while human opinion can devastate, God’s perspective and timing are decisive. It also underscores the Psalmist’s fidelity: even as others celebrate arrogance, the righteous trust that God’s justice will prevail. The verse invites readers to examine how they speak of others—do their words build up or tear down?
Today, boasting voices online and offline can mimic those ancient taunts. How should we respond? First, resist joining in the sneer; choose measured, truthful responses or silence when necessary. If you’re the target of public ridicule, maintain your integrity and seek safe, constructive channels to address harm—talking with a mentor, mediator, or trusted friend, rather than venting in anger on social media. For communities and workplaces, establish norms that discourage gleeful or cruel mocking of others, and cultivate a culture of respectful disagreement. When viewers or readers feel seen and heard, it can soften bitterness and pave the way for truth to emerge. The Psalmist reminds us that God notices every insult and will act to restore dignity to the afflicted.
Cross-References: Psalm 3:7; Psalm 109:29; Proverbs 19:5; James 1:19-20; 1 Peter 2:23