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Psalms 35

28 verses

TL;DR

The psalmist pleads with God for deliverance from unjust adversaries, invoking divine protection and justice while expressing sorrow yet hope.

Summary

In Psalm 35 the psalmist cries out to the LORD for protection against hostile enemies who unjustly accuse and persecute him. He calls on God to arm him with shield, buckler, and spear, and to use the angel of the LORD as his defender. The psalm contrasts the suffering of the righteous with the deceit and joy of the wicked, lamenting false witnesses and their malicious plots. Despite the oppression, the psalmist maintains faith, promising to praise God and recount His righteousness. He requests judgment against the adversaries, asking that they be humbled and shamed, and that the LORD be glorified through his deliverance.

Outline
  1. 1. Plea for divine protection and justice
  2. 2. Contrast between righteous sorrow and wicked deceit
  3. 3. Assurance of praise and hope in God's deliverance
Themes
Justice and VindicationFaith Amid OppressionDivine Protection
Keywords
pleadshieldbucklerspearangel of the LORDjusticevindicationsorrowhopepraiserighteousness
People
LORD
Places
Things
shieldbucklerspearangel of the LORDnetdestruction
Key Verses
  • Psalms 35:1: Opening appeal to the LORD for justice
  • Psalms 35:9: Affirmation of joy in God's salvation
  • Psalms 35:25: Demand that enemies be humbled and shamed
Questions
  • How does the psalmist balance lament with hope in the face of injustice?
  • In what ways does the imagery of weapons and the angel reflect divine protection?
  • What can modern believers learn from the psalmist's appeal for judgment against the wicked?
Sentiment

mixed
contains lament and sorrow, yet expresses hope and praise.