Psalms 35:24

KJV

Judge me, O LORD my God, according to thy righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Judge {H8199} me, O LORD {H3068} my God {H430}, according to thy righteousness {H6664}; and let them not rejoice {H8055}{H8799)} over me.

Complete Jewish Bible

Give judgment for me, ADONAI, my God, as your righteousness demands. Don't let them gloat over me.

Berean Standard Bible

Vindicate me by Your righteousness, O LORD my God, and do not let them gloat over me.

American Standard Version

Judge me, O Jehovah my God, according to thy righteousness; And let them not rejoice over me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 35:24 presents a fervent and deeply personal petition from the psalmist, David, to the Lord God. It is an earnest appeal for divine intervention, asking God to act as the supreme and righteous Judge in a situation of intense and unjust persecution. The verse articulates a profound trust in God's inherent and perfect righteousness as the ultimate standard for vindication, simultaneously expressing a heartfelt desire that his malicious adversaries would not be granted the satisfaction of triumphing or gloating over his suffering. This plea encapsulates the psalmist's complete reliance on God's unwavering justice amidst severe opposition, seeking not merely defense but a definitive and public declaration of God's righteous judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 35 is a powerful and extended lament psalm, situated within the first book of the Psalter (Psalms 1-41), which predominantly features individual laments and petitions. Traditionally attributed to David, this psalm likely originates from a period of intense and unprovoked persecution by false accusers and ungrateful former associates. The psalm opens with an urgent cry for God to "contend with those who contend with me" and "fight against those who fight against me" [Psalm 35:1](/psalms/35-1 "Psalm 35:1 - David's Plea for Divine Intervention"). Throughout the preceding verses, David vividly details the treachery of his enemies, their malicious accusations, their unprovoked hatred, and their desire for his downfall, despite his consistent kindness towards them (e.g., [Psalm 35:7](/psalms/35-7 "Psalm 35:7 - Enemies' Unjust Plot")). Verse 24, therefore, serves as a climactic, direct appeal for God to assume the role of the ultimate arbiter, bringing the legal language and imagery of the psalm to a decisive point, seeking a definitive divine verdict and intervention that will publicly shame his adversaries.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Psalms 35 is likely a time in David's life marked by unjust slander and relentless pursuit, possibly during Saul's persistent attempts to kill him, or perhaps amidst Absalom's rebellion, or even earlier conflicts with those who opposed his legitimate ascent to kingship. In ancient Near Eastern societies, while human justice was administered by kings or local elders, the ultimate court of appeal was always the divine realm. When human systems of justice failed, or when an individual was falsely accused with no earthly recourse, the only avenue was to appeal directly to their deity. David, as a monotheistic believer, appeals specifically to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, who is uniquely understood to be perfectly just and righteous. The concept of enemies "rejoicing over" one's misfortune carried profound cultural weight, signifying not only personal defeat and humiliation but also a perceived abandonment by one's God. David's prayer thus reflects the deep social, emotional, and spiritual implications of such a public triumph by his adversaries.

* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes present within Psalms 35 and the entire Psalter. It powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Vindication**, portraying God as the supreme and righteous Judge who will ultimately rectify wrongs and defend the innocent, a truth echoed in [Psalm 7:8](/psalms/7-8 "Psalm 7:8 - God Judges the Peoples"). It also highlights **Dependence on God's Character**, as David's plea is rooted not in his own perceived merit or blamelessness, but entirely in God's perfect "righteousness"—a foundational concept within the covenant relationship and a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises (e.g., [Psalm 145:17](/psalms/145-17 "Psalm 145:17 - The Lord is Righteous in All His Ways")). Furthermore, the verse exemplifies **Prayer in Persecution**, offering a timeless model for believers facing unjust opposition or false accusations to bring their grievances directly to God, trusting in His active intervention and ultimate deliverance, a common motif throughout the lament psalms, such as [Psalm 55](/psalms/55 "Psalm 55 - A Prayer Against Treacherous Friends"). Finally, the fervent desire that enemies "not rejoice over me" speaks directly to the theme of the **Prevention of Enemy Triumph**, acknowledging the spiritual and emotional victory adversaries seek in another's downfall, a plea powerfully echoed in other psalms like [Psalm 13:4](/psalms/13-4 "Psalm 13:4 - Lest My Enemy Say, 'I Have Prevailed'").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Judge (Hebrew, _shâphaṭ'_):** Derived from the primitive root H8199, _shâphaṭ_ means more than merely rendering a verdict. It encompasses the full scope of judicial action: to pronounce sentence (for or against), to vindicate, to punish, to govern, and by extension, to defend or litigate on behalf of someone. David's plea is not for a neutral assessment of his situation, but for God to actively intervene as his champion, to set the record straight, and to execute a decisive, favorable judgment that brings about his deliverance and vindication against his accusers.
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tsedeq'_):** From H6664, _tsedeq_ refers to the right (natural, moral, or legal), encompassing equity and justice. It denotes God's inherent moral uprightness, His unwavering faithfulness to His own character, His covenant, and His just dealings with humanity. It is not merely an abstract attribute but an active principle by which God governs the world. David appeals to God's very nature—His perfect standard of justice and integrity—as the sole basis for his vindication, rather than his own perceived innocence. This is a profound declaration of trust in God's unwavering moral perfection and His commitment to upholding what is right.
* **Rejoice (Hebrew, _sâmach'_):** This primitive root (H8055) means to brighten up, to be blithe or gleesome, to be glad, merry, or joyful. When used in the context of enemies "rejoicing over" someone, as here, it signifies a malicious, gloating joy. It describes the triumph of adversaries, finding satisfaction, celebration, and public validation in the misfortune, downfall, or defeat of another. David's fervent prayer is that his enemies not be granted this ultimate satisfaction, which would not only be a personal humiliation but, from a theological perspective, an apparent victory of injustice over God's divine order and honor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Judge me, O LORD my God":** This is a direct, intimate, and urgent appeal to the divine. The address "O LORD my God" (Yahweh Elohim) powerfully combines God's covenant faithfulness and personal relationship with His supreme authority and power. David places his entire case before the ultimate divine tribunal, acknowledging God as the only true and perfect Arbiter who can discern the truth of his situation and act decisively on his behalf. It is a cry for active intervention and judicial vindication, recognizing God's sovereignty over all human affairs.
* **"according to thy righteousness":** This crucial phrase defines the standard by which David seeks judgment. He is not asking God to judge him based on his own (David's) righteousness or blamelessness, but rather according to God's perfect, unchanging, and absolute righteousness. This underscores a deep theological truth: true justice flows from God's inherent character. David trusts that if God acts in accordance with His own unblemished nature, he will be vindicated because his enemies' accusations are fundamentally false and unjust. This is an appeal to God's integrity and His commitment to justice.
* **"and let them not rejoice over me":** This second clause expresses the desired outcome of God's judgment and vindication. David prays that his enemies—those who maliciously seek his harm and falsely accuse him—will not achieve their desired triumph. Their "rejoicing over" him would signify a public victory for injustice and a perceived failure of God to defend His servant. This plea is not merely personal; it reflects a profound concern for God's honor and reputation, as the enemies' gloating would implicitly mock God's justice, power, and faithfulness to His covenant people.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 35:24 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent plea. The most prominent is **Apostrophe**, as David directly addresses "O LORD my God," personalizing his fervent petition to the divine Judge, making the prayer immediate and intimate. The verse functions as a concise yet powerful **Lament**, embodying a cry for help and vindication within the broader context of a psalm of distress. The structure of the verse itself exhibits a clear form of **Parallelism**, specifically an implied antithetical parallelism, where God's righteous judgment is sought to directly counteract and prevent the unrighteous rejoicing of the enemies. God's action (judgment according to righteousness) is presented as the necessary counterpoint to the adversaries' desired action (malicious rejoicing). The phrase "rejoice over me" also carries a strong sense of **Irony**, as the enemies' anticipated joy is rooted in injustice and falsehood, while David's hope is firmly rooted in God's perfect and unwavering justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 35:24 profoundly articulates the biblical understanding of God as the ultimate source of justice and the righteous vindicator of His people. It highlights that true justice is not a human construct or a product of earthly legal systems, but flows directly from God's inherent character—His perfect righteousness. When confronted with the overwhelming reality of human injustice, false accusations, and malicious intent, the believer's ultimate recourse is to appeal directly to the divine court. This verse teaches us that our hope for vindication rests not on our own ability to prove our innocence or on the fairness of human systems, which are often fallible, but on God's unwavering commitment to His own righteous standards. It is a powerful reminder that God sees all, God hears all, and God will act in accordance with His perfect nature, ensuring that ultimately, evil will not triumph over good, and His people will not be put to shame.

