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Psalms 35:1 open_in_new
Plead my cause] 'strive thou,' as in a court of law: see Psalms 35:23.
5, 6. The angel of the lord] see on Psalms 34:7.
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Psalms 35:1-28 open_in_new
This is a prayer for the defeat and destruction of malignant enemies, whom the Psalmist has formerly befriended, and who now treat him with ungrateful cruelty. The circumstances are partly similar to those of David's persecution by Saul, but no prominent individual is mentioned as hostile, and David's attitude to Saul was more forgiving than that of the Psalmist towards those of whom he complains. The Ps., like Psalms 31, has many resemblances to the book of Jeremiah, and some ascribe it to that prophet's time. For a discussion of the vindictive tone of such Pss. see Intro. There are three sections—a prayer for the confusion of the writer's enemies (Psalms 35:1-10), an account of their wickedness (Psalms 35:11-18), and a further appeal for the vindication of the right (Psalms 35:19-28).
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Psalms 35:13 open_in_new
My prayer returned] better, 'shall return.' The blessing, withheld from the unworthy, will come back to the Psalmist himself: cp. Luke 10:6.
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Psalms 35:16 open_in_new
With hypocritical mockers, etc.] RV 'like the profane mockers in feasts'—buffoons and parasites, who get a place at table in return for entertaining the guests with scurrilous jokes.
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Psalms 35:17 open_in_new
My darling] equivalent to 'my soul': see on Psalms 22:20.
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Psalms 35:18 open_in_new
In the great congregation] The Psalmist looks for a public vindication of his cause.
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Psalms 35:19 open_in_new
Wink with the eye] here a sign of triumphant malice. That hate me without a cause] quoted by our Lord, and applied to Himself in John 15:25.
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Psalms 35:20 open_in_new
Them that are quiet in the land] the same as the 'poor' or 'meek'—the humble and patient righteous.
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Psalms 35:21 open_in_new
Opened their mouth] in contempt. Hath seen it] i.e. the fulfilment of their wicked desires.
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Psalms 35:23 open_in_new
My judgment] the vindication of my just cause.