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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 35:1

Plead my cause , O Lord, with them that strive with me ,.... Meaning Saul and his courtiers; concerning whom he elsewhere desires that the Lord would judge between them, plead his cause, and deliver him; as he accordingly did, and maintained it, and the righteousness of it, 1 Samuel 24:12 . So Christ pleaded not his own cause as man, but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously; and his people leave their cause with him, who is their advocate, and is able to plead it thoroughly;... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 35:2

Take hold of shield and buckler ,.... Defensive weapons; not that the Lord stands in need of any of these to defend himself with: but the sense is, that he would be as these to David; as he was to him, and is to all his people; namely, their shield and buckler: he gives unto them the shield of salvation; he encompasses them about with his favour as with a shield, and keeps them by his power safe from all their enemies; and stand up for mine help ; for which the Lord arises, and stands by... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 35:3

Draw out also the spear ,.... An offensive weapon; expressive of the vengeance which God sometimes takes of the enemies of his people, when he bends his bow, shoots his arrows, whets his glittering sword, and his hand takes hold of judgment; and stop the way against them that persecute me ; that they might not overtake him; God can hinder, and he sometimes does hinder persecutors from overtaking his people in their straits; and as he hedges up their way with thorns, that they cannot... 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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 35:1

Plead my cause, O Lord - Literally, Contend, Lord, with then that contend with me. The word is often used in a forensic or law sense. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 35:2

Take hold of shield and buckler - Let them be discomfited in battle who are striving to destroy my life. It is by the shield and buckler of others, not any of his own that God overthrows the enemies of his people. This is spoken merely after the manner of men. read more

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