Psalm 35:5

5 May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them away;

Psalm 35:5 in Other Translations

5 Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase them.

5 Let them be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them away!

5 Blow them away like chaff in the wind— a wind sent by the angel of the LORD .

5 Make them like cinders in a high wind, with God's angel working the bellows.

5 Let them be as chaff before the wind, And the angel of Jehovah driving [them] on.

5 Let them be like husks blown by the wind as the Messenger of the LORD chases them.

5 Let them be like husks in the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them away.

5 Let them be like straw blowing in the wind, while the angel of the LORD drives them away.

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 Brandish spear and javelinagainst those who pursue me. Say to me, “I am your salvation.”

4 May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay.

5 May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them away;

6 may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them.

7 Since they hid their net for me without cause and without cause dug a pit for me,

Cross References

• 1. Job 21:18; S Job 13:25; Psalms 1:4; Isaiah 29:5
• 2. Psalms 34:7