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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 35:2

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

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

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 35:2

Verse 2 2.Take the shield. These words certainly cannot be applied, in the strict and proper sense, to God, who has no need of the spear or buckler: for by the breath of his mouth alone, or merely with his nod, he is able to overthrow all his enemies. But although such figures at first sight appear rude, yet the Holy Ghost employs them in accommodation to the weakness of our understanding, for the purpose of impressing more effectually upon our minds the conviction that God is present to aid... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 35:1-10

Battle and victory. The psalmist complains of unbelievers, ungodly enemies, prays for deliverance, giving promise of thanksgiving if his prayer is granted. The psalm falls into three divisions, in each of which the three elements of complaint, prayer, and thanksgiving are contained. The divisions are Psalms 35:1-10 ; Psalms 35:11-18 ; Psalms 35:19-28 . Take first division and its suggestions ( Psalms 35:1-10 ). I. EVERY MAN HAS A SPIRITUAL BATTLE TO FIGHT , We... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 35:1-28

A hard case-a very hard one-laid before God. This is one of those psalms in which the writers often meet with much scolding and with scant sympathy. It has been said that this psalm is not worthy of David. We are not prepared to say so: but we are prepared to contend that many of the criticisms passed on it are utterly unworthy of those who thus criticize. £ If we will but study the whole psalm in all its bearings while we may not feel called on to justify every expression therein, we... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 35:1-28

The flesh and the Spirit. This psalm has been variously interpreted. Some say David speaks here representatively, not for himself, but for the community of Israel Others say that he speaks prophetically, and with special reference to the days of Messiah. Others again hold that he speaks as a holy man, moved by the Holy Spirit to record the feelings that had passed through his own heart in time of trial. This last seems the more reasonable interpretation. I. First it agrees best with ... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 35:2

Take hold of shield and buckler - That is, Arm thyself as if for the contest. It is a prayer, in a new form, that God would interpose, and that he would go forth as a warrior against the enemies of the psalmist. On the word “shield,” see the notes at Psalms 5:12. Compare the notes at Ephesians 6:16. On the word “buckler,” see the notes at Psalms 18:2. These terms are derived from the armor of a warrior, and the prayer here is that God would appear in that character for his defense.And stand up... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 35:1-3

Psalms 35:1-3. Plead my cause, O Lord, &c. Take my part, and maintain my cause against those that contend with me, and have raised war against me; for I am not able to defend myself, and have none else to appear for me. Take hold of shield and buckler Wherewith to cover and defend me; that is, Be thou my protector, and preserve me under the shield of thy almighty providence. And stand up for my help Oppose thyself to them, and keep off all their assaults. Draw out also the spear ... read more

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