Psalms35

Psalm 35 is a fervent plea from David to the LORD for divine intervention against his numerous and malicious enemies. He asks God to fight on his behalf, confound his adversaries, and bring their wicked schemes back upon themselves. Despite his own compassionate actions towards them, David's foes have persecuted him without cause, leading him to seek God's righteous judgment and salvation.

Prayer for God, the Divine Warrior

1
By David: ADONAI, oppose those who oppose me; fight against those who fight against me. ​
2
Grasp your shield and protective gear, and rise to my defense.
3
Brandish spear and battle-axe against my pursuers; let me hear you say, "I am your salvation." ​
4
May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to confusion; may those who are plotting harm for me be repulsed and put to shame.
5
May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of ADONAI to drive them on. ​
6
May their way be dark and slippery, with the angel of ADONAI to pursue them. ​
7
For unprovoked, they hid their net over a pit; unprovoked, they dug it for me. ​
8
May destruction come over him unawares. May the net he concealed catch himself; may he fall into it and be destroyed. ​
9
Then I will be joyful in ADONAI, I will rejoice in his salvation.
10
All my bones will say, "Who is like you? Who can rescue the weak from those stronger than they, the poor and needy from those who exploit them?" ​

The Complaint: Betrayal by False Witnesses

11
Malicious witnesses come forward, asking me things about which I know nothing. ​
12
They repay me evil for good; it makes me feel desolate as a parent bereaved.
13
But I, when they were ill, wore sackcloth; I put myself out and fasted; I can pray that what I prayed for them might also happen to me. ​
14
I behaved as I would for my friend or my brother; I bent down in sorrow as if mourning my mother.
15
But when I stumble, they gather in glee; they gather against me and strike me unawares; they tear me apart unceasingly. ​
16
With ungodly mocking and grimacing, they grind their teeth at me.
17
Adonai, how much longer will you look on? Rescue me from their assaults, save the one life I have from the lions! ​
18
I will give you thanks in the great assembly, I will give you praise among huge crowds of people. ​

Final Petition for Justice and Vindication

19
Don't let those who are wrongfully my enemies gloat over me; and those who hate me unprovoked -don't let them smirk at me. ​
20
For they don't speak words of peace but devise ways to deceive the peaceful of the land.
21
They shout to accuse me, "Aha! Aha! we saw you with our own eyes!" ​
22
You saw them, ADONAI; don't stay silent. Adonai, don't stay far away from me.
23
Wake up! Get up, my God, my Lord! Defend me and my cause!
24
Give judgment for me, ADONAI, my God, as your righteousness demands. Don't let them gloat over me. ​
25
Don't let them say to themselves, "Aha! We got what we wanted!"or say, "We swallowed them up!"
26
May those who gloat over my distress be disgraced and humiliated. May those who aggrandize themselves at my expense be covered with shame and confusion.
27
But may those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad! Let them say always, "How great is ADONAI, who delights in the peace of his servant!" ​
28
Then my tongue will tell of your righteousness and praise you all day long.

Study Notes for Psalms 35

Verse 1

This psalm is a 'contention' psalm (Hebrew: *rib*), where the psalmist asks God to act as both his legal advocate (plead my cause) and his military defender (fight against them).

Verse 3

The request for God to 'say unto my soul, I am thy salvation' emphasizes that the psalmist needs not only external deliverance but also internal and personal assurance of God’s presence and saving power.

Verse 5

Being 'as chaff before the wind' is a classic biblical image of the wicked being scattered and judged, reinforcing the theme of divine military action against the enemies.

Verse 6

The 'angel of the LORD' often serves as the agent of God’s judgment and protection, ensuring the enemies' path is fraught with danger and confusion.

Verse 7

The phrase 'without cause' (or 'wrongfully') is crucial, establishing the psalmist’s innocence and justifying the severity of the imprecation against the adversaries.

Verse 8

This verse invokes the principle of *lex talionis* (retribution), where the wicked fall victim to the very destructive plots they devised for others (cf. Ps 7:15).

Verse 10

The psalmist recognizes God as the unique deliverer (who is like unto thee?) of the vulnerable ('the poor and the needy') from those who abuse power and wealth.

Verse 11

The setting shifts from open warfare to a court scene, highlighting the specific injustice suffered: slander and judicial deceit by 'false witnesses' who accuse David of unknown crimes.

Verse 13

David contrasts his profound past compassion (mourning and fasting, usually reserved for close family) with the enemies' present malice, underscoring the depth of their betrayal.

Verse 15

The 'abjects' (low, vile people) gathering against the psalmist emphasizes the public humiliation and the malicious nature of the opposition, who 'tear me' (slander).

Verse 17

'My darling' (Hebrew: *yeḥîdâ*) often refers to the psalmist's life or sole possession, emphasizing the extreme vulnerability of his existence before the destructive power of the 'lions' (enemies).

Verse 18

This is a vow of public thanksgiving. David promises that his deliverance will be celebrated and acknowledged 'in the great congregation,' reinforcing communal faith.

Verse 19

The 'winking with the eye' is a gesture of contempt used by conspirators, indicating malicious glee and mutual agreement over the psalmist’s misfortune.

Verse 21

The cry 'Aha, aha' is a taunt, reflecting the enemies' certainty that they have successfully overcome David and that God has failed to defend him.

Verse 24

The appeal rests on God's 'righteousness' (covenant faithfulness and justice), seeking vindication based not on David's merit, but on God's moral character.

Verse 27

The ultimate goal is the public magnification of the LORD, demonstrating that God takes pleasure in the 'prosperity' (well-being and covenant blessing) of his loyal servant.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate
Settings

Reading Style

Typeface

Font Size 19px

Reading Width 45 chars

Options