Psalm 35

Psalm 35, Awake to My Vindication

Psalm 35 is titled, A Psalm of David. This psalm is one of the imprecatory psalms, meaning it contains strong prayers asking God to judge, defeat, and overthrow the enemies of God’s servant. These psalms must be handled carefully and reverently. David is not venting petty bitterness. He is appealing to the righteous Judge when he is being falsely accused, unjustly pursued, betrayed by men he had treated with kindness, and threatened by enemies who hate him without cause. The psalm likely fits some period when Saul pursued David, especially because Psalm 35:1 uses language similar to David’s words to Saul in 1 Samuel 24:15. David is asking God to act as his Advocate, Warrior, Defender, and Judge. He does not take personal vengeance into his own hands. He brings the matter before the Lord and asks God to vindicate righteousness.

A. David and His Adversaries

Psalm 35:1 to Psalm 35:3, David Pleads to God for Defense

Psalm 35:1, “Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.”

Psalm 35:2, “Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help.”

Psalm 35:3, “Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me: say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.”

David begins, “Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me.” This is legal language. David is asking the Lord to take up his case. He is being opposed, accused, and attacked, and he appeals to God as the righteous Advocate who can argue and defend his cause perfectly. Men may misjudge him, enemies may slander him, and powerful people may twist the situation against him, but the Lord knows the truth. David does not merely want emotional comfort. He wants divine vindication.

The phrase “with them that strive with me” shows that David’s enemies are actively contending against him. They are not neutral observers. They are litigating, fighting, accusing, and pressing their case against him. David asks God to contend with those who contend against him. This is a major comfort for God’s people. The believer is not always able to defend himself fully. Sometimes accusations are too public, too complex, too deceitful, or too dangerous to answer in human strength. In such seasons, the righteous man may say, “Plead my cause, O LORD.”

David then says, “fight against them that fight against me.” The imagery moves from the courtroom to the battlefield. David asks God not only to be his Advocate, but also his Warrior. This is a bold prayer, but it is not lawless. David can pray this because he is generally walking in the will of God, and those who are attacking him are opposing the Lord’s purpose for him. When David was fleeing Saul, he refused to murder Saul even when he had opportunity. He left judgment to God.

1 Samuel 24:12, “The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.”

1 Samuel 24:15, “The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand.”

David’s prayer in Psalm 35 is consistent with that spirit. He is not saying, “Lord, help me get revenge.” He is saying, “Lord, You judge. You plead. You fight. You deliver.”

In verse 2 David says, “Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help.” David pictures God as a warrior taking up defensive armor. The shield and buckler represent protection. A buckler may refer to a smaller shield, while the larger shield gave fuller protection. David is asking God to stand between him and his enemies. He needs God’s defense because the enemies are too many, too strong, or too determined for him to handle alone.

This image of God as a divine warrior appears elsewhere in Scripture.

Isaiah 59:17, “For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, , and was clad with zeal as a cloke.”

God is not weak, passive, or indifferent toward injustice. He is patient, but He is not powerless. When He rises to defend His people and judge wickedness, no enemy can stand.

David says, “stand up for mine help.” He feels as though he needs the Lord to rise on his behalf. This is the cry of a man under pressure. He needs more than advice. He needs intervention. He needs God to stand up for him.

Verse 3 adds offensive imagery, “Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me.” David asks God not only to shield him, but to stop the pursuers. A spear keeps enemies at a distance. David wants God to block the path of those chasing him. He asks the Lord to cut off their advance and prevent them from reaching him.

This is an important prayer when enemies are relentless. David is not merely troubled by critics at a distance. He is pursued. His enemies are coming after him. He asks God to stand in the way. The believer may rightly pray that God would block wicked schemes, restrain malicious people, and stop those who pursue evil.

Then David prays one of the most personal requests in the psalm, “say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.” David needs inward assurance. He does not merely need outward rescue. He needs the Lord to speak comfort to his soul. The circumstances are so severe that David needs God to remind him personally, deeply, and presently, “I am thy salvation.”

