Psalms 35:27

KJV

Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let them shout for joy {H7442}, and be glad {H8055}{H8799)}, that favour {H2655} my righteous cause {H6664}: yea, let them say {H559}{H8799)} continually {H8548}, Let the LORD {H3068} be magnified {H1431}{H8799)}, which hath pleasure {H2655} in the prosperity {H7965} of his servant {H5650}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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!"

Berean Standard Bible

May those who favor my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, “Exalted be the LORD who delights in His servant’s well-being.”

American Standard Version

Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favor my righteous cause: Yea, let them say continually, Jehovah be magnified, Who hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse from Psalm 35 articulates a confident expectation of divine vindication and a compelling call to joyous, continuous praise for God's character and actions. It anticipates the exuberant celebration of those who align with God's justice, culminating in the perpetual magnification of the Lord, who finds deep delight in the holistic well-being and flourishing of His faithful servants.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 35 is a profound individual lament, a heartfelt prayer from David appealing to God for deliverance from malicious and unjust enemies. The psalm opens with an urgent plea for divine intervention, asking God to "contend with those who contend with me" and "fight against those who fight against me" ([Psalms 35:1](/psalms/35-1 "Psalm 35:1 - David's Earnest Plea")). David vividly describes the treachery and ingratitude of his foes, who repay good with evil and plot his downfall despite his past intercession for them ([Psalms 35:11-16](/psalms/35-11-16 "Psalm 35:11-16 - Enemies' Malice and Ingratitude")). Verses 17-26 continue the fervent cry for God to act, to awaken and judge his adversaries. Verse 27 marks a pivotal shift from the deep anguish of lament and petition to a confident declaration of future vindication and a vision of the righteous response to God's anticipated deliverance. It projects forward to a time when God's justice will be undeniably evident, prompting overflowing joy and perpetual praise from those who support David's righteous cause.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David, as King of Israel, frequently encountered internal and external opposition throughout his reign. While the specific historical context for Psalm 35 is not explicitly stated, it resonates with periods of intense persecution, such as Saul's relentless pursuit, Absalom's rebellion, or other instances of betrayal by those he had served. In ancient Near Eastern societies, a "cause" (Hebrew: *mishpat*) was often brought before a judge or king for arbitration, implying a legal or judicial dispute. David's plea for his "righteous cause" to be favored is a direct appeal for God, the ultimate judge, to intervene and declare him innocent, upholding justice against false accusations and malicious intent. The public "shouting for joy" and "magnifying the Lord" were customary expressions of communal celebration and worship following a significant victory or divine deliverance, often involving processions or temple rituals that affirmed God's sovereignty and faithfulness.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 35 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Vindication and Justice**. David's "righteous cause" (מִשְׁפָּט, *mishpat*) is not merely a personal desire for victory but an appeal for God to uphold what is right and just, reflecting God's own character as a righteous judge who "executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed" ([Psalms 103:6](/psalms/103-6 "Psalm 103:6 - God's Righteousness and Justice for the Oppressed")). Secondly, the call to "shout for joy, and be glad" highlights the theme of **Joyful Praise and Worship** as the natural and exuberant response to God's intervention and deliverance. This communal celebration is a hallmark of the Psalms, reflecting the profound joy of God's people in His salvation, as seen in David's invitation to "magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together" ([Psalms 34:3](/psalms/34-3 "Psalm 34:3 - Magnifying the Lord Together")). Finally, the profound statement that God "hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant" introduces the theme of **God's Delight in His People's Holistic Well-being**. This "prosperity" (שָׁלוֹם, *shalom*) encompasses peace, wholeness, welfare, and flourishing in all aspects of life, demonstrating God's desire for His faithful followers to thrive, not just survive, in their walk with Him, echoing His covenant promises of blessing and abundant life, as He declares His plans for "peace, and not for evil, to give you an expected end" ([Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Shalom and Hope")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Magnified (Hebrew, _gâdal'_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to twist," which extends to "to be (causatively make) large," this word emphasizes the exaltation and glorification of God. It is a declaration that God's character, power, and faithfulness are to be proclaimed as supremely great and worthy of all honor. It signifies not making God *become* greater, but acknowledging and declaring His inherent, immeasurable greatness and lifting Him up in praise.
