Psalms 35:13

KJV

But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing [was] sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.

KJV (with Strong's)

But as for me, when they were sick {H2470}, my clothing {H3830} was sackcloth {H8242}: I humbled {H6031}{H8765)} my soul {H5315} with fasting {H6685}; and my prayer {H8605} returned {H7725}{H8799)} into mine own bosom {H2436}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting, but my prayers returned unanswered.

American Standard Version

But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I afflicted my soul with fasting; And my prayer returned into mine own bosom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 35:13 powerfully illustrates David's profound compassion and spiritual devotion towards individuals who would later become his malicious adversaries. In a striking display of empathy, David recounts how he grieved, fasted, and interceded for their well-being when they were sick, adopting the traditional signs of deep sorrow and humility. This verse sets a poignant contrast, highlighting David's integrity and benevolent character against the backdrop of the unprovoked hostility and ingratitude he subsequently faced, underscoring the depth of his betrayal and the injustice of his plight.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 35 is a fervent psalm of lament and imprecation, where David appeals to God for justice against his deceitful and ungrateful enemies. The psalm opens with a plea for divine intervention against those who "fight against me" and "attack me" ([Psalms 35:1](/psalms/35-1 "Psalm 35:1 - David's Plea for Justice")). Verse 13 stands as a crucial pivot, preceding David's direct complaint in [Psalms 35:12](/psalms/35-12 "Psalm 35:12 - Evil for Good"), where he states, "They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul." This verse serves to establish David's unimpeachable character and compassionate conduct towards these very individuals, thereby intensifying the sense of betrayal and injustice that permeates the rest of the psalm, as he calls upon God to vindicate him and judge his oppressors.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practices described in [Psalms 35:13](/psalms/35-13 "Psalm 35:13 - David's Compassion for his Enemies")—wearing sackcloth and fasting—were deeply ingrained cultural expressions of mourning, repentance, and earnest supplication in ancient Israel and the broader Near East. Sackcloth, a coarse fabric typically made of goat hair, was donned as a visible sign of distress, humility, or identification with suffering, often accompanied by ashes and lamentation (e.g., [Genesis 37:34](/genesis/37-34 "Genesis 37:34 - Jacob's Mourning")). Fasting, the deliberate abstention from food, was a spiritual discipline practiced to humble the soul, intensify prayer, seek divine favor, or express deep sorrow and repentance (e.g., [1 Samuel 7:6](/1_samuel/7-6 "1 Samuel 7:6 - Israel's Fasting at Mizpah")). David's adoption of these practices for his *enemies* when they were sick demonstrates an extraordinary level of empathy and intercessory prayer, going beyond mere social custom to a profound act of self-abasement on behalf of others.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Psalm 35 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **righteous suffering**, portraying David as an innocent party who is unjustly persecuted despite his benevolent actions. Secondly, it highlights **intercessory prayer** as a profound act of compassion, even for those who are undeserving. David's willingness to humble himself and pray for his adversaries foreshadows the New Testament call to love one's enemies ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")). Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **divine justice**, setting the stage for David's subsequent appeals for God to intervene and judge the ingratitude and malice of his foes, thereby vindicating the righteous. Finally, it speaks to the **integrity of prayer**, suggesting that sincere devotion, even if unappreciated by its recipients, yields a spiritual return to the one who prays.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sackcloth (Hebrew, _saq_):** This term refers to a coarse fabric, usually made of goat's hair, worn as a sign of mourning, distress, humility, or penitence. It was a visible and tangible symbol of deep sorrow and identification with suffering, often accompanied by fasting and lamentation. David's wearing of sackcloth for his sick adversaries was a public and profound demonstration of his empathy and shared grief, signifying a complete absence of ill will towards them even in their weakness.
* **Humbled my soul (Hebrew, _'inniti nafshi_):** Literally meaning "afflicted my soul" or "denied myself," this phrase is a technical term often associated with fasting. It denotes a deliberate act of self-denial and spiritual discipline, aimed at bringing one's spirit into a state of deep humility and earnest supplication before God. This was not merely an outward show but an internal commitment to focus intensely on spiritual matters, often in times of national crisis, personal distress, or as an act of repentance, as exemplified on the Day of Atonement ([Leviticus 16:29](/leviticus/16-29 "Leviticus 16:29 - Day of Atonement")).
* **Bosom (Hebrew, _cheq_):** In this idiomatic expression, "bosom" refers to the chest or lap, often symbolizing the inner self, the heart, or the place where one holds something dear. The phrase "my prayer returned into mine own bosom" implies that David's sincere and earnest prayers, though perhaps unreciprocated or unappreciated by those for whom he prayed, brought a spiritual blessing, peace, or conviction back to himself. It speaks to the intrinsic value and personal benefit of offering genuine intercession, regardless of the immediate outcome or the recipients' response.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing [was] sackcloth":** This opening clause establishes a stark contrast ("But as for me") between David's compassionate actions and the later malevolence of his enemies. It describes David's empathetic response to their illness, adopting the traditional garb of mourning and distress. This act was a profound demonstration of his solidarity and intercession, signifying a deep personal identification with their suffering.
* **"I humbled my soul with fasting":** This phrase further elaborates on David's spiritual discipline. Beyond merely wearing sackcloth, he engaged in fasting, a practice that "afflicted" or "denied" his soul. This was a deliberate and intense spiritual exercise, aimed at expressing deep earnestness, humility before God, and fervent prayer on behalf of the sick individuals, demonstrating the sincerity and depth of his concern.
* **"and my prayer returned into mine own bosom":** This concluding idiom carries a dual meaning. On one hand, it suggests that David's prayers, though offered with utmost sincerity, were not reciprocated or acknowledged by those for whom he prayed; they did not bring about a change in their later hostile behavior. On the other hand, and more profoundly, it signifies that the act of sincere, selfless intercession itself brought a spiritual benefit, peace, or integrity back to David. His earnest prayers, even if unappreciated by humans, were heard by God and brought a blessing or conviction to the one who offered them.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 35:13 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey David's profound message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as David explicitly juxtaposes his compassionate actions ("But as for me") with the subsequent malicious ingratitude of his adversaries, a theme that runs throughout the psalm. **Symbolism** is evident in the mention of "sackcloth" and "fasting," which are not merely physical acts but powerful visual and spiritual symbols of deep humility, mourning, and earnest supplication. These symbols underscore the sincerity and depth of David's intercession. Furthermore, the phrase "my prayer returned into mine own bosom" is an **Idiom**, a culturally specific expression that conveys a nuanced meaning—either that the prayer was unreciprocated by the recipients or that it brought an internal blessing and peace to the one praying. This verse also functions as a crucial element within the larger **Lament** genre of Psalm 35, providing the moral foundation for David's subsequent appeals for divine justice against his ungrateful enemies.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 35:13 offers a profound theological statement on the nature of true compassion, intercessory prayer, and the integrity of the righteous. David's actions exemplify a radical empathy, extending care and spiritual devotion even to those who would later prove to be his ungrateful and malicious adversaries. This prefigures the highest ethical standards of the New Covenant, where believers are called to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them, reflecting the very character of God. It underscores that genuine prayer, offered with humility and sincerity, possesses an intrinsic value that transcends immediate outcomes or human appreciation, always yielding a spiritual return to the one who prays. This verse thus serves as a powerful reminder of the moral high ground maintained by the righteous, even in the face of profound betrayal, trusting that their integrity before God will ultimately be vindicated.

