Psalms 35:13 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

When they were sick Or in any other great misery; my clothing was sackcloth Which was the habit of mourners. I humbled Hebrew, I afflicted, my soul with fasting And with compassion and fervent prayers for them; and, or but, my prayer returned into mine own bosom My fastings and prayers did them no good, neither abated their malice, nor prevailed with God for them, so far as I desired; but returned to me without success, like a gift sent to an uncivil person, who disdainfully rejects it, and returns it to the giver. But this clause may be rendered, And my prayer in my bosom returned; that is, I daily and frequently repeated my prayers for them, and that not only in public, when I joined with others, but also in secret, between God and my own soul; and that with a sincere and hearty affection. For what is done secretly, and affectionately, is said to be done in the bosom. Others render it, My prayer rested, or, settled in my bosom That is, “I never was without a prayer for them in my breast.” So Mudge.