This is a prayer every believer understands. There are times when doctrine is known in the mind, but the soul needs fresh assurance. David knows God is salvation, but he asks God to say it to his soul. He needs the inward witness of divine comfort. He needs assurance that salvation belongs to the Lord, not to his own strength, cleverness, army, reputation, or ability to escape.

This prayer shows that David had doubts, but he did not make peace with them. He took his need for assurance to the Lord. The answer to shaken assurance is not self deception. It is seeking God. David asks God to speak the truth into his inner man, “I am thy salvation.”

For the Christian, this assurance is grounded finally in Christ.

John 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:”

John 10:28, “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, , neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”

John 10:29, “My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.”

The Lord’s people need to hear His voice through Scripture and be strengthened with the assurance that He is their salvation.

Psalm 35:4 to Psalm 35:8, David Prays for the Destruction of His Enemies

Psalm 35:4, “Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt.”

Psalm 35:5, “Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase them.”

Psalm 35:6, “Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them.”

Psalm 35:7, “For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit, , which without cause they have digged for my soul.”

Psalm 35:8, “Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.”

David now prays that his enemies would be confounded and put to shame. He says, “Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul.” His enemies are not merely annoying him. They seek his soul, meaning his life. They want his destruction. Therefore David asks God to bring shame and confusion upon them. He asks that their wicked pursuit would fail publicly.

This is not personal spite. David is asking that the enemies of righteousness would not be allowed to triumph as though their cause were just. When the wicked succeed without exposure, they often grow bolder, and others may be tempted to believe their lies. David asks God to reveal the truth by bringing them to shame.

He continues, “let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt.” Their plans are deliberate. They devise harm. They strategize, scheme, and work toward evil. David asks God to turn them back. The man who fears God should want wicked plans frustrated. It is right to ask God to stop evil before it succeeds.

Verse 5 says, “Let them be as chaff before the wind.” Chaff is light, useless, and easily driven away. David asks that his enemies, who appear strong and threatening, would be shown to be weightless before God. When God blows upon them, they are scattered. Their power is nothing compared to the Lord.

David adds, “and let the angel of the LORD chase them.” This is a serious request. The angel of the Lord is often a terrifying presence to the enemies of God and a saving presence to His people. David asks that the divine messenger would pursue those who pursue him. The enemy who chases David will himself be chased by the Lord’s angel.

Verse 6 intensifies the picture, “Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them.” David asks that the path of his enemies would become unstable and dangerous. They had tried to make David’s way dangerous, and now he asks God to make their way dark and slippery. The justice here is fitting. Those who set traps for the righteous should themselves lose footing.

The repetition concerning the angel of the Lord shows David’s confidence in supernatural intervention. His enemies may be strong in human terms, but they cannot withstand the Lord’s messenger. The same God who surrounds those who fear Him can also pursue those who rebel against Him.

Verse 7 gives David’s reason, “For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit, which without cause they have digged for my soul.” David repeats “without cause” because this is the nerve of the injustice. He has not deserved their hatred. They have hidden a net for him. They have dug a pit for his soul. They are acting treacherously and unjustly.

This does not mean David thought he was sinless in every sense. David knew his own sins. But in this particular matter, he had not wronged these enemies in a way that justified their pursuit. Their hatred was causeless. This is especially important because Jesus later applied this kind of language to Himself.

John 15:24, “If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, , they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.”

John 15:25, “But this cometh to pass, , that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, , They hated me without a cause.”

David’s experience of being hated without cause points forward to the greater suffering of Christ, who was perfectly righteous and yet hated, falsely accused, and crucified.

Verse 8 says, “Let destruction come upon him at unawares.” David asks that the judgment would come unexpectedly upon the wicked pursuer. This fits the nature of their own hidden schemes. They secretly laid a trap for David. David asks that destruction would come upon them suddenly.