* [Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")
* [Luke 6:27-28](/luke/6-27 "Luke 6:27-28 - Love Your Enemies and Pray for Them")
* [Romans 12:14](/romans/12-14 "Romans 12:14 - Bless Those Who Persecute")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's example in Psalms 35:13 challenges us to cultivate a heart of radical compassion and intercession, even for those who may later become our adversaries or treat us unjustly. It calls us to transcend the natural human inclination for retaliation and instead embrace a Christ-like empathy that prays for the well-being of others without expecting anything in return. The practices of sackcloth and fasting, though culturally specific in their outward expression, point to the timeless value of humility and self-denial in our spiritual lives. They remind us that drawing near to God often involves sacrificing personal comfort for deeper spiritual engagement and earnest supplication. Furthermore, the assurance that "my prayer returned into mine own bosom" offers immense encouragement: our sincere efforts in prayer and compassion, even when unappreciated or rejected by others, are seen by God and bring a spiritual blessing, peace, and integrity back to us. This truth empowers us to persevere in doing good and praying for others, knowing that our devotion is never in vain and always yields a divine return.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's compassion for his enemies challenge your own approach to those who have wronged you or might do so in the future?**
* **What modern spiritual disciplines might correspond to David's "humbling his soul with fasting," and how can they deepen your intercessory prayer life?**
* **In what ways have you experienced your "prayer returning into your own bosom," even when the specific outcome you prayed for did not materialize?**
* **How can the integrity of David's actions inspire you to maintain your character and devotion, regardless of how others respond to your kindness?**

