Studies in the Psalms - Psalm 35

Psalm 35 is one of the imprecatory psalms. Imprecatory psalms are psalms that contain prayers to God to bring disaster and ruin to an enemy. Some people believe these to be an embarrassment to our faith. To think that is to misunderstand the point of what is happening. It is critical to understand that David is a part of the lineage that will bring Christ into the world and the devil had made it is work to prevent that. When David’s life is threatened; the entire plan of salvation is threatened. Thus, David is not seeking personal revenge; he is praying for the plan of salvation to be protected. David had opportunity to kill Saul and chose to have mercy. David prayed for Saul and his men, and when Saul died, he grieved terribly over his death.

Maybe you are surrounded by your enemies. Maybe you are tempted to pray for their demise. Look over Psalm 35 first. See what David was praying for.

Psalm 35:1-3

Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me!  Take hold of shield and buckler and rise for my help!  Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers! Say to my soul, “I am your salvation!”

We do have a God who will fight for us. Romans 8:31 asks this, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” No one can stand against God.

Psalm 35:10
All my bones shall say, “O LORD, who is like you, delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, the poor and needy from him who robs him?”

No matter the situation, do as David, ask God to protect you.

David was about God’s work. Or you? If so, then you can know God is going to see His will through. Be patient. Wait on Him. In the meantime, spend time praising Him as David did.

Psalm 35:17-18
How long, O Lord, will you look on? Rescue me from their destruction, my precious life from the lions!  I will thank you in the great congregation; in the mighty throng I will praise you.

The truth is, most of our problems are not from serving God, but are of our own making. We don’t live in obedience to God and then we want Him to fix our mess. Relationships are a classic example. The Bible warns us, yet we get involved with the world. Then we want God to bring judgment on others. This is not what David was praying for. Listen to the close of Psalm 35.

Psalm 35:27-28
Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad and say evermore,

“Great is the LORD, who delights in the welfare of his servant!”  Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness and of your praise all the day long.

Delight in God’s righteousness and live in it. Trust in Him to protect you, but when you stray from His will, don’t be surprised when He disciplines you.

As to our enemies? Let God handle them. I leave you with more from the letter to the Romans. Let it guide your prayers.

Romans 12:14
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.

Romans 12:17-21
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.  If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.  Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”  To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Do this and God will be for you.