Psalm 35:1-28
Q.1. Was it right for David to request the destruction of his tormentors? How had he treated them in their time of need? How would he respond to God’s protection and deliverance? – Ps.35:1-16)
In the light of the teaching of Jesus – love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Mt.5:44), David fell short of the mark. However, the context makes it clear that it was either his life or theirs – for without cause they hid their net for me; Without cause they dug a pit for my soul (Ps.35:7). They had treated him extremely badly, since – 12 They repay me evil for good to the bereavement of my soul. 13 But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled my soul with fasting, and my prayer kept returning to my bosom. 14 I went about as though it were my friend or brother; I bowed down mourning, as one who sorrows for a mother (Ps.35:12-14). In return for David’s kindness – 15 at my stumbling they rejoiced and gathered themselves together; The smiters whom I did not know gathered together against me, they slandered me without ceasing. 16 Like godless jesters at a feast, they gnashed at me with their teeth (Ps.35:15-16). These tormentors were a law unto themselves. By contrast, David had a very different motivation. He summed it up – 9 my soul shall rejoice in the Lord; It shall exult in His salvation. 10 All my bones will say, “Lord, who is like You, who delivers the afflicted from him who is too strong for him, and the afflicted and the needy from him who robs him?” (Ps.35:9-10). Unlike his enemies, David longed for a testimony of praise to God.
Q.2. Did God respond to David’s prayer immediately? What was the attitude of his opponents to him? Why did David expect God to intervene? How did He care for His servants? – (Ps.35:17-28)
As so often happens when we pass through the valley of despair, there was no immediate relief. David cried, – Lord, how long will You look on? Rescue my soul from their ravages, my only life from the lions (Ps.35:17). Alluding to the sufferings of Christ, David described the attitude of his enemies (Ps.35:19-21, 25-26). David trusted in a Judge Who judges righteously – Judge me, O Lord my God, according to Your righteousness, and do not let them rejoice over me (Ps.35:24). David’s commitment was unshakable – I will give You thanks in the great congregation; I will praise You among a mighty throng … my tongue shall declare Your righteousness and Your praise all day long (Ps.35:18 & 28). He was convinced that nothing escapes God’s notice – 22 You have seen it, O Lord, do not keep silent; O Lord, do not be far from me. 23 Stir up Yourself, and awake to my right and to my cause, my God, and my Lord (Ps.35:22-23). This was a community song. David urged God’s people to – shout for joy and rejoice, who favour my vindication; And let them say continually, “The Lord be magnified, who delights in the prosperity of His servant.”(Ps.35:27). As in the previous Psalm – They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces will never be ashamed … The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned (Ps.34:5 & 22). In due time God delivers His servants from all their fears and their troubles (Ps.34:4, 6, 17