Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 35

David’s Prayer Against His EnemiesIn this psalm, David describes the constant trouble and danger he faces from his enemies. Even though he is following God’s will and doing what is right, there are people who fight against him and try to harm him. They plot against his life, spread traps for him, and use all their power to make him fail. David feels weak compared to them, especially since King Saul has so much authority and resources. Still, David puts his case before God, knowing that God sees the truth and judges fairly. He turns to God for help, trusting that God can save him when people are unfair and cruel.v. 1–3: David asks God to defend him. He says, Plead my cause, O Lord

v. 4–6: David prays that his enemies would be disappointed and defeated. He says, Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul (Psalm 35:4 ). He asks that they would be like chaff blown by the wind and that the angel of the Lord

v. 7–8: David describes how his enemies secretly set traps for him. He says, For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit (Psalm 35:7 ). He prays that the trouble they plan for him will come back on them: let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself (Psalm 35:8 ). David trusts that God will bring justice.

v. 9–10: David looks forward to praising God for his deliverance. He says, And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord

Prayer for Deliverance; Sorrowful ComplaintsIn this section, David brings his case before God, accusing his enemies of two terrible sins: perjury and ingratitude. David’s prayer shows the deep pain caused by false accusations and betrayal, and he asks God to bring justice and deliver him from those who have wronged him.v. 11: David laments that false witnesses have accused him of things he never did. He says, False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not . This echoes what happened to Jesus, who was also falsely accused by witnesses (Matthew 26:60 ). David reminds us that even the innocent can suffer injustice, but we should trust God to defend us.

v. 12: David accuses his enemies of repaying his kindness with cruelty. He says, They rewarded me evil for good . David had served King Saul and his people faithfully, but instead of gratitude, they sought to harm him. This betrayal deeply hurt David, just as Jesus experienced when the people rejected Him despite His good works (John 10:32 ).

v. 13–14: David remembers how he cared for these same people when they were in trouble. He says, But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting (Psalm 35:13 ). David mourned and prayed for them as if they were his own family, showing compassion and love. Even though his kindness was not returned, David found comfort in knowing he had done what was right.

v. 15–16: In contrast, David’s enemies celebrated his suffering. He says, In mine adversity they rejoiced (Psalm 35:15 ). They mocked and slandered him, gnashed their teeth in hatred, and found joy in his misfortune. David describes them as “hypocritical mockers” who used his pain as entertainment. Their behavior was cruel and unjust, highlighting the depth of their malice.

Sorrowful Complaints; David's Appeal and Prayer to GodIn these verses, David continues to bring his troubles to God. He describes how unfair and cruel his enemies are. Even though David seeks peace and has done nothing wrong, his enemies try to harm him and insult him. David asks God to see his pain, judge his cause, and rescue him. He prays that his defeat would not give his enemies reason to rejoice, but instead, he hopes God’s help will encourage his friends and bring praise to God.v. 17: David cries out to God, asking, Lord, how long wilt thou look on? He begs God not to stay silent or distant but to rescue his life from those who want to destroy him. David calls his soul his “darling,” showing how precious it is and how much he needs God to save it .

v. 18: David promises to give thanks to God in public if he is delivered. He says, I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people . He wants everyone to know that God has helped him.

v. 19–21: David prays that his enemies will not triumph over him or celebrate his troubles. He says, Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me and neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause (Psalm 35:19 ). They speak arrogantly and are happy at David’s pain, but he asks God to stop their pride and scorn.

v. 22–24: David appeals to God, saying, This thou hast seen, O Lord

v. 25–26: David asks God not to let his enemies claim victory or say, We have swallowed him up (Psalm 35:25 ). He prays that those who want his downfall will be ashamed and confused, realizing that their evil plans will not succeed.

v. 27: David prays for his friends and supporters. He asks that those who want what is right will rejoice and continually say, The Lord

v. 28: David promises to keep praising God. He says, And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long (Psalm 35:28 ). He wants his life to be a testimony of God’s goodness and justice, every day and everywhere.