Click here to read PSALM 35 in poetic form.
Background
This Psalm specifically speaks of the Messiah, and Jesus Christ quotes verse 19 regarding himself. He sets Psalms 35:19 in the context of those who hated him as opposed to those who believed his words and would receive the gift of holy spirit.
John 15:24-27:
If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.
But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.
But when the Comforter [the gift of holy spirit] is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.
Psalm 35 shows the Messiah always doing good, and his spiritual enemies doing evil in response to the good he does. It also shows God helping his “servant” and prospering him (verse 27).
Structure
(Verses 1-8) Prayer for the Lord’s help in facing Messiah’s enemies
(Verses 9,10) Praise for the Lord giving help in facing Messiah’s enemies
(Verses 11-16) Messiah’s enemies attack him for doing good
(Verses 17,18) Prayer and praise for the Lord’s help in facing Messiah’s enemies
(Verses 19-21) Messiah’s enemies attack him for doing good
(Verses 22-26) Prayer for the Lord’s help in facing Messiah’s enemies
(Verses 27,28) Praise for the Lord’s help in facing Messiah’s enemies
Key Scriptures
Verse 11—“False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not.” This is the second reference in the Psalms to false witnesses rising up against the Messiah. Psalms 27:12 also said, “false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.” This came to pass when Jesus Christ was accused and condemned by the religious leaders of his time. Matthew 26:59: “Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death.” Mark 14:56,57 says: “For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together. And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him….”
Verse 26—“let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify themselves against me.” Jesus Christ is the foundation stone that God provided for mankind. Those who magnify themselves against him will be ashamed. Romans 9:33: “As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.”
FOR FURTHER STUDY
All 150 of The Psalms in Poetic Form are available from Amazon in a book, either Large Print or a smaller Bedside Reader. Also available for free with a Kindle Unlimited membership. Enjoy!
The entire blog series is now available in the publication The Psalms: Background & Structure with Key Scriptures Explained.
