Psalms 35:28

Psalms 35:28 KJV: "And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness [and] of thy praise all the day long."

Context of Psalms 35:28

Psalm 35 is a fervent prayer of David, a lament where he cries out to God for deliverance from his enemies who are unjustly persecuting him. Throughout the psalm, David vividly describes the treachery and malice of his adversaries, who repay his good with evil and mock his distress. He appeals to God to intervene, to "plead [his] cause" and vindicate him. Verse 28 serves as the concluding vow of praise, a promise that once God has acted on his behalf and brought justice, David's response will be continuous, public adoration and testimony to God's character and deeds. It signifies a transition from fervent petition to confident anticipation of praise.

Key Themes and Messages

• Vindication and Righteousness: The core of the psalm is David's plea for God's justice against his unjust enemies. Verse 28 highlights that the resulting praise is a direct response to God's righteous acts of deliverance. It underscores God's moral perfection and His faithfulness in upholding justice for the oppressed.
• Continuous Praise: The phrase "all the day long" emphasizes the unending, persistent nature of David's promised devotion. This isn't a fleeting moment of gratitude but a commitment to a lifestyle of praise, reflecting a deep-seated and enduring trust in God.
• Public Testimony: David's "tongue shall speak" implies a vocal, public declaration of God's goodness. His praise is not merely internal but an outward expression, intended to glorify God and perhaps even serve as a witness to others, including his adversaries, of God's mighty acts.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "righteousness" is tzedeq (צֶדֶק), which encompasses not only moral integrity and justice but also God's saving acts and fidelity to His covenant. It describes God's character as one who consistently acts justly and delivers those who are oppressed. "Praise" is tehillah (תְּהִלָּה), often referring to a song of praise or laudation, signifying an outpouring of adoration and thanksgiving. The combination of "righteousness" and "praise" indicates that David's adoration stems from a deep appreciation of God's just and saving nature.

Practical Application

Psalms 35:28 offers a powerful model for believers today:

• Respond to God's Faithfulness with Praise: Just as David vowed to praise God for anticipated deliverance, we too are called to acknowledge and declare God's character and deeds, especially when He acts on our behalf or reveals His justice in our lives.
• Cultivate a Lifestyle of Praise: The commitment to praise "all the day long" challenges us to integrate thanksgiving and worship into our daily lives, recognizing God's presence and goodness in every circumstance, not just moments of explicit blessing. As Psalm 34:1 states, "I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth."
• Be a Witness: Our open declaration of God's righteousness and praise can be a powerful testimony to those around us, demonstrating the reality of our faith and the goodness of God.