Psalm 35

1. In verse 1, David seems to use two different word pictures as he asks for God’s help. In the first part of the verse, he asks God to “contend;” using a legal word. Then, he asks God to “fight;” soliciting the help of God as a warrior, or defender.

2. Verse 2 and the first part of 3 are asking for God to help in any way–even in almost extreme ways, but they lead up to the overall thought, given at the end of verse 3: “Say to my soul, ‘I am your salvation’.” David is seeking peace by reassurance.

3. Verses 4-8 are statements trying to show that David, while not a perfect man, is not deserving of the treatment he is getting from others. He asks God to give retribution to those who are continually attacking him (a theme seen already many times in Psalms). That he is being unjustly attacked is seen especially in verse 7.

4. Verses 9 and 10 are David’s thoughts as to how he will react if God will put down his enemies. Not only will he be joyful, he will give God the praise.

5. In verses 11-14 it seems that David has made some sort of agreement (some writers think it is a treaty), and he is noting the differences between his attitude and that of the other party. They are malicious and evil, while he is humbled and prayerful.

6. Again, verse 15 shows the contrast with the other party. When David stumbled (how, we don’t know) they rejoiced. We often feel as though there are people just waiting for us to fail. David knew what it was like for that to actually happen.

7. Again in verse 17, David, after painting this horrific picture of his enemies, cries to God for help. I think there is something significant in the fact that David is not afraid to take specific, and even graphic, problems before God. David was willing to “spell out” his problem.

8. If David sees God’s handiwork, David promises to share that news with others (verse 18).

9. Verse 20 is a great description of those who are evil, or power hungry. Not only do they “not speak peace,” but they “devise deceitful words.” While not being peaceful is wrong, these have taken the next step and are willfully speaking things they ought not.

10. Verses 21-22 show what man sees versus what God sees. David’s enemies claimed to have seen “it” (possibly some wrongdoing of David), but verse 22 shows us that David was confident that God had seen “it.” Because He sees it all, we can know that we will be vindicated if we do right things.

11. After 23 verses of building up his case, David is bold enough to ask God to be the Judge. David is not saying he is perfect. He is asking God to judge this specific case. In other words, David knows that God sees all and knows the truth about what is being said. When others are saying things about me, am I able to think that God will be able to judge what is right?

12. The final 2 verses conclude the psalm by saying that those who are on David’s side will have reason to celebrate. He will be shown to be correct, and, again, he will tell of God to all who know him.