Psalms 35:28

KJV

And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness [and] of thy praise all the day long.

KJV (with Strong's)

And my tongue {H3956} shall speak {H1897} of thy righteousness {H6664} and of thy praise {H8416} all the day {H3117} long.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then my tongue will tell of your righteousness and praise you all day long.

Berean Standard Bible

Then my tongue will proclaim Your righteousness and Your praises all day long.

American Standard Version

And my tongue shall talk of thy righteousness Andof thy praise all the day long.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 35:28 concludes a fervent lament with a powerful vow of perpetual praise. Following David's impassioned plea for divine intervention against his unjust adversaries, this verse articulates his confident anticipation that God will vindicate him. Upon receiving God's righteous deliverance, David commits his tongue to a continuous, public declaration of God's character and saving acts, transforming his cry for justice into an enduring testimony of thanksgiving and adoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 35 is a psalm of lament and imprecation, a heartfelt cry from David to God for deliverance from his enemies. The psalm opens with an urgent appeal for God to "contend with those who contend with me" and "fight against those who fight against me" ([Psalms 35:1](/psalms/35-1 "Psalms 35:1 - David's Plea for Vindication")). Throughout the preceding verses, David vividly describes the treachery and malice of his adversaries, who repay his good with evil, mock his distress, and plot his downfall (e.g., [Psalms 35:7-8](/psalms/35-7 "Psalms 35:7-8 - The Snares of the Enemy")). He contrasts their unrighteousness with his own innocent suffering, appealing to God's justice. The psalm moves through stages of petition, imprecation, and expressions of confidence, culminating in this verse, which serves as a climactic vow of praise, anticipating God's righteous intervention and David's subsequent, unending response of worship. It mirrors the common structure of lament psalms, which often conclude with a shift from complaint to confidence and a commitment to praise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical context for Psalms 35 is not explicitly stated, it is traditionally attributed to David, likely reflecting periods of intense persecution from figures like Saul or later, Absalom. The language of "enemies" and "those who plot evil" (e.g., [Psalms 35:4](/psalms/35-4 "Psalms 35:4 - David's Prayer for His Enemies' Confusion")) resonates with David's life as a man constantly facing betrayal and opposition, often from within his own people or court. In ancient Israel, justice was deeply tied to God's character and covenant. When an individual was wronged, especially by those who should have been allies, the primary recourse was to appeal to God, the ultimate judge and vindicator. Public praise and testimony, as promised in this verse, were not just personal expressions but communal acts, reinforcing God's sovereignty and faithfulness within the community and serving as a witness to both believers and unbelievers. The "tongue" as an instrument of public declaration was significant in a culture where oral tradition and public assemblies were central.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 35:28 encapsulates several major themes prevalent in the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. The primary theme is **Divine Vindication and Righteousness**. David's praise is a direct response to God's anticipated righteous acts of deliverance, underscoring God's moral perfection and His unwavering commitment to upholding justice for the oppressed, as seen in passages like [Psalms 145:7](/psalms/145-7 "Psalms 145:7 - God's Abundant Righteousness"). Another crucial theme is **Continuous Praise and Worship**. The phrase "all the day long" emphasizes the unending, persistent nature of David's promised devotion, reflecting a deep-seated and enduring trust in God that transcends fleeting moments of gratitude. This commitment to perpetual worship is a hallmark of a life lived in covenant with God (e.g., [Psalms 34:1](/psalms/34-1 "Psalms 34:1 - Blessing the Lord at All Times")). Finally, the verse highlights **Public Testimony and Proclamation**. David's "tongue shall speak" implies a vocal, public declaration of God's goodness, not merely an internal sentiment. This outward expression serves to glorify God and to bear witness to His mighty acts, potentially even influencing his adversaries or encouraging fellow believers, echoing the call to declare God's works among the nations found in [Psalms 96:3](/psalms/96-3 "Psalms 96:3 - Declare His Glory Among the Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tzedeq'_):** This multifaceted Hebrew term (צֶדֶק) extends beyond mere moral uprightness. In a theological context, _tzedeq_ refers to God's inherent character of justice, equity, and faithfulness, but also to His active intervention to establish justice, especially on behalf of the oppressed. It encompasses God's saving acts, His fidelity to His covenant, and His consistent alignment with His own holy standards. David's praise of God's "righteousness" here is a recognition of God's just nature and His anticipated saving action in delivering him from his enemies.
* **Praise (Hebrew, _tehillah'_):** The word _tehillah_ (תְּהִלָּה) denotes a song of praise, laudation, or adoration. It is often used for the act of public worship and thanksgiving. Unlike a simple expression of gratitude, _tehillah_ carries the connotation of a joyful, often musical, outpouring of adoration that acknowledges God's greatness, power, and character. David's commitment to speak of God's "praise" signifies a full and open declaration of God's worthiness, flowing from a heart transformed by divine intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And my tongue shall speak":** This opening phrase signifies a deliberate, vocal, and public declaration. The "tongue" is the instrument of speech, emphasizing that this praise will not be a silent, internal thought but an audible, outward expression. It implies a commitment to articulate God's character and deeds openly, potentially before witnesses, fulfilling a vow made in anticipation of deliverance.
* **"of thy righteousness":** This specifies the content of David's speech. He will speak of God's _tzedeq_—His just character, His faithful dealings, and His saving acts of intervention. This is a recognition that God's deliverance is not arbitrary but flows from His inherent nature as a righteous and just God who defends the innocent and punishes the wicked.
* **"[and] of thy praise":** This complements "righteousness," indicating that David's speech will also be an expression of adoration and thanksgiving for God's inherent glory and the specific acts of deliverance. It moves beyond merely acknowledging God's attributes to actively extolling Him, celebrating His worthiness and the wonderful things He has done. The "and" (implied in the Hebrew, as the two concepts are closely linked) suggests a comprehensive and holistic worship that encompasses both God's nature and His works.
* **"all the day long":** This temporal phrase emphasizes the continuous, persistent, and unending nature of David's promised devotion. It is not a fleeting moment of gratitude but a commitment to a lifestyle of praise, reflecting a deep-seated and enduring trust in God's faithfulness. It suggests that God's goodness and righteous acts will be a constant theme in David's life and speech, permeating every moment and circumstance.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 35:28 employs several powerful literary devices. **Synecdoche** is evident in "my tongue," where a part (the tongue) stands for the whole person's vocal expression and commitment. This emphasizes the active, verbal nature of the praise. The phrase "all the day long" is an example of **Hyperbole**, used not to imply literal 24-hour, non-stop speaking, but to convey the idea of continuous, unceasing, and pervasive praise throughout one's waking hours and life. This hyperbole underscores the depth and permanence of David's commitment. The parallelism between "thy righteousness" and "thy praise" exhibits **Synonymous Parallelism**, where two phrases express similar ideas, reinforcing the holistic nature of God's character and the appropriate response of worship. David's vow itself is a form of **Anticipatory Praise**, where he commits to future praise based on his present confidence in God's future deliverance, transforming a lament into a declaration of faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 35:28 serves as a profound theological statement on the appropriate response to God's character and redemptive acts. It underscores that true worship is not merely an emotional outburst but a reasoned and continuous declaration rooted in God's righteousness and faithfulness. David's vow teaches that our praise is intimately linked to God's justice; when God acts righteously on our behalf, our natural and commanded response is to proclaim His goodness. This perpetual praise transforms a life of suffering and petition into one of enduring testimony, demonstrating that faith anticipates God's vindication and commits to glorifying Him regardless of the immediate circumstances. It highlights the reciprocal relationship between God's saving work and humanity's grateful adoration, establishing a model for believers to cultivate a lifestyle of continuous worship that flows from an understanding of God's just and merciful nature.