He adds, “and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.” This is poetic justice. The trapper falls into his own trap. The pit digger falls into his own pit. The man who planned destruction is destroyed by his own device. Scripture often teaches this principle.

Psalm 7:15, “He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made.”

Psalm 7:16, “His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.”

David is asking God to govern the moral order of the world. Wickedness should not have the final word. The net hidden for the righteous should catch the wicked man who set it.

For the Christian, this kind of prayer must be used with care. We are commanded to love enemies, pray for persecutors, and leave vengeance to God. Yet it is still right to pray for God to defeat wicked schemes, expose lies, stop oppressors, and bring justice. It is also right to pray that spiritual enemies, Satanic snares, and demonic strategies would be turned back by the Lord.

Romans 12:19, “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, , but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, , Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

David’s prayer is not personal vengeance. It is the act of placing vengeance in God’s hands.

Psalm 35:9 to Psalm 35:10, Promised Praise for Anticipated Deliverance

Psalm 35:9, “And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation.”

Psalm 35:10, “All my bones shall say, , LORD, who is like unto thee, , which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, , yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?”

After pleading for deliverance, David promises praise. He says, “And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD.” David does not say his soul will rejoice in the destruction of enemies as an end in itself. His joy is “in the LORD.” The center of his joy is God’s saving action, God’s righteousness, God’s faithfulness, and God’s vindication of His servant.

He continues, “it shall rejoice in his salvation.” Salvation belongs to the Lord. David had asked God to say to his soul, “I am thy salvation.” Now David says his soul will rejoice in that salvation. The inward assurance of verse 3 becomes the inward joy of verse 9. When God delivers, the proper response is worship.

Verse 10 says, “All my bones shall say, LORD, who is like unto thee.” David’s whole being will praise God. The bones represent the deepest and strongest parts of the body. He is saying that his entire person will testify. Praise will not be superficial or merely verbal. It will come from the depths of him.

The phrase “who is like unto thee” is a declaration of God’s uniqueness. No one delivers like the Lord. No one defends like the Lord. No one sees injustice like the Lord. No one can rescue the weak from the strong like the Lord.

David describes God as the One “which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him.” This is the heart of David’s confidence. The poor man is vulnerable. The oppressor is too strong. Humanly speaking, the outcome seems obvious. The strong will plunder the weak. But God intervenes. He delivers the poor and needy from those who spoil them.

This is consistent with God’s character throughout Scripture. He is not impressed by worldly strength. He defends the helpless who look to Him.

Psalm 72:12, “For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.”

Psalm 72:13, “He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.”

David knows what it is to be outmatched. Saul had the throne, army, resources, and legal appearance of authority. David was hunted. Yet God could deliver the poor from him that was too strong.

This also points to the gospel. Man is powerless before sin, death, Satan, and judgment. But Christ delivers those who cannot deliver themselves. The Lord saves the poor and needy who call upon Him.

Psalm 35:11 to Psalm 35:14, David’s Previous Care for His Adversaries

Psalm 35:11, “False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not.”

Psalm 35:12, “They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul.”

Psalm 35:13, “But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.”

Psalm 35:14, “I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother.”

David now explains more of the injustice. Verse 11 says, “False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not.” His enemies are not merely violent. They are deceitful. False witnesses accuse him of things he did not do and things he does not even know about. This is one of the most painful forms of injustice. It is hard enough to suffer for something true. It is especially grievous to be accused falsely.

False witness is a direct violation of God’s law.

Exodus 20:16, “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.”

False accusation is not a small sin. It corrupts justice, destroys reputations, divides communities, and wounds the innocent. David brings this before God because the Lord is the true Judge who knows the facts.

Verse 12 says, “They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul.” David had done good to them, but they returned evil. This betrayal grieved him deeply. The phrase “to the spoiling of my soul” shows the inner damage caused by such treachery. Betrayal by enemies is painful, but betrayal by those one has helped cuts deeply.

