1 Chronicles 16:35 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Deliver us from the heathen This might seem an improper and unseasonable prayer for David's time, when the Israelites were not scattered among the heathen, but indeed it was not so: 1st, Because they had already been sadly divided by a civil war among themselves; and though they were now externally and visibly united under David, yet he might justly think that there were some who yet retained in their hearts their old leaven, their hatred of him, and their affection to Saul, which might hereafter break forth when occasion was offered, as it did, 2 Samuel 16:8; and therefore he justly prays that they might be gathered and united together in hearty love, as well as in outward show; and, 2d, Because this psalm or prayer was made by David for the use of the church, not only in that present time, but in future ages, in which David foresaw, by the spirit of prophecy, the Israelites would forsake God, and for their apostacy be dispersed among the heathen. In the midst of our praises, we must not forget to pray for those servants of God that are in distress. When we are rejoicing in God's favours, we should remember our afflicted brethren, and pray for their deliverance as our own. We are members one of another.