Psalms 35:13 - Exposition

But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth . It is suggested that David had acted thus, especially in the case of Saul, when he was first afflicted with his terrible malady ( 1 Samuel 16:14-23 ; 1 Samuel 18:10 ); but he appears to speak of his habitual practice, whenever any of his friends were sick. (On the putting on of sackcloth as a sign of grief, see Genesis 37:34 ; 2 Samuel 3:31 ; 2 Samuel 21:10 ; 1 Kings 21:27 ; 2 Kings 6:30 ; 2 Kings 19:1 ; Esther 4:1 ; Job 16:15 ; Psalms 69:11 ; Psalms 69:11 , etc.) I humbled my soul with fasting. Another customary indication of grief (see Psalms 69:10 ; Psalms 109:24 ; 20:26 ; 1 Samuel 31:13 ; 2 Samuel 1:12 ; 2 Samuel 22:16 ; 1 Kings 21:27 ; Nehemiah 1:4 , etc.). And my prayer returned into mine own bosom (comp. Matthew 10:13 ). Prayers for others, if prevented by their unworthiness from benefiting them, are yet not altogether void and vain. They bring a blessing to the man that offers them.