Psalms 35:13. And my prayer returned into mine own bosom— And my prayer rested, or settled in my bosom; i.e. "I was never without a prayer for them in my breast;" for it would be odd, says Mudge, to talk of prayers returning, without having mentioned any prayer at all. read more
12-14. Though they rendered evil for good, he showed a tender sympathy in their affliction. spoiling—literally, "bereavement." The usual modes of showing grief are made, as figures, to express his sorrow. read more
13. prayer . . . bosom—may denote either the posture—the head bowed—(compare :-) —or, that the prayer was in secret. Some think there is a reference to the result—the prayer would benefit him if not them. read more
Psalms 35David lamented the unjustified opposition of his enemies in this psalm and called on God to deliver him. It is really a combination of three laments. The language alternates between legal and military terminology."Whether or not this psalm was written as a companion to Psalms 34, it is well placed next to it, not only because of some verbal affinities and contrasts (notably ’the angel of the Lord’, Psalms 34:7; Psalms 35:5-6, found nowhere else in the Psalter), but because it speaks... read more
The psalmist’s malicious enemies were repaying him evil for the good he had done them. They were evidently also charging him falsely. read more
2. A lament over unjust opposition 35:11-18In the first section of the psalm, the emphasis is on petition, but in this one it is on lament. read more
When they were sick, David prayed for their recovery and mourned over their condition. He even fasted, which shows the extent to which he sacrificed so they would recover. [Note: On the practice of fasting, see Kent D. Berghuis, "A Biblical Perspective on Fasting," Bibliotheca Sacra 158:629 (January-March 2001):86-103.] read more
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... read more
(12) To the spoiling of my soul.—Literally, desolation to my soul. We may paraphrase,“They rewarded me evil for good,Which to me was desolation.” read more
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Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Psalms 35:12
Psalms 35:12. To the spoiling of my soul— And attempt to rob me of my life. Green. The Hebrew שׁכול shekol, is abortion, or bereavement to my soul: "That I may be bereft of my soul, as a woman of an abortive child." Mudge and Houbigant. read more