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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 35:1-10

In these verses we have, I. David's representation of his case to God, setting forth the restless rage and malice of his persecutors. He was God's servant, expressly appointed by him to be what he was, followed his guidance, and aimed at his glory in the way of duty, had lived (as St. Paul speaks) in all good conscience before God unto this day; and yet there were those that strove with him, that did their utmost to oppose his advancement, and made all the interest they could against him; they... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 35:4

Let them be confounded, and put to shame, that seek after my soul ,.... This petition, and what follows, which seem to be by way of imprecation, are to be considered as prophecies of what would be, and as expressions of faith that so it should be; and are not to be drawn into examples, and to be imitated by private persons; nor are they contrary to those evangelical rules, which require men to love their enemies, and pray for them; to give place to wrath, and not meditate vengeance, nor take... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 35:5

Let them be as chaff before the wind ,.... As they are; see Psalm 1:4 ; and let the angel of the Lord chase them ; either a good angel, who is the Lord's, his creature that ministers unto him, and is ready to obey his orders; and who, as he encamps about the saints and protects them, so he is able to destroy their enemies; as one angel in a night destroyed all the firstborn in Egypt, and another the whole army of the Assyrians, Exodus 12:29 ; an angel of the Lord, who is swift to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 35:6

Let their way be dark and slippery ,.... In which they run before the angel, chasing and pursuing them; so that they know not where they are, at what they stumble, whither to flee, nor how to stand; the ways of wicked men are as darkness, they know not in what condition they are, and whither they are going; and utter darkness, even blackness of darkness, is reserved for them: but here it means a calamitous, uncomfortable, fickle, and unstable situation in this life; see Jeremiah 23:11 .... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 35:7

For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit ,.... This is said in allusion to the custom of digging pits, and putting nets into them, for the catching of wild beasts; and covering them with straw or dust, or such like things, as Jarchi observes, that they might not be discerned; and which intends the secret and crafty methods taken by David's enemies to ensnare him and destroy him; though he had given them no cause to use him in such a manner; which is an aggravation of their... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 35:8

Let destruction come upon him at unawares ,.... Or a "storm" F18 שואה "tumultuosa calamitas", Cocceius; so Ainsworth; "tumultus", Vatablus. , such as is caused in the eastern countries by a south wind, very sudden, violent, and destructive F19 See Thevenot, Tavernier, &c.; : the singular number being here used, some Jewish commentators, as Kimchi, have thought Saul is particularly meant; and some Christian interpreters have been of opinion that Judas is intended: the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 35:9

And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord ,.... Not in the destruction of his enemies, but in the God of his salvation; the Targum is, "in the Word of the Lord"; the essential Word of God, the promised Messiah, Saviour, and Redeemer. Christ is the object of a believer's joy; he rejoices in his person, as he is the mighty God, able to save him, and to keep what he has committed to him, and to preserve him from falling; as he is God and man in one person, and so fit to be a Mediator between God... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 35:10

All my bones shall say ,.... So, in a figurative sense, vexation and disquietude are ascribed to the bones, Psalm 6:2 ; and sometimes joy and gladness, Psalm 51:8 . His soul is said to rejoice in Psalm 35:9 ; and here his bones are said to show forth the praises of the Lord; and both together design the whole man, as heart and flesh in Psalm 84:2 ; and the bones being the strength of the body may denote his saying what follows, with all his might, and with all his strength, and with... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 35:4

Let then be confounded - Let none of their projects or devices against me succeed. Blast all their designs. The imprecations in these verses against enemies are all legitimate. They are not against the souls or eternal welfare of those sinners, but against their schemes and plans for destroying the life of an innocent man; and the holiest Christian may offer up such prayers against his adversaries. If a man aim a blow at another with a design to take away his life, and the blow would... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 35:5

Let the angel of the Lord chase them - By angel we may either understand one of those spirits, whether good or bad, commonly thus denominated, or any thing used by God himself as the instrument of their confusion. read more

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