This kind of injustice points forward to Christ. No one ever did more good than Jesus. He healed the sick, raised the dead, fed the hungry, taught truth, cast out demons, showed mercy, and fulfilled righteousness. Yet He was falsely accused, mocked, and crucified. Men rewarded Him evil for good.

Verse 13 shows David’s prior compassion, “But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth.” When these same people were afflicted, David mourned for them. Sackcloth was a garment of grief, humility, and mourning. David did not rejoice over their sickness. He entered into sorrow for them.

He continues, “I humbled my soul with fasting.” David not only felt sympathy, he fasted. He humbled himself before God on their behalf. This shows remarkable love for people who later proved treacherous. David had treated their trouble as serious enough to bring before the Lord in fasting.

He adds, “and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.” This phrase likely means that David’s prayer was sincere and came back to him in blessing, or that when the prayer was not answered as he desired for them, it did not go to waste. Prayer offered in sincerity is never wasted before God. David had prayed for them from the heart.

Verse 14 says, “I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother.” David had treated them like close companions. He did not keep emotional distance from their suffering. He cared as if they were family.

He continues, “I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother.” This is one of the strongest descriptions of grief. The death or suffering of a mother would bring deep mourning. David says that is the kind of sorrow he had for these people when they were afflicted. Yet they repaid him with evil.

This section proves that David’s imprecatory prayer is not rooted in a lack of compassion. He had shown compassion. He had mourned, fasted, and prayed for them. But now they have become false witnesses and malicious enemies. David’s appeal for judgment comes after patience, kindness, and grief.

This also teaches believers not to confuse love with moral blindness. David loved his enemies when they suffered, but he still asked God to judge their wickedness when they turned to slander and violence. Biblical love does not require approving evil. It prays for mercy when appropriate, but it also appeals to justice when wickedness persists.

Psalm 35:15 to Psalm 35:16, How David’s Adversaries Betrayed Him

Psalm 35:15, “But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea, the abjects gathered themselves together against me, , and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not:”

Psalm 35:16, “With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth.”

David contrasts his compassion with their cruelty, “But in mine adversity they rejoiced.” When they were sick, David mourned. When David was afflicted, they rejoiced. This reveals their character. A wicked heart is glad when the righteous suffer. The man who delights in another man’s downfall, especially when that man has shown him kindness, is deeply corrupt.

They also “gathered themselves together.” Their opposition was organized. They united around David’s adversity. Sin often gathers a crowd. Mockers find other mockers. Slanderers find other slanderers. Cowards become bold in groups. David’s enemies assembled against him when he was vulnerable.

He says, “yea, the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not.” The word translated “abjects” may refer to low, base, or contemptible persons. David is saying that even worthless attackers joined in. Worse, it came upon him without his knowledge. Secret hostility was forming against him.

David says, “they did tear me, and ceased not.” Their words and actions tore at him. This may refer to slander, mockery, accusations, or relentless personal attacks. They did not stop. This is the cruelty of people who enjoy destroying another man’s name.

Verse 16 says, “With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth.” These were not honest critics. They were hypocritical mockers. They could gather at feasts, enjoy themselves, and use their mouths to mock and attack David. Feasting should have been a place of gratitude and fellowship, but they turned it into an opportunity for cruelty.

The phrase “they gnashed upon me with their teeth” shows rage, hatred, and hostility. This is animal like anger. Their hearts were not merely critical. They were vicious.

This pattern was also seen in the suffering of Christ. When Jesus was vulnerable before His enemies, they mocked Him.

Matthew 27:39, “And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,”

Matthew 27:40, “And saying, , Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, , save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.”

Matthew 27:41, “Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,”

Matthew 27:42, “He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, , let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.”

David’s betrayal by mockers foreshadows in a lesser way the greater suffering of Christ under hypocritical religious enemies.

Psalm 35:17 to Psalm 35:18, Praise Promised for Prayed for Deliverance

Psalm 35:17, “Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling from the lions.”

Psalm 35:18, “I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people.”