* [Psalm 7:8](/psalms/7-8 "Psalm 7:8 - God Judges the Peoples")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine, I Will Repay")
* [1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ Entrusted Himself to Him Who Judges Justly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 35:24 offers a timeless pattern for prayer and a profound source of comfort for all who experience injustice, false accusation, or malicious opposition. In a world where truth is frequently distorted, and righteousness is often trampled underfoot, this verse reminds us that we have a perfectly just God to whom we can appeal. When false accusations fly, when trusted friends betray, or when adversaries seek our downfall, our first and most effective response is not to engage in human retaliation, self-vindication, or despair, but to lay our case before the Lord. This requires a deep and abiding trust in God's character—His absolute righteousness—knowing that He sees all, understands all, and will act in His perfect timing and in His perfect way. It encourages us to surrender our desire for immediate human justice and instead rest in the sovereign, righteous judgment of God, confident that He will ultimately expose darkness, bring light to hidden truths, and prevent our enemies from having the final, gloating word. This posture of faith allows us to endure suffering with hope, knowing that our ultimate vindication rests securely in God's hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When faced with injustice or false accusations, what is your immediate inclination, and how does Psalms 35:24 challenge or affirm that inclination?**
* **How does trusting in God's righteousness, rather than your own, change the way you pray for vindication and deliverance?**
* **In what ways might the "rejoicing" of your adversaries manifest today, and how does this verse encourage you to pray against such triumphs of injustice?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "let God be the judge" in a current situation where you feel wronged or falsely accused?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for God to "judge me according to thy righteousness"?**

Answer: This phrase does not imply that David is asking God to find fault with him or to condemn him. Rather, it is a fervent plea for God to act as the ultimate, impartial Judge, but to do so based on His own perfect, unchanging, and absolute standard of righteousness and justice. David is essentially asking God to vindicate him, to declare him innocent of the false charges brought by his enemies, and to expose the wickedness of his accusers. He trusts that God's inherent moral perfection will inevitably lead to a just outcome that favors the righteous sufferer and condemns the malicious oppressor. It's an appeal for God to uphold His own character by setting things right in a way that aligns with His divine nature.

**Why is it important that David's enemies "not rejoice over me"?**

Answer: The enemies' rejoicing would signify their triumph over David, not just personally, but also spiritually and publicly. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the defeat or humiliation of an individual was often seen as a reflection of their god's weakness or abandonment. If David's enemies were to gloat, it would imply that their unjust schemes had succeeded, that God had not intervened, and that injustice had prevailed. This would bring immense shame upon David and, by extension, seem to dishonor God's justice and power in the eyes of the world. Therefore, David's plea is not merely for personal relief but for the vindication of God's justice and honor, preventing the adversaries from celebrating a false victory that would mock divine order.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 35:24 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. He is the supremely righteous sufferer, who, though entirely innocent of any wrongdoing, endured false accusations, betrayal by His own disciples, and the unjust condemnation of both religious and civil authorities. Like David, Jesus was "repaid evil for good" [Psalm 35:12](/psalms/35-12 "Psalm 35:12 - They Repay Me Evil for Good"), yet He did not revile in return. Instead, He "committed himself to him who judges righteously" [1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ Entrusted Himself to Him Who Judges Justly"). His crucifixion was the epitome of human injustice, a moment when the enemies of God and righteousness seemed to "rejoice over" Him, mocking and gloating as He hung on the cross [Matthew 27:39-44](/matthew/27-39-44 "Matthew 27:39-44 - Mocking of Jesus on the Cross"). However, God's ultimate "judgment according to thy righteousness" was powerfully and definitively demonstrated in Christ's resurrection from the dead. The resurrection was God's divine vindication of His Son, proving His innocence, affirming His perfect righteousness, and declaring His triumph over sin, death, and all spiritual adversaries [Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God by Resurrection"). Thus, the enemies did not have the final rejoice; instead, Christ's resurrection ensures that all who trust in Him will ultimately share in His vindication and eternal triumph, silencing the gloating of every foe and securing the ultimate victory of God's perfect justice and sovereign plan.

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 26:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; [therefore] I shall not slide.

Psalms 43:1

¶ Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.

Psalms 7:8

The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity [that is] in me.

Psalms 35:19

Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: [neither] let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.

1 Peter 2:22

Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

Psalms 18:20

¶ The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.

Psalms 18:24

Therefore hath the LORD recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.