Psalms 35:23-28

23 Awake, and rise to my defense! Contend for me, my God and Lord.

24 Vindicate me in your righteousness, LORD my God; do not let them gloat over me.

25 Do not let them think, “Aha, just what we wanted!” or say, “We have swallowed him up.”

26 May all who gloat over my distress be put to shame and confusion; may all who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and disgrace.

27 May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, “The LORD be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant.”

28 My tongue will proclaim your righteousness, your praises all day long.

Psalms 35:23-28 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 35

\\<<[A Psalm] of David>>\\. This psalm seems to have been written by David, when he was persecuted by Saul; and when many false charges were brought against him by his courtiers; and when he was the scorn and derision of the people; the subject of it is pretty much of the same kind with the seventh psalm, and might be written about the same time that was, and on the same occasion; and it may be applied to the church and people of God in like cases. There is a passage in it, Ps 35:19, which our Lord seems to refer to and apply to himself, Joh 15:25; and some interpret the whole of it concerning him. The Arabic version calls it a prophecy of the incarnation; though there does not appear any thing in it applicable to that.

Cross References

• 1. S Psalms 7:6; Psalms 80:2; Psalms 44:23
• 2. Psalms 17:13
• 3. S 1 Samuel 24:15
• 4. Psalms 22:17
• 5. ver 21
• 6. Psalms 124:3; Proverbs 1:12; Lamentations 2:16
• 7. Psalms 22:17
• 8. Psalms 4:1
• 9. S Job 8:22; Psalms 40:14; Psalms 109:29; Micah 7:10
• 10. Job 19:5; Psalms 38:16
• 11. Psalms 9:4
• 12. Psalms 20:5; S Psalms 33:3; Psalms 32:11
• 13. Psalms 40:16; Psalms 147:11; Psalms 149:4
• 14. S Job 17:3
• 15. Psalms 5:8; Psalms 51:14
• 16. Psalms 71:15,24; Psalms 72:15