David now cries, “Lord, how long wilt thou look on?” This is an honest lament. David feels as though God is watching but not acting. He does not deny God’s existence. He does not stop praying. But he tells God the truth about how the delay feels. The faithful are allowed to ask, “How long?” when they ask in faith and submission.

This kind of prayer appears throughout Scripture. It is the cry of saints who believe God is righteous but cannot yet see His intervention.

Psalm 13:1, “How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?”

David’s question in Psalm 35 is not unbelief. It is distressed faith seeking action from God.

He prays, “rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling from the lions.” The word “darling” means his precious life, his only life, the life that is dear to him. He feels surrounded by lions, fierce, tearing, devouring enemies. He asks God to rescue him from their destructions.

Verse 18 gives the vow of praise, “I will give thee thanks in the great congregation.” David promises public thanksgiving. When God delivers, David will not keep the matter private. He will praise the Lord among the assembled people of God.

He adds, “I will praise thee among much people.” David’s deliverance will become public testimony. This is fitting because his enemies had publicly attacked and mocked him. When God vindicates him, David will publicly praise God. The point is not David’s ego. The point is God’s glory.

This teaches that answered prayer should become public praise when appropriate. The believer should not ask God for help and then remain silent when help comes. God’s deliverance deserves thanksgiving among His people.

B. The Prayer for Vindication

Psalm 35:19 to Psalm 35:22, Reasons for Vindication Before His Enemies

Psalm 35:19, “Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.”

Psalm 35:20, “For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land.”

Psalm 35:21, “Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, and said, , Aha, aha, our eye hath seen it.”

Psalm 35:22, “This thou hast seen, O LORD: keep not silence: O Lord, be not far from me.”

David continues asking for vindication, “Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me.” The word “wrongfully” again emphasizes injustice. These enemies have no righteous cause. David asks God not to allow their celebration to stand. The wicked often rejoice when they think the righteous have fallen. David asks that their joy be cut off by divine truth.

He adds, “neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.” Winking with the eye suggests mockery, contempt, secret satisfaction, or sly triumph. These enemies are smug. They hate him without cause and delight in the possibility of his ruin. David asks God not to let them have that satisfaction.

This phrase, “without a cause,” is especially important because Jesus applies the same concept to Himself.

John 15:25, “But this cometh to pass, , that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, , They hated me without a cause.”

Christ is the ultimate righteous sufferer hated without cause. David’s experience points beyond himself to the Messiah, who endured causeless hatred perfectly and without sin.

Verse 20 says, “For they speak not peace.” These men are not peacemakers. Their speech does not seek truth, reconciliation, justice, or righteousness. They do not speak peace because their hearts are not governed by peace. They are agitators, slanderers, and schemers.

David continues, “but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land.” Their wickedness is not only against David. They scheme against the quiet ones in the land. These are humble, peaceful, faithful people who are not stirring up conflict. The wicked often hate quiet faithfulness because it exposes their own corruption. They cannot leave the peaceful alone. They must devise deceitful matters against them.

This is a recurring reality in a fallen world. Some people simply want to live faithfully before God, work honestly, worship sincerely, raise their families, and keep peace. Yet the wicked despise them because quiet righteousness is a witness against noise, pride, and rebellion.

Verse 21 says, “Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me.” Their accusations are bold and shameless. They do not whisper only. They open their mouths wide. This suggests aggressive accusation, mockery, and public attack.

They say, “Aha, aha, our eye hath seen it.” They claim to have evidence. They speak as though they have finally caught David. This is the cruelty of false accusers. They exaggerate, distort, and claim certainty. They want others to believe that they have seen something decisive.

David answers in verse 22, “This thou hast seen, O LORD.” This is the perfect reply to false witnesses. They say, “our eye hath seen it.” David says, “This thou hast seen, O LORD.” Men may claim to see, but God truly sees. False witnesses may twist appearances, but God knows the facts. David rests his case in divine sight.

