Psalms 35 — Jamieson–Fausset–Brown
35:1–3
1-3. God is invoked in the character of a warrior (Ex 15:3; De 32:41).
35:4
4. (Compare Psa 9:17). devise my hurt--purpose for evil to me.
35:5–6
5-6. (Compare Psa 1:4)--a terrible fate; driven by wind on a slippery path in darkness, and hotly pursued by supernatural violence (2Sa 24:16; Ac 12:23).
35:7–8
7-8. net in a pit--or, "pit of their net"--or, "net-pit," as "holy hill" for "hill of holiness" (Psa 2:6); a figure from hunting (Psa 7:15). Their imprecations on impenitent rebels against God need no vindication; His justice and wrath are for such; His mercy for penitents. Compare Psa 7:16; 11:5, on the peculiar fate of the wicked here noticed.
35:10
10. All my bones--every part. him that spoileth him--(Compare Psa 10:2).
35:11
11. False witnesses--literally, "Witnesses of injustice and cruelty" (compare Psa 11:5; 25:19).
35:12–14
12-14. Though they rendered evil for good, he showed a tender sympathy in their affliction. spoiling--literally, "bereavement." The usual modes of showing grief are made, as figures, to express his sorrow.
35:15–16
15-16. On the contrary, they rejoiced in his affliction. Halting, or, "lameness," as in Psa 38:17 for any distress. abjects--either as cripples (compare 2Sa 4:4), contemptible; or, degraded persons, such as had been beaten (compare Job 30:1-8). I knew it not--either the persons, or, reasons of such conduct. tear me, and ceased not--literally, "were not silent"--showing that the tearing meant slandering.
35:17
17. darling--(Compare Psa 22:20, 21).
35:18
18. (Compare Psa 22:22).
35:19
19. enemies wrongfully--by false and slanderous imputations. wink with the eye--an insulting gesture (Pr 6:13). without a cause--manifests more malice than having a wrong cause.
35:20
20. deceitful matters--or, "words of deceit." quiet in the land--the pious lovers of peace.
35:21
21. On the gesture compare Psa 22:7; and on the expressions of malicious triumph, compare Psa 10:13; 28:3.
35:23–24
23-24. (Compare Psa 7:6; 26:1; 2Th 1:6). God's righteous government is the hope of the pious and terror of the wicked.
35:25
25. swallowed him up--utterly destroyed him (Psa 21:9; La 2:16).
35:26
26. clothed--covered wholly (Job 8:22).
35:27
27. favour ... cause--delight in it, as vindicated by Thee. Let the Lord, c.--Let Him be greatly praised for His care of the just.
35:28
28. In this praise of God's equitable government (Psa 5:8) the writer promises ever to engage.