Psalm 35:1

EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS

Whole Psalm. Bonar entitles this Psalm, "The awful utterance of the Righteous One regarding those that hate him without cause," and he makes the following remarks thereupon: -- "Throughout the endless day of eternity the Lord Jesus shall himself speak the Father's `praise,' and shall put marked emphasis on his `righteousness' -- that righteousness which shall have been exhibited, both in the doom of those who hated the offered Redeemer, and in the salvation of those who received him. There is nothing in all this wherein his own may not fully join, especially on that day when their views of justice shall be far clearer and fuller than now. On that day we shall be able to understand how Samuel could hew Agag in pieces, and the godly hosts of Israel slay utterly in Canaan man and woman and child, at God's command. We shall be able, not only fully agree in the doom, `Let them be confounded,' etc., but even to sing, `Amen, Hallelujah,' over the smoke of torment. Re 19:1-2. We should in some measure now be able to see every verse of this Psalm in the spirit in which the Judge speaks it, we feeling ourselves his assessors in judging the world. 1 Corinthians 6:2 . We shall, at all events, be able to use it on that day when what is written here shall be all accomplished." Andrew A. Bonar.

Verse 1. Plead my cause, O God, with them that strive with me.

Verse 1. Plead, etc. More literally, litigate, O Lord, with them that litigate against me, contend against them that contend with me; i.e., avenge me of mine adversaries. Daniel Cresswell, D.D., F.R.S., in "The Psalms of David according to the Book of Common Prayer: with Critical and Explanatory Notes", 1843.

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 1. Jesus our Advocate and Champion; our friend in the courts of heaven and the battles of earth.