He then pleads, “keep not silence: O Lord, be not far from me.” David wants God to speak and act. Silence feels unbearable when lies are loud. Distance feels unbearable when enemies are near. David asks the Lord to draw near and answer.

This section teaches believers to bring false accusation before God. When men say, “our eye hath seen it,” the righteous may answer, “This thou hast seen, O LORD.” The Lord’s knowledge is the comfort of the falsely accused.

Psalm 35:23 to Psalm 35:26, The Plea for Divine Vindication

Psalm 35:23, “Stir up thyself, and awake to my judgment, , even unto my cause, my God and my Lord.”

Psalm 35:24, “Judge me, O LORD my God, according to thy righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me.”

Psalm 35:25, “Let them not say in their hearts, , Ah, so would we have it: let them not say, , We have swallowed him up.”

Psalm 35:26, “Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify themselves against me.”

David now prays with urgency, “Stir up thyself, and awake to my judgment.” This is bold language. David knows God does not literally sleep, but he feels as though divine action is delayed. He asks God to rise, stir Himself, and awaken to David’s case. This is the language of urgent need.

He adds, “even unto my cause, my God and my Lord.” David uses personal covenant language. The Lord is not merely God in general. He is “my God and my Lord.” David belongs to Him. David’s cause is before Him. The phrase also reminds us of Thomas’s confession when he saw the risen Christ.

John 20:28, “And Thomas answered and said unto him, , My Lord and my God.”

David’s prayer and Thomas’s confession both recognize personal submission to the Lord as God.

Verse 24 says, “Judge me, O LORD my God, according to thy righteousness.” David asks God to judge him, not according to human slander, not according to enemy accusation, not according to mob opinion, but according to divine righteousness. This is a serious prayer. A man should not ask this lightly. David is willing for God to examine the matter. He trusts God’s righteous judgment.

He adds, “and let them not rejoice over me.” Again, David is concerned that the wicked not be allowed to celebrate as though evil has prevailed. Their joy would be a false joy based on injustice. David asks God to stop it.

Verse 25 says, “Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it.” David does not want their inward desire fulfilled. Their hearts are hoping for his ruin. They want to say, “This is exactly what we wanted.” David asks God not to give wicked men the satisfaction of seeing their evil desire accomplished.

He continues, “let them not say, We have swallowed him up.” This is the language of devouring. They want total victory over David. They want to consume him, erase him, and boast in his destruction. David asks God to prevent that outcome.

Verse 26 says, “Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt.” Those who rejoice at the hurt of the righteous should themselves be ashamed. This is righteous reversal. David asks that their malicious joy be turned into confusion.

He concludes, “let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify themselves against me.” His enemies magnify themselves. They exalt themselves, boast against him, and place themselves above righteousness. David asks that they be clothed not with triumph, but with shame and dishonor.

This is the opposite of what they wanted. They wanted David clothed with shame. David asks that shame return to those who deserve it. Again, this is not private vengeance. It is appeal to the Judge who clothes the proud with the consequences of their pride.

Psalm 35:27 to Psalm 35:28, Asking That the People of God Take Joy in David’s Vindication

Psalm 35:27, “Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, , Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.”

Psalm 35:28, “And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.”

David ends by turning from enemies to the people of God. He says, “Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause.” David knows there are those who support what is right. They are not merely personally loyal to David. They favor his righteous cause. He asks that they be allowed to rejoice when God vindicates him.

This shows that David’s deliverance would bless more than David. When God vindicates righteousness, the righteous rejoice. When lies are exposed, truth lovers rejoice. When the wicked are stopped, the quiet ones in the land rejoice. David’s cause is not isolated from the people of God.

He continues, “yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified.” This is the final goal. David does not end by saying, “Let David be magnified.” He says, “Let the LORD be magnified.” His enemies magnify themselves against him, but David wants the Lord magnified above all. Vindication is not finally about personal reputation. It is about God’s righteousness being displayed.

