Psalm 35:5

5 Let them be ¹like chaff before the wind, With the angel of the LORD driving them on.

Psalm 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.

Psalm 35:5 In-Context

3 Draw also the spear and the battle-axe to meet those who pursue me; Say to my soul, "I am your salvation."

4 Let those be ashamed and dishonored who seek my life; Let those be turned back and humiliated who devise evil against me.

5 Let them be like chaff before the wind, With the angel of the LORD driving them on.

6 Let their way be dark and slippery, With the angel of the LORD pursuing them.

7 For without cause they hid their net for me; Without cause they dug a pit for my soul.

Cross References

• 1. Job 21:18; Psalms 83:13; Isaiah 29:5