Psalm 35

Psalm 35 is a plea from David for divine intervention against his enemies. In this prayer, David calls upon God to act as his advocate, seeking justice for the persecution he endures from people who repay his kindness with evil. The psalm is divided into three sections: an appeal for defense, a plea for deliverance, and thanksgiving for anticipated victory. David's words reflect both his personal struggle and his faith in God’s righteousness and justice.

Psalm 35:1-10 (NKJV)
1 Plead my cause, O Lord, with those who strive with me; Fight against those who fight against me.
2 Take hold of shield and buckler, And stand up for my help.
3 Also draw out the spear, And stop those who pursue me. Say to my soul, “I am your salvation.”
4 Let those be put to shame and brought to dishonor Who seek after my life; Let those be turned back and brought to confusion Who plot my hurt.
5 Let them be like chaff before the wind, And let the angel of the Lord chase them.
6 Let their way be dark and slippery, And let the angel of the Lord pursue them.
7 For without cause they have hidden their net for me in a pit, Which they have dug without cause for my life.
8 Let destruction come upon him unexpectedly, And let his net that he has hidden catch himself; Into that very destruction let him fall.
9 And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord; It shall rejoice in His salvation.
10 All my bones shall say, “Lord, who is like You, Delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, Yes, the poor and the needy from him who plunders him?”

David appeals to God as his advocate, asking for protection from enemies who unjustly seek his life. He uses vivid imagery, such as God wielding a spear and shield, to depict his need for divine intervention. David prays for his enemies to face confusion and destruction, symbolically comparing them to chaff blown away by the wind. Despite the distress, David expresses confidence that God's deliverance will bring joy to his heart, recognizing that only God can save the vulnerable from overwhelming oppression.

Psalm 35:11-18 (NKJV)
11 Fierce witnesses rise up; They ask me things that I do not know.
12 They reward me evil for good, To the sorrow of my soul.
13 But as for me, when they were sick, My clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting; And my prayer would return to my own heart.
14 I paced about as though he were my friend or brother; I bowed down heavily, as one who mourns for his mother.
15 But in my adversity they rejoiced And gathered together; Attackers gathered against me, And I did not know it; They tore at me and did not cease;
16 With ungodly mockers at feasts They gnashed at me with their teeth.
17 Lord, how long will You look on? Rescue me from their destructions, My precious life from the lions.
18 I will give You thanks in the great assembly; I will praise You among many people.

David recalls how his enemies falsely accuse him and repay his kindness with malice. He mourned and prayed for them during their hardships, yet they rejoiced over his suffering. This betrayal causes deep sorrow, and David wonders how long God will allow the injustice to continue. Despite his distress, David resolves to praise God publicly, affirming his faith that God will eventually rescue him.

Psalm 35:19-28 (NKJV)
19 Let them not rejoice over me who are wrongfully my enemies; Nor let them wink with the eye who hate me without a cause.
20 For they do not speak peace, But they devise deceitful matters Against the quiet ones in the land.
21 They also opened their mouth wide against me, And said, “Aha, aha! Our eyes have seen it.”
22 This You have seen, O Lord; Do not keep silence. O Lord, do not be far from me.
23 Stir up Yourself, and awake to my vindication, To my cause, my God and my Lord.
24 Vindicate me, O Lord my God, according to Your righteousness; And let them not rejoice over me.
25 Let them not say in their hearts, “Ah, so we would have it!” Let them not say, “We have swallowed him up.”
26 Let them be ashamed and brought to mutual confusion Who rejoice at my hurt; Let them be clothed with shame and dishonor Who exalt themselves against me.
27 Let them shout for joy and be glad, Who favor my righteous cause; And let them say continually, “Let the Lord be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.”
28 And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness And of Your praise all the day long.

David asks God to prevent his enemies from rejoicing over his downfall, knowing their hatred is unwarranted. He appeals to God's righteousness, asking for vindication so that justice prevails. David also prays for shame to fall on those who plot against him, contrasting this with blessings for those who support him. He closes with a vow to continually praise God's righteousness, confident that God's intervention will bring joy and honor to His people.