Psalm 35:19-28

EARNEST PRAYER FOR RELIEF. — V. 19. Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me, by their false and slanderous accusations; neither let them wink with the eye, in a gesture of cunning and contempt, that hate me without a cause, while he is wholly innocent.

V. 20. For they speak not peace, their aim is not to bring quiet and happiness to the country; but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land, against those who really love peace and seek the welfare of the country. V. 21. Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, in a gesture of contempt, and said, Aha, aha! our eye hath seen it, namely, the gratification of their hopes that the believer would be in trouble.

V. 22. This Thou hast seen, O Lord, the manner in which the enemies acted. Keep not silence; O Lord, be not far from me! in this great emergency, where He alone could provide help.

V. 23. Stir up Thyself, rousing Himself, as though from sleep, making ready for energetic action, and awake to my judgment, even unto my cause, namely, to establish it as just, to vindicate him, my God and my Lord. V. 24. Judge me, O Lord, my God, according to Thy righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me.

V. 25. Let them not say in their hearts, in their greed to devour, in their desire to destroy, Ah, so would we have it! Let them not say, We have swallowed him up. V. 26. Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together, with all their evil intentions utterly frustrated, that rejoice at mine hurt. Let them be clothed with shame and dishonor that magnify themselves, puffing themselves up, against me. The righteous government of God is the only hope of the pious and the terror of the wicked.

V. 27. Let them shout for joy and be glad that favor my righteous cause, or, who delight in my righteousness, glad that he should have his right; yea, let them say continually, Let the Lord be, magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of His servant, delighting in showing him His divine blessings.

V. 28. And my tongue shall speak of Thy righteousness, in praising God’s righteous government, and of Thy praise all the day long. God is the Champion of all those who are oppressed among His children, and they, in turn, make it their business to make known the honor of His holy name at all times.