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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 35:6

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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 35:6

Let their way be dark - Let them lose their way, be entangled in morasses and thickets, and be confounded in all their attempts to injure me. All these phrases are military; and relate to ambushes, hidden snares, forced marches in order to surprise, and stratagems of different kinds. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 35:7

For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit - The word שחת shachath , a pit, belongs to the second member of this verse, and the whole should be read thus: For without a cause they have hidden for me their net, without a cause they have digged a pit for my life. They have used every degree and species of cunning and deceit to ruin me. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 35:8

Let his net that he hath hid - See the notes on Psalm 7:15 , Psalm 7:16 . read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 35:7

Verse 7 7.For they have hid for me without a cause. He here declares that he did not take the name of God in vain, nor call upon him for protection without just cause, for he openly asserts his innocence, and complains that he was thus severely afflicted without having committed any crime, or given any occasion to his enemies. It becomes us carefully to mark this, so that no one may rush unadvisedly into God’s presence, nor call upon him for vengeance, without the assurance and testimony of a... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 35:8

Verse 8 8.Let confusion of which he is not aware come upon him. David again prays that God would cause to return upon the head of his enemies the mischief which they had directed against a just and an inoffensive man. The change from the plural to the singular number, even when the same subject, is spoken of, is, we know, a thing very common among the Hebrews. Accordingly, what is here said of one man is applicable to all David’s enemies in general, unless, perhaps, we are rather inclined to... 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

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