### FAQ

**Why did David wear sackcloth and fast for his enemies?**

Answer: David's actions of wearing sackcloth and fasting were deeply rooted in ancient Israelite culture as expressions of profound grief, humility, and earnest supplication before God. He did this for those who were sick, demonstrating extraordinary compassion and empathy, even for individuals who would later turn against him. This was not a mere formality but a sincere act of spiritual discipline and intercessory prayer, signifying his deep concern for their well-being and his willingness to humble himself before God on their behalf. It highlights his righteous character and sets a stark contrast to their later ingratitude, as seen in [Psalms 35:12](/psalms/35-12 "Psalm 35:12 - They rewarded me evil for good").

**What does "my prayer returned into mine own bosom" mean?**

Answer: This idiomatic phrase carries a dual significance. On one hand, it can imply that David's sincere prayers for his adversaries were not reciprocated or acknowledged by them; their subsequent malice showed they did not appreciate his benevolent actions. On the other hand, and more profoundly, it means that the act of sincere, selfless prayer itself brought a spiritual benefit, peace, or conviction back to David. His earnest intercession, even if unheeded by humans, was heard by God and brought a blessing, spiritual integrity, or inner peace to the one who offered it. It underscores the intrinsic value of prayer for the one praying, regardless of the immediate outcome or the recipients' response.

**How does this verse relate to the broader biblical teaching on responding to adversaries?**

Answer: Psalms 35:13 provides a powerful Old Testament precedent for the New Testament call to love one's enemies. David's compassionate actions—praying and humbling himself for those who would later persecute him—foreshadow the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, where He commands His followers to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")). It demonstrates that even before the full revelation of Christ, God's people were called to a high standard of moral conduct and selfless love, setting a standard of righteousness that stands in stark contrast to the world's ways.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 35:13, with David's radical compassion and intercession for his sick adversaries, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David's act of humbling himself with sackcloth and fasting for those who would later betray him is a powerful foreshadowing of Christ's perfect empathy and sacrificial love. Jesus, the true Son of David, did not merely wear sackcloth; He "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")), identifying completely with humanity in its sickness and sin. While David prayed for his enemies, Jesus literally suffered and died for His enemies—humanity in rebellion against God ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love for Sinners")). On the cross, amidst unimaginable suffering and betrayal, His prayer was not for vindication against His persecutors but for their forgiveness: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus Prays for His Executioners")). The "prayer returned into mine own bosom" for David, bringing personal integrity; for Christ, His ultimate intercession and sacrifice brought salvation and reconciliation to all who believe, demonstrating that His prayer fully accomplished its purpose, securing eternal blessing not only for Himself but for all who were His enemies, transforming them into His beloved children ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 69:10

When I wept, [and chastened] my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach.

Psalms 69:11

I made sackcloth also my garment; and I became a proverb to them.

Job 30:25

Did not I weep for him that was in trouble? was [not] my soul grieved for the poor?

Matthew 10:13

And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.

Matthew 5:44

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Romans 12:14

Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

Romans 12:15

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.