They repay me evil for good, to the bereavement of my soul. They repay me evil for goodThis phrase captures a profound sense of betrayal and injustice. The Hebrew root for "repay" is "shalam," which often conveys the idea of making restitution or completing a transaction. In this context, it underscores the moral imbalance and the violation of expected social and spiritual norms. The psalmist, likely David, expresses a deep personal grievance, reflecting a broader human experience of being wronged despite acting righteously. Historically, this sentiment resonates with the experiences of many biblical figures who faced persecution despite their integrity, such as Joseph with his brothers or Jesus with the Pharisees. to the bereavement of my soul Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe author of Psalm 35, David is expressing his lament and plea for justice against those who wrong him despite his good deeds. 2. Enemies of David These are the individuals or groups who repay David's kindness with malice and hostility. 3. God The ultimate judge and protector whom David appeals to for justice and vindication. 4. The Soul Represents the innermost being of David, which is deeply affected by the betrayal and injustice he experiences. Teaching Points Understanding BetrayalRecognize that even the most righteous actions can be met with hostility, as seen in David's experience. The Pain of Injustice Acknowledge the deep emotional and spiritual impact of being wronged, which David describes as "bereavement of my soul." Seeking Divine Justice Encourage believers to turn to God for justice and vindication rather than seeking personal revenge. Responding with Goodness Emphasize the biblical call to respond to evil with good, following the example of Christ and the teachings of the New Testament. Trusting God's Sovereignty Reinforce the importance of trusting in God's ultimate plan and justice, even when facing personal injustice. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's experience of being repaid evil for good resonate with your own experiences of betrayal or injustice?2. In what ways can you apply the principle of overcoming evil with good in your daily interactions? 3. How does the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 5:44 challenge you to respond to those who wrong you? 4. What steps can you take to seek God's justice rather than taking matters into your own hands when wronged? 5. How can trusting in God's sovereignty and justice bring peace to your soul amidst personal trials and injustices? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 24David spares Saul's life, demonstrating good for evil, which parallels the theme of being repaid evil for good. Matthew 5:44 Jesus teaches to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, echoing the challenge of responding to evil with good. Romans 12:21 Paul instructs believers to overcome evil with good, reinforcing the biblical principle of responding to wrongdoing with righteousness.
People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Bereavement, Bereaving, Evil, Forlorn, Leave, Pay, Repay, Requite, Reward, Rewarded, Soul, Spoiling, TroublingDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 35:12Library Specific References to Prophecy in the Gospels20. But, if it does not weary you, let the point out as briefly as possible, specific references to prophecy in the Gospels, that those who are being instructed in the first elements of the faith may have these testimonies written on their hearts, lest any doubt concerning the things which they believe should at any time take them by surprise. We are told in the Gospel that Judas, one of Christ's friends and associates at table, betrayed Him. Let the show you how this is foretold in the Psalms: "He … Various—Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. Historical Summary and Chronological Tables. The Sixth Commandment The Ninth Commandment Question of the Comparison Between the Active and the Contemplative Life After the Scripture. Opposition to Messiah Unreasonable Notes on the Third Century Concerning Persecution Psalms Links Psalm 35:12 NIVPsalm 35:12 NLT Psalm 35:12 ESV Psalm 35:12 NASB Psalm 35:12 KJV Psalm 35:12 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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