Psalm 35:5

5 Let them be like chaff before the wind, And let the angel of the Lord chase them.

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 Also draw out the spear, And stop those who pursue me. Say to my soul, "I am your salvation."

4 Let those be put to shame and brought to dishonor Who seek after my life; Let those be turned back and brought to confusion Who plot my hurt.

5 Let them be like chaff before the wind, And let the angel of the Lord chase them.

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

7 For without cause they have hidden their net for me in a pit, Which they have dug without cause for my life.

Footnotes

• [a] Or Angel