Psalm 35: A Prayer for Justice and Deliverance in Times of Trouble

Full Text of Psalm 35

1. Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.
2. Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help.
3. Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me: say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.
4. Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt.
5. Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase them.
6. Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them.
7. For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit, which without cause they have digged for my soul.
8. Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.
9. And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation.
10. All my bones shall say, LORD, who is like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?
11. False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not.
12. They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul.
13. But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.
14. I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother.
15. But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea, the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not:
16. With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth.
17. Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling from the lions.
18. I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people.
19. Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.
20. For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land.
21. Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, and said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen it.
22. This thou hast seen, O LORD: keep not silence: O Lord, be not far from me.
23. Stir up thyself, and awake to my judgment, even unto my cause, my God and my Lord.
24. Judge me, O LORD my God, according to thy righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me.
25. Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it: let them not say, We have swallowed him up.
26. Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify themselves against me.
27. Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.
28. And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.

Meaning and Context of Psalm 35

Psalm 35 is attributed to King David, written during a time when he was facing intense persecution—likely from Saul or from enemies within Israel. The psalm is a lament, but also a plea for divine justice. David does not take revenge into his own hands; instead, he cries out to God, the ultimate Judge. The psalm is structured in three sections (verses 1–10, 11–18, 19–28), each ending with a vow of praise. This pattern shows that even in the midst of suffering, David maintains hope and trust in God's deliverance.

Theologically, Psalm 35 teaches us that it is right to bring our anger and pain to God. It affirms that God is a defender of the innocent and a protector of the poor and needy. While the imprecatory language can be unsettling, it reflects a deep desire for God's justice to prevail. As New Testament believers, we understand that ultimate justice is found in Christ, who took our sin and shame. Yet we can still pray for God to vindicate the righteous and restrain evil.

Psalm 35 Explained Verse by Verse

Verses 1–3: A Call for Divine Intervention

David begins with a military metaphor: "Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me" (v. 1). He asks God to take up shield and spear on his behalf. This is not a request for personal vengeance, but for God to act as his advocate and warrior. The phrase "say unto my soul, I am thy salvation" (v. 3) reveals David's deepest need: reassurance of God's saving presence.

Verses 4–8: Imprecations Against Enemies

David asks that his enemies be "confounded and put to shame" (v. 4) and that they become like "chaff before the wind" (v. 5)—a symbol of worthlessness and judgment. He prays that their own schemes backfire: "let his net that he hath hid catch himself" (v. 8). These strong words reflect the seriousness of the threat and David's trust that God will bring justice.

Verses 9–10: A Vow of Praise

In anticipation of deliverance, David declares, "my soul shall be joyful in the LORD" (v. 9). He praises God as the one who delivers the poor and needy from those too strong for them (v. 10). This is a reminder that God is on the side of the oppressed.

Verses 11–16: The Betrayal

David describes the specific wrongdoing: false witnesses accuse him of things he didn't do (v. 11), and they repay his kindness with evil (v. 12). He had mourned and fasted for them when they were sick (vv. 13–14), but they rejoiced at his downfall (v. 15). This contrast highlights the injustice David suffers.

Verses 17–18: A Cry for Rescue

"Lord, how long wilt thou look on?" (v. 17) expresses impatience and urgency. David pleads for his "darling" (his life) to be rescued from the lions. He then promises to give thanks in the great congregation (v. 18), showing that his deliverance will be a public testimony.

Verses 19–26: Prayer for Justice

David asks that his enemies not rejoice over him wrongfully (v. 19). He describes their deceitful words and gloating (vv. 20–21). Then he calls on God to act: "Stir up thyself, and awake to my judgment" (v. 23). He appeals to God's righteousness for a verdict (v. 24). The imprecations continue, asking that his enemies be clothed with shame (v. 26).

Verses 27–28: Final Praise

The psalm ends on a positive note: those who favor David's righteous cause will shout for joy, and David will praise God all day long (vv. 27–28). This shows that the ultimate goal is not revenge, but the magnification of God's name.

When and How to Pray Psalm 35

Psalm 35 is a powerful prayer for anyone facing false accusations, betrayal, or unjust treatment. Here are some practical ways to use it:

• For protection: Pray verses 1–3 as a cry for God to be your shield and defender.
• Against fear: Meditate on verse 3, asking God to speak to your soul, "I am thy salvation."
• Before sleep: Recite verses 9–10 to focus on God's deliverance and peace.
• In times of conflict: Use the whole psalm as a prayer of lament, pouring out your feelings to God.
• When you feel alone: Verse 22 reminds you that God sees your situation and is not silent.
• As a model for forgiveness: After praying, ask God to help you release bitterness and trust His justice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay for Christians to pray imprecatory psalms like Psalm 35?

Yes, but with a New Covenant perspective. These psalms express a desire for God's justice, not personal revenge. We can pray them honestly, knowing that God is the righteous Judge. Jesus taught us to love our enemies, but we can still ask God to restrain evil and vindicate the innocent.

Who wrote Psalm 35?

Psalm 35 is attributed to King David, likely written during a period of persecution, possibly from Saul or from enemies within Israel.

What is the main theme of Psalm 35?

The main theme is a plea for God's intervention against unjust enemies. It combines lament, imprecation, and praise, ultimately trusting in God's deliverance and justice.

How can I apply Psalm 35 to my life today?

You can use it as a prayer when you are falsely accused, betrayed, or facing opposition. It teaches you to bring your pain to God, to trust Him as your defender, and to end with praise.

Does Psalm 35 promise that God will destroy my enemies?

It expresses a desire for God to judge the wicked, but the ultimate fulfillment is in God's timing and wisdom. As Christians, we trust that God will bring perfect justice, whether in this life or the next.

Why does Psalm 35 mention "angel of the LORD"?

The "angel of the LORD" is often seen as a divine messenger or a manifestation of God Himself. In verses 5–6, David asks for this angel to chase and persecute his enemies, emphasizing God's active role in judgment.