Psalms 35:1-9

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.

Psalms 35:1-9 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.