Psalm 35:15-28 chanted in the Sarum Use by Sarah James

Themes: The Psalmist, in great straits, prays for his personal safety and for the confusion of his enemies, expresses his confidence in God, mentions his kindness to those who had rewarded him evil for his good, appeals to God against them, prays for those who befriended him; and praises God for his goodness. There is nothing in the title worthy of remark. The psalm is simply attributed to David, and was most probably of his composing; and refers to the time of his persecution by Saul and his courtiers. The Syriac says it was composed when the Idumeans attacked David. The Arabic says it is a prophecy concerning the incarnation, and concerning the things practiced against Jeremiah by the people. Some think that our Lord's sufferings are particularly pointed out here; and Bishop Horsley thinks that verses 11-16 apply more literally and exactly to Christ than to any other whomsoever. (From the Adam Clarke Commentary, 1831)

In Judaism: Verse 10 is part of Nishmat, which is recited in the morning prayer, and during the Passover seder in some traditions. (Wikipedia)

In Christianity: Jesus quoted Psalm 35:19b is quoted in John 15:25: “But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.”

In History: The first prayer in the American Congress (early Sept. of 1774) quoted from the first verse of Psalm 35: “Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me.”

Nine hundred years ago, the Cathedral of Salisbury, England developed a unique form of chant and liturgy known as the “Use of Salisbury,” or “Sarum Use.” Differences from the Roman rite are both melodic (more florid in the Sarum) and textual (Elizabethan English rather than Latin). The best repository of Sarum Use tones is the St. Dunstan's Plainsong Psalter, from which Sarah has sung this psalm. Additional resources on Sarum Use plainsong at https://canticasacra.org.

“Scenes from the Passion of Christ,” an oil on oak wood (1470-1471) by Hans Memling, is a faithful photographic reproduction of a two-dimensional work of art that is in the public domain in its country of origin and other countries and areas where the copyright term is the author's life plus 100 years or fewer.