תהלים, פרק קמ״ד, פסוק ח׳

The enemies facing the psalmist are defined by absolute falsehood. They are foreign adversaries whose entire existence, both in what they say and what they do, is built on emptiness. Because their foundation is entirely false, there is no reason to fear their threats or trust their promises.

Their deceit begins with their speech, which operates on two distinct levels. On a theological level, their words are false because they deny God's active involvement in the world. They attribute human events to blind chance or argue that God remains exclusively in heaven, completely removed from earthly affairs [אלשיך, מלבי״ם, מאירי]. On a practical and political level, this falsehood takes the form of foreign kings who boast loudly about their grand plans [רד״ק]. They invent wild exaggerations, twist known facts [רש״י], and hand out empty promises that offer no real security [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

While their speech is filled with lies, their physical actions are equally deceptive [אבן עזרא]. The primary approach among commentators is that the physical strength, military might, and self-reliance of these enemies are ultimately an illusion. They project an image of unstoppable power, but this strength is a lie because they possess no independent might. Any power they hold is temporary, granted to them solely by God's decree [רד״ק, אלשיך, מצודת דוד].

Their deception also extends to their diplomacy and faith. When these adversaries reach out to offer help or form a political alliance [ביאור שטיינזלץ], or when they raise a hand to take an oath, they do so with complete dishonesty, fully prepared to swear falsely [רש״י, אבן עזרא בשם בן בלעם]. Even the core of their religious belief is a deception. Their deeply held faith and devotion to idolatry represent a spiritual path that is fundamentally false from its very beginning [מלבי״ם, מאירי]. Every aspect of these adversaries is completely stripped of truth. From their spoken promises and military might to their political treaties and spiritual beliefs, their entire existence lacks any foundation of reality [תורה תמימה].