Psalms 35:1-11

1 {[A Psalm] of David.} Strive, O Jehovah, with them that strive with me; fight against them that fight against me:

2 Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for my help;

3 And draw out the spear, and stop [the way] against my pursuers: say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.

4 Let them be put to shame and confounded that seek after my life; let them be turned backward and brought to confusion that devise my hurt:

5 Let them be as chaff before the wind, and let the angel of Jehovah drive [them] away;

6 Let their way be dark and slippery, and let the angel of Jehovah pursue them.

7 For without cause have they hidden for me their net [in] a pit; without cause they have digged [it] for my soul.

8 Let destruction come upon him unawares, and let his net which he hath hidden catch himself: for destruction let him fall therein.

9 And my soul shall be joyful in Jehovah; it shall rejoice in his salvation.

10 All my bones shall say, Jehovah, who is like unto thee, who deliverest the afflicted from one stronger than he, yea, the afflicted and the needy from him that spoileth him!

11 Unrighteous witnesses rise up; they lay to my charge things which I know not.

Psalms 35:1-11 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Heb. 'soul;' and so Ps. 38.12; &c.
• [b]. Lit. 'witnesses of violence,' as Deut. 19.16.
• [c]. Or 'question me about.'