Psalms 35:19-28 - Homilies By C. Short

Pleas for triumph.

The substance of this third division is a continuous prayer that God would give him to triumph over his enemies; and the plans on which the prayer is grounded.

I. HE PRAYS THAT THE CAUSE OF UNRIGHTEOUSNESS MAY NOT TRIUMPH .

1 . The enmity of his enemies was without just cause. ( Psalms 35:19 .) To be unjustly accused wounds a good man very deeply.

2 . He was the champion of public order and peace : and therefore they opposed him. ( Psalms 35:20 .) Employed deceitful words and schemes to disturb and overthrow the public peace. Bad men therefore.

3 . God himself was the witness of their injustice and wickedness. ( Psalms 35:21 .) And cannot but interpose of his own righteous will.

4 . He appeals to God on the ground of his personal righteousness. ( Psalms 35:23 , Psalms 35:24 .) Not on the ground of his perfection; but he appeals to his upright aim and just purpose and general rectitude. The righteous God must therefore overthrow his enemies. God's righteousness, and his own could not both be defeated. Their just retribution was to be clothed with confusion and dishonour. The psalmist is so sure that his prayer will be answered and his enemies punished, that we have next.—

II. A GRATEFUL ANTICIPATION OF THE VICTORY .

1 . He calls upon all who love righteousness to magnify the work of God. ( Psalms 35:27 , "who have pleasure in my justification, or righteousness.") The victory of the psalmist over his wicked enemies.

2 . He himself will sing of the righteousness of God for ever. ( Psalms 35:28 , "all the day long.") We should praise God for ever as the Author of all our moral and spiritual victories. "Not unto us, but unto thy Name, O Lord," etc.—S.