Psalm 35

This psalm belongs to Book I of the Psalms (Psalms 1–41), and its superscription reads "A Psalm of David." The preceding Psalm 34 gives thanks that "the angel of the LORD" protects those who fear him. Psalm 35 calls upon the same "angel of the LORD" (vv. 5–6) to drive the enemies away.

Structure

• Verses 1–10: The psalmist asks the LORD to take up shield and spear and fight on his behalf. He prays that his enemies will be scattered like chaff before the wind and caught in the net they themselves have laid, and he anticipates his joy in the LORD's salvation.
• Verses 11–18: The psalmist laments that unrighteous witnesses repay him evil for good. When they were sick, he put on sackcloth, fasted, and prayed for them; yet when he fell into trouble, they gathered together and mocked him. He asks how long the Lord will merely look on, and he vows to give thanks in the great congregation.
• Verses 19–28: The psalmist asks that those who hate him without cause not be allowed to rejoice over him. He pleads to be judged according to the Lord's righteousness and closes with a vow to praise the Lord all the day long.

Key Verses

• Psalm 35:1 "Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me": This verse expresses the psalm's central theme, calling upon God as both advocate in court and warrior.
• Psalm 35:19 "them that hate me without a cause": This phrase is linked to "They hated me without a cause" in John 15:25.
• Psalm 35:27 "Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant": This is the conclusion, where lament turns into praise.

People and Places

• David: The king of Israel whose name appears in the superscription.
• The angel of the LORD: A messenger sent by God, portrayed as driving the enemies away. See Angel.

Points for Reflection

• Because of the passages asking for the enemies' downfall (vv. 4–8, 26), this psalm is often classified as an imprecatory psalm. Some interpreters view it as a legitimate appeal that leaves vengeance to God (Romans 12:17–21). Others ask how it should be read alongside the teaching on love of enemies.
• A traditional interpretation places the psalm during the time when David was pursued by Saul, but the text itself does not specify the circumstances.
• The quotation in John 15:25 is thought to come from either this psalm or Psalm 69:4.