David Pleads For Deliverence From Those Who Hated Him
June 14, 2022
Commentary
David says there are liars that accuse him of doing things he knows nothing about (v. 11). He feels all alone because they even repay evil for good (v. 12). He prayed for them and went without food when they were sick just like he would for a friend or relative (vv. 13-14). These slanderers have stripped him of his honor and his character. They have lied and misrepresented him to the point that his good name is gone and his reputation is ruined (vv. 15-16). David tells the Lord how he is innocent and asks the Lord to vindicate him (v. 17). He tells the Lord he will praise and thank Him in front of His people (v. 18).
We see David coming back to his original theme and praying again that his enemies will not be allowed to have victory (vv. 19-21). How human that is. We often will pray till we see victory, only to come back almost in the next breath to the same petition all over again.
Application
How often have I have tried to fight and win my own battle in this life instead of letting the lord fight it for me. I would like to have the reputation of resting my case with the Lord and not going back to pleading my case over and over again, when the victory is mine to claim.
Psalms 35:11– 21 (NET)
11 Violent men perjure themselves, and falsely accuse me.
12 They repay me evil for the good I have done; I am overwhelmed with sorrow.
13 When they were sick, I wore sackcloth, and refrained from eating food. (If I am lying, may my prayers go unanswered.)
14 I mourned for them as I would for a friend or my brother. I bowed down in sorrow as if I were mourning for my mother.
15 But when I stumbled, they rejoiced and gathered together; they gathered together to ambush me. They tore at me without stopping to rest.
16 When I tripped, they taunted me relentlessly, and tried to bite me.
17 O Lord, how long are you going to watch this? Rescue me from their destructive attacks; guard my life from the young lions.
18 Then I will give you thanks in the great assembly; I will praise you before a large crowd of people.
19 Do not let those who are my enemies for no reason gloat over me. Do not let those who hate me without cause carry out their wicked schemes.
20 For they do not try to make peace with others, but plan ways to deceive those who live peacefully in the land.
21 They are ready to devour me; they say, “Aha! Aha! We’ve got you!”