Psalm 35:1-28 This cry of distress is the petition of a man falsely accused. It may well date from the time when David was being pursued by Saul. The psalm naturally divides itself into three parts, each ending with a note of hope:
- Petition for deliverance (verses 1-10)
Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and armor; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelinagainst those who pursue me. Say to me, “I am your salvation.” May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay. May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them away; may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the Lord pursuing them. Since they hid their net for me without cause and without cause dug a pit for me, may ruin overtake them by surprise, may the net they hid entangle them, may they fall into the pit, to their ruin. Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord and delight in his salvation. My whole being will exclaim, “Who is like you, Lord? You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them.” - Expression of lament (verses 11-18)
Ruthless witnesses come forward; they question me on things I know nothing about. They repay me evil for good and leave me like one bereaved. Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered, I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother. I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother. But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee; assailants gathered against me without my knowledge. They slandered me without ceasing. Like the ungodly they maliciously mocked;they gnashed their teeth at me. How long, Lord, will you look on? Rescue me from their ravages, my precious life from these lions. I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise you. - Renewed petition (verses 19-28).
Do not let those gloat over me who are my enemies without cause; do not let those who hate me without reason maliciously wink the eye. They do not speak peaceably, but devise false accusations against those who live quietly in the land. They sneer at me and say, “Aha! Aha! With our own eyes we have seen it.” Lord, you have seen this; do not be silent. Do not be far from me, Lord. Awake, and rise to my defense! Contend for me, my God and Lord. Vindicate me in your righteousness, Lord my God; do not let them gloat over me. Do not let them think, “Aha, just what we wanted!” or say, “We have swallowed him up.” May all who gloat over my distress be put to shame and confusion; may all who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and disgrace. May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, “The Lord be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant.” My tongue will proclaim your righteousness, your praises all day long.
Father God, I praise and I thank You that You are in control of this world, and will one day be moved to bring in Your rule of righteousness, and vindicate those that have been unjustly accused or abused. Thank You, Father God, that You are the One Who places men in power and brings down rulers, in order to forward Your perfect plan of salvation for the redemption of this world. Thank You for men like David, who have gone before us, but have set an example in trusting You to rescue their soul from the ravages of this world . I pray that no matter what I face in the days ahead I will trust You in all situations. I thank You, praise You and give You all the glory and honor in Jesus Precious Name Amen.
“Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling from the lions.”
(Psalm 35:17)
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