Psalms 35:9-19

9 Then I will be joyful in ADONAI, I will rejoice in his salvation.

10 All my bones will say, "Who is like you? Who can rescue the weak from those stronger than they, the poor and needy from those who exploit them?"

11 Malicious witnesses come forward, asking me things about which I know nothing.

12 They repay me evil for good; it makes me feel desolate as a parent bereaved.

13 But I, when they were ill, wore sackcloth; I put myself out and fasted; I can pray that what I prayed for them might also happen to me.

14 I behaved as I would for my friend or my brother; I bent down in sorrow as if mourning my mother.

15 But when I stumble, they gather in glee; they gather against me and strike me unawares; they tear me apart unceasingly.

16 With ungodly mocking and grimacing, they grind their teeth at me.

17 Adonai, how much longer will you look on? Rescue me from their assaults, save the one life I have from the lions!

18 I will give you thanks in the great assembly, I will give you praise among huge crowds of people.

19 Don't let those who are wrongfully my enemies gloat over me; and those who hate me unprovoked -don't let them smirk at me.

Psalms 35:9-19 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.