* [Psalms 71:15](/psalms/71-15 "My Mouth Shall Tell of Your Righteousness")
* [Psalms 145:2](/psalms/145-2 "I Will Bless You Every Day")
* [Isaiah 61:11](/isaiah/61-11 "Righteousness and Praise Springing Forth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 35:28 offers a timeless blueprint for the believer's response to God's faithfulness, particularly in times of trial and waiting. It challenges us to cultivate a posture of anticipatory praise, where our commitment to glorify God is not contingent upon immediate relief but rooted in the unwavering confidence of His righteous character. When we face injustice, opposition, or prolonged suffering, this verse calls us to move beyond mere petition to a vow of continuous, public testimony. Our "tongue" is to be an instrument of God's praise, declaring His righteousness and goodness "all the day long," not just in moments of triumph but as a consistent lifestyle. This transforms our personal struggles into opportunities for corporate witness, demonstrating to a watching world that our God is just, faithful, and worthy of unending adoration. It reminds us that even before the full manifestation of God's deliverance, our faith can express itself in a confident commitment to praise, knowing that His righteousness will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "anticipatory praise" (praising God before deliverance) challenge or affirm your current approach to prayer and worship during difficult times?**
* **In what practical ways can you commit your "tongue" to speak of God's righteousness and praise "all the day long" in your daily life?**
* **How might your public declaration of God's goodness serve as a witness to others, especially those who may be observing your struggles or triumphs?**
* **What specific acts of God's righteousness or faithfulness in your life compel you to offer continuous praise?**