* **Pleasure (Hebrew, _châphêts'_):** This term signifies being "pleased with" or having "delight in." It expresses God's active desire, favor, and genuine satisfaction. When applied to God, it reveals His benevolent disposition and His deep enjoyment in the well-being and actions of His faithful. It indicates a willing and joyful inclination on God's part towards the prosperity of His servant.
* **Prosperity (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** This is a profoundly rich Hebrew concept, encompassing far more than mere material wealth. *Shalom* denotes safety, well-being, happiness, and peace in a comprehensive sense. It signifies completeness, wholeness, welfare, and flourishing in all aspects of life—spiritual, emotional, physical, and relational. It describes a state where nothing is missing or broken, reflecting God's desire for the comprehensive and holistic well-being of His people, a state of harmony and flourishing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause":** This clause functions as both a fervent prayer and a prophetic declaration, envisioning the future response of those who stand with David and, by extension, with God's justice. The imperative "Let them" expresses a strong desire for this outcome. Their joy and gladness are not merely for David's personal triumph but for the vindication of a cause that is intrinsically aligned with righteousness. It anticipates a public, exuberant celebration of God's decisive intervention and the triumph of justice.
* **"yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified":** This phrase emphasizes the ongoing, unending nature of the praise that will follow God's vindication. The initial burst of joy transforms into a sustained, perpetual declaration of God's greatness and majesty. The ultimate goal of God's action in upholding justice is His own glory, to be continually exalted and recognized as supreme by His people, demonstrating His faithfulness and power.
* **"which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant":** This profound statement reveals a core theological truth about God's character and His relationship with His people. God is not a distant, indifferent deity; He actively delights in the flourishing and holistic well-being (*shalom*) of His faithful followers. This pleasure is not conditional on the servant's perfection but on their faithful alignment with His will and their trust in His justice. It provides immense comfort and assurance that God desires the comprehensive best for His people, a desire rooted in His loving and covenantal nature.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 35:27 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with depth and impact. The primary device is the **Imperative Mood**, seen in "Let them shout for joy," "be glad," and "let them say continually." This grammatical construction functions as both a fervent prayer and a confident prophetic declaration of what *will* happen when God acts, imbuing the verse with a sense of certainty and anticipation. **Hyperbole** is subtly present in the phrase "say continually," suggesting a ceaseless, unending praise that reflects the overwhelming magnitude of God's anticipated deliverance and the eternal nature of His glory. The verse also utilizes **Metonymy** where "righteous cause" stands for the person whose cause is righteous, indicating David himself and his just standing before God. Finally, the entire verse functions as a form of **Anticipatory Praise**, where the psalmist praises God for a deliverance that has not yet fully materialized, demonstrating profound faith and unwavering trust in God's future intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates God's character as a righteous judge who finds deep delight in the well-being of His faithful. It inextricably links the vindication of the righteous with the magnification of God, demonstrating that divine justice ultimately serves to glorify God's name and reveal His nature. The profound concept of God having "pleasure in the prosperity of his servant" reveals a deeply relational and benevolent God who is not only concerned with upholding justice but also with the holistic flourishing of those who serve Him. This prosperity, or *shalom*, is a comprehensive state of peace, completeness, and well-being that reflects God's covenant faithfulness and His desire for His people to thrive in every dimension of their lives. It assures believers that their struggles are seen, their cause is just in God's eyes, and their ultimate flourishing brings joy to the very heart of God, testifying to His goodness and power.

