Psalms 35:5

5 (34-5) Let them become as dust before the wind: and let the angel of the Lord straiten them.

Psalms 35:5 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 35:5

Let them be as chaff before the wind
As they are; see ( Psalms 1:4 ) ;

and let the angel of the Lord chase [them];
either a good angel, who is the Lord's, his creature that ministers unto him, and is ready to obey his orders; and who, as he encamps about the saints and protects them, so he is able to destroy their enemies; as one angel in a night destroyed all the firstborn in Egypt, and another the whole army of the Assyrians, ( Exodus 12:29 ) ( 2 Kings 19:35 ) ; an angel of the Lord, who is swift to fly, and so to chase and overtake, and able to execute whatever is the will of the Lord; or else an evil angel, who is the Lord's, being made by him, though not made evil by him; and who is under his restraints, and can do nothing but by his permission; and who sometimes is employed by the Lord, as the executioner of his wrath upon wicked men; is suffered to distress and torture their consciences in this life, and hereafter drag them into everlasting burnings, prepared for the devil and his angels.

Psalms 35:5 In-Context

3 (34-3) Bring out the sword, and shut up the way against them that persecute me: say to my soul: I am thy salvation.
4 (34-4) Let them be confounded and ashamed that seek after my soul. Let them be turned back and be confounded that devise evil against me.
5 (34-5) Let them become as dust before the wind: and let the angel of the Lord straiten them.
6 (34-6) Let their way become dark and slippery; and let the angel of the Lord pursue them.
7 (34-7) For without cause they have hidden their net for me unto destruction: without cause they have upbraided my soul.
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