### FAQ
**What does "righteousness" mean in the context of Psalms 35:28?**

Answer: In this context, "righteousness" (Hebrew: _tzedeq_) refers to God's inherent character of justice, moral integrity, and faithfulness, but also, crucially, to His active intervention to establish justice on behalf of the oppressed. It encompasses God's saving acts, His fidelity to His covenant, and His consistent alignment with His own holy standards. David's praise of God's "righteousness" here is a recognition of God's just nature and His anticipated saving action in delivering him from his enemies, as seen in other psalms that speak of God's righteous judgments (e.g., [Psalms 9:8](/psalms/9-8 "God Judges the World in Righteousness")).

**Why does David promise to speak of God's praise "all the day long"?**

Answer: The phrase "all the day long" emphasizes the continuous, persistent, and unending nature of David's promised devotion. It signifies that his praise will not be a fleeting moment of gratitude but a commitment to a lifestyle of worship, reflecting a deep-seated and enduring trust in God's faithfulness. It suggests that God's goodness and righteous acts will be a constant theme in David's life and speech, permeating every moment and circumstance, much like the call in [Psalms 145:2](/psalms/145-2 "I Will Bless You Every Day") to bless the Lord "every day."

**Is this verse only relevant for someone experiencing persecution like David?**

Answer: While the immediate context is David's plea for deliverance from enemies, the principles in Psalms 35:28 are universally applicable to all believers. It models a foundational posture of faith and worship. Every believer experiences challenges, injustices, or moments of waiting for God's intervention. This verse teaches us to cultivate anticipatory praise, to declare God's righteousness and goodness even before our circumstances change, and to make praise a continuous part of our lives, acknowledging God's character regardless of our immediate situation. It encourages a lifestyle of gratitude and trust, which is a core tenet of Christian living (e.g., [1 Thessalonians 5:18](/1_thessalonians/5-18 "Give Thanks in All Circumstances")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 35:28 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, the righteous sufferer who was ultimately vindicated by God. David's experience of unjust persecution and his vow to praise God's righteousness "all the day long" foreshadows Christ, who endured the ultimate injustice on the cross, yet remained perfectly righteous. The "righteousness" David speaks of is most fully revealed in God's act of justifying sinners through Christ's atoning sacrifice, demonstrating that God is both "just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus" ([Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "God's Righteousness Revealed")). Jesus, as the perfect Lamb of God, did not merely speak of God's righteousness but embodied it, and His resurrection was the supreme vindication of His life and mission, leading to eternal praise. Furthermore, as believers, we are called to be imitators of Christ, our tongues now empowered by the Holy Spirit to continually speak of God's righteousness and praise, not only for our personal deliverance but for the cosmic deliverance accomplished through the cross and resurrection. Our continuous praise becomes a participation in the eternal worship of God, anticipating the day when every tongue will confess that "Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:11](/philippians/2-11 "Every Tongue Confess Jesus as Lord")).

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 71:24

My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.

Psalms 145:21

My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.

Psalms 51:14

¶ Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: [and] my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.

Psalms 51:15

O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

Psalms 145:5

I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.

Psalms 50:15

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Psalms 34:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David, when he changed his behaviour before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed. I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise [shall] continually [be] in my mouth.