* [Psalms 37:23-24](/psalms/37-23-24 "Psalm 37:23-24 - The Lord Delights in a Man's Way")
* [Isaiah 43:7](/isaiah/43-7 "Isaiah 43:7 - Created for God's Glory and Delight")
* [3 John 1:2](/3_john/1-2 "3 John 1:2 - God's Desire for Our Prosperity and Health")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 35:27 offers profound encouragement and a clear call to action for believers facing adversity. When we find ourselves unjustly accused, slandered, or opposed for standing for what is right, this verse reminds us that God sees our "righteous cause." It encourages us to bring our pleas before Him with unwavering confidence, knowing that He is a righteous judge who delights in vindicating His servants. Our response to His anticipated or actual deliverance should be one of overflowing joy and continuous praise, not merely for our own relief, but primarily for the magnification of His holy name. Furthermore, the assurance that God "hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant" transforms our understanding of His meticulous care. It tells us that God desires our holistic well-being—our *shalom*—in every area of life: spiritual, emotional, relational, and physical. This deeply comforting truth should motivate us to live faithfully and trustingly, knowing that our flourishing is not just a personal gain, but a source of delight to our Heavenly Father, and ultimately, a powerful testimony to His goodness, faithfulness, and sovereign care.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "pleasure in the prosperity of his servant" impact your prayers for personal well-being and flourishing, especially amidst challenges?**
* **In what specific, tangible ways can you "continually magnify the LORD" in your daily life, even when facing injustice or difficulty?**
* **When you experience injustice, how does the concept of a "righteous cause" and God's ultimate vindication shape your perspective and inform your response?**

### FAQ
**What does "righteous cause" mean in the context of this verse?**

Answer: In Psalms 35:27, "righteous cause" (Hebrew: *tsedeq*) refers to a legal or moral case that is just, right, and defensible in the eyes of God. It signifies David's plea for divine justice against false accusations and malicious adversaries. It's not merely a personal desire for victory, but an appeal for God to uphold what is morally correct and to vindicate his innocence, aligning with God's own character as a righteous judge. It implies that David's position is consistent with God's truth and justice, and therefore worthy of divine intervention and favor.

**Does "prosperity" in this verse refer only to material wealth?**

Answer: No, the Hebrew word for "prosperity" here is *shalom*, which is a much broader and richer concept than mere material wealth. *Shalom* encompasses peace, completeness, wholeness, welfare, and flourishing in all aspects of life—spiritual, emotional, physical, and relational. It signifies a state where nothing is missing or broken, a holistic well-being that reflects God's desire for His people to thrive in every dimension. While it can include material blessings, its primary meaning is comprehensive flourishing and peace, as beautifully illustrated in God's promise to Israel in [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Shalom").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 35:27 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Suffering Servant of the Lord whose "righteous cause" was perfectly just and eternally vindicated. While David's plea was for personal deliverance, Christ, the true and greater David, endured the ultimate injustice, being falsely accused, condemned, and crucified despite His perfect righteousness and sinlessness ([Isaiah 53:9](/isaiah/53-9 "Isaiah 53:9 - The Suffering Servant's Innocence")). His "cause" was not merely His own vindication but the redemption of humanity, a cause that God the Father delighted in. The resurrection of Jesus is the supreme demonstration of God's "pleasure in the prosperity of his servant," as Christ was raised from the dead, exalted to the right hand of God, and given "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission and Christ's Authority")). Through His finished work on the cross and His glorious resurrection, believers are now invited to share in His prosperity—not just material wealth, but the comprehensive *shalom* of God: peace with God ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Faith")), spiritual wholeness, and eternal life. Our joy and continuous magnification of the Lord are now rooted in the historical reality of Christ's triumph over sin and death, for He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through Him, we receive the abundance of life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Abundant Life in Christ")). The Father's profound pleasure in His Son's perfect obedience and ultimate sacrifice is the foundational truth for our own hope of flourishing and eternal joy.

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

Jeremiah 32:40

And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.

Jeremiah 32:41

Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul.

Psalms 149:4

For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.

Psalms 40:16

Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.

Zephaniah 3:17

The LORD thy God in the midst of thee [is] mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

Psalms 70:4

Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified.

Proverbs 8:18

Riches and honour [are] with me; [yea], durable riches and righteousness.