Worship: A Study in PsalmsSample

What does it say?

David asked the Lord to cause ruin and shame to those who had repaid his good with evil. He looked forward to publicly praising the Lord for vindicating him.

What does it mean?

Psalm 35 is an imprecatory psalm in which David not only asked God to defeat his enemies but also to utterly destroy them. King Saul’s royal court was full of people whispering lies about David in Saul’s ear. Men he had considered his friends were mocking and increasing his distress. It’s important to remember that David's emotions were human but aligned with God’s ultimate justice for those who reject His purposes. Since David was God’s anointed king, he embodied God’s future purpose for Israel. Therefore, this was a plea for God’s name and cause to be upheld. David pointed out the injustice to His just God and prayed according to God’s will that the wicked would not triumph over the righteous.

How should I respond?

As a child, you probably played “gossip” or “telephone,” a game in which a whispered phrase is repeated around a circle, only to be embellished and miserably distorted by the end. The same thing happens in life. No matter how many hours you spend talking, tweeting, and posting, it’s almost impossible to unravel the damage of malicious talk. Plus, if you become consumed with what others say about you, you’ll likely be distracted from your God-given purpose. Spiritual battles are best fought with spiritual weapons – prayer and time in God’s Word. How do your prayers for God’s defense need to sound more like David in today’s passage? Are you motivated by a desire for justice or revenge? Are you more concerned about your reputation or God’s? Search Scripture in order to pray according to God’s will and then leave the matter with Him.