David adds, “which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.” The Lord delights in the well being of His servant. This does not mean a shallow prosperity doctrine promising luxury and ease. It means God takes pleasure in the peace, righteousness, preservation, blessing, and vindication of the servant who belongs to Him. The Lord is not indifferent to His servant’s welfare.

This is a tender truth. The Lord is not reluctant to do good to His people. He delights in the true prosperity of His servants, prosperity as He defines it, including spiritual security, righteous vindication, covenant peace, and final blessing.

Verse 28 closes, “And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.” David vows continual praise. His tongue had been attacked by lying tongues, but his tongue will answer with God’s righteousness and praise. His enemies spoke deceit, but David will speak truth. His enemies magnified themselves, but David will magnify the Lord.

The phrase “all the day long” shows persistence. David’s praise will not be brief. God’s righteousness deserves continual testimony. David’s final word is not fear, accusation, betrayal, or vengeance. His final word is praise.

Doctrinal and Practical Summary

Psalm 35 teaches that God’s people may appeal to the Lord as Advocate and Defender. David prays, “Plead my cause, O LORD,” because he knows God sees the truth and judges righteously.

Psalm 35 teaches that believers may ask God to fight against those who fight against righteousness. David does not take vengeance into his own hands. He asks the Lord to act.

Psalm 35 teaches that God is both shield and warrior. David asks Him to take hold of shield and buckler, draw out the spear, and stop those who persecute him.

Psalm 35 teaches the need for inward assurance. David asks God to say to his soul, “I am thy salvation.” The soul needs the Lord’s own assurance in times of pressure.

Psalm 35 teaches that imprecatory prayer is an appeal to divine justice, not personal revenge. David asks God to bring shame, confusion, and defeat upon enemies who seek his life without cause.

Psalm 35 teaches that wicked traps often become instruments of judgment against the wicked. David prays that the hidden net would catch the one who set it.

Psalm 35 teaches that anticipated deliverance should produce promised praise. David says his soul will rejoice in the Lord and in His salvation.

Psalm 35 teaches that God delivers the poor and needy from those too strong for them. The Lord is the defender of the helpless who trust in Him.

Psalm 35 teaches that false witnesses are a serious evil. David suffered accusations concerning things he did not know, and he brought that injustice before God.

Psalm 35 teaches that betrayal deepens suffering. David had mourned, fasted, and prayed for these people when they were sick, yet they rewarded him evil for good.

Psalm 35 teaches that compassion for enemies does not require approving their wickedness. David had cared for them sincerely, but still asked God to judge their malicious betrayal.

Psalm 35 teaches that the wicked often rejoice in the adversity of the righteous. David’s enemies gathered, mocked, and gnashed upon him with their teeth.

Psalm 35 teaches that God’s apparent delay may be honestly brought before Him. David asks, “Lord, how long wilt thou look on?”

Psalm 35 teaches that public deliverance should lead to public thanksgiving. David promises to give thanks in the great congregation and praise among much people.

Psalm 35 teaches that the hatred of the righteous may be without cause. This was true in David’s experience and fulfilled perfectly in Christ, who was hated without cause.

Psalm 35 teaches that God sees what false accusers claim to see. When enemies say, “our eye hath seen it,” David answers, “This thou hast seen, O LORD.”

Psalm 35 teaches that divine vindication must be according to God’s righteousness. David asks, “Judge me, O LORD my God, according to thy righteousness.”

Psalm 35 teaches that the proud who magnify themselves against God’s servant will be clothed with shame unless they repent. God resists proud opposition to righteousness.

Psalm 35 teaches that the people of God rightly rejoice when righteousness is vindicated. Those who favor a righteous cause may shout for joy and magnify the Lord.

Psalm 35 teaches that the Lord takes pleasure in the true prosperity of His servant. God is not indifferent to the welfare, peace, and vindication of those who belong to Him.

Psalm 35 teaches that the final response of the righteous is praise. David ends by saying his tongue will speak of God’s righteousness and praise all the day long.