Psalms 35 - Introduction

A.M. 2962. B.C. 1042.

The matter of this Psalm, Bishop Patrick thinks, “sufficiently informs us, that it was penned by David when he was fiercely persecuted by Saul; whose forces, which were unjustly raised against him, he beseeches the Lord to dissipate; and especially to stop the mouths of his false accusers, (such as Doeg and the Ziphites,) of whom he most heavily complains.” Dr. Horne, and many other commentators, think that David, in this Psalm, personates the Messiah in his state of humiliation and sufferings; and, of consequence, that the enemies here referred to, are those of Christ and his church, and especially the rulers of the darkness of this world, whose destruction is prophetically foretold.

(1,) David prays that Jehovah would interpose in his behalf, and deliver him from his persecutors, Psalms 35:1.

(2,) Foretels their confusion and his own triumph, Psalms 35:4.

(3,) Describes their malice against him, and his love toward them, Psalms 35:11.

(4,) Repeats his supplications for deliverance, and enlarges on the cruel insults he met with, Psalms 35:17.

(5,) Again predicts their confusion, and the joy and exultation of the righteous, with his own thanksgiving, Psalms 35:26.