Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting, but my prayers returned unanswered. But as for meThis phrase sets a personal tone, indicating a contrast between the psalmist's actions and those of others. The Hebrew word "וַאֲנִי" (va'ani) emphasizes individuality and personal responsibility. In the context of Psalm 35, David is distinguishing his behavior from that of his adversaries, highlighting his integrity and commitment to righteousness despite the hostility he faces. when they were sick
The phrase reflects a time of vulnerability and need. The Hebrew root "חָלָה" (chalah) means to be weak or sick. This indicates that David's response to his enemies was not one of rejoicing in their misfortune but rather of compassion. Historically, this reflects the biblical principle of loving one's enemies and showing kindness even to those who oppose us, as seen in Proverbs 25:21-22. I wore sackcloth
Sackcloth is a coarse material traditionally worn as a sign of mourning or repentance. The Hebrew "שַׂק" (saq) signifies humility and contrition. In ancient Israel, wearing sackcloth was a public demonstration of one's sorrow or penitence. David's choice to wear sackcloth for his enemies underscores his deep empathy and his desire for their well-being, aligning with the biblical call to mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15). I afflicted myself with fasting
Fasting, or "צוּם" (tzum) in Hebrew, is a spiritual discipline involving abstaining from food to seek God's favor or intervention. David's fasting for his enemies illustrates his earnest intercession and self-denial for their sake. This act of humility and prayerful dedication is a powerful testament to the transformative power of love and forgiveness, as Jesus later taught in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:44). I prayed with my head bowed low
The act of bowing one's head in prayer, "תְּפִלָּה" (tefillah), signifies submission and reverence before God. David's posture in prayer reflects his sincere devotion and humility. In the biblical context, prayer is a means of aligning one's heart with God's will, seeking His guidance and mercy. David's intercession for his adversaries exemplifies the heart of a true servant of God, who seeks peace and reconciliation over vengeance. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe author of Psalm 35, David is expressing his lament and frustration over the betrayal and hostility he faces from those he once cared for. 2. EnemiesThe individuals who have turned against David, despite his previous acts of kindness and intercession on their behalf. 3. Sackcloth and FastingTraditional expressions of mourning and humility in ancient Israel, often used in times of personal or communal repentance and supplication. Teaching Points Humility in AdversityDavid's response to his enemies' illness with fasting and prayer demonstrates humility and compassion, even when faced with betrayal. The Role of FastingFasting is a spiritual discipline that reflects a heart seeking God earnestly. It is not merely a ritual but a means to humble oneself before God. Unanswered PrayersDavid's experience of unanswered prayers reminds us that God's timing and purposes are beyond our understanding. Persistence in prayer is crucial, even when immediate results are not visible. Loving Your EnemiesDavid's actions prefigure Christ's teaching on loving and praying for one's enemies, challenging us to respond with grace and compassion in the face of hostility. Trust in God's JusticeDespite the lack of immediate answers, David's psalm ultimately reflects a trust in God's justice and timing, encouraging believers to maintain faith in God's righteous plans. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's response to his enemies' illness challenge our natural inclinations when dealing with those who have wronged us? 2. In what ways can fasting be incorporated into our spiritual practices today, and how does it help us align our hearts with God's will? 3. Reflect on a time when your prayers seemed unanswered. How can David's experience in Psalm 35:13 encourage you to persist in prayer? 4. How does the teaching of Jesus in the New Testament about loving your enemies expand upon David's actions in this psalm? 5. What steps can you take to trust in God's justice and timing when facing personal injustices or betrayals? Connections to Other Scriptures Matthew 5:44Jesus teaches to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, echoing David's actions of praying for his adversaries. Isaiah 58:3-7Discusses the true nature of fasting, emphasizing that it should be accompanied by righteous actions and a sincere heart, aligning with David's humble approach. Job 30:25Job, like David, expresses his compassion for others in their suffering, even when he himself is in distress. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Afflicted, Bosom, Bowed, Chastened, Clothing, Fasting, Fastings, Heart, Humbled, Ill, Kept, Myself, Prayed, Prayer, Prayers, Return, Returned, Returneth, Returning, Sackcloth, Sad, Sick, Sickness, Sorrow, Soul, Unanswered, WoreDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 35:13 5258 cloth
5809 compassion, human
8276 humility
8432 fasting, practice
8620 prayer, practicalities Psalm 35:11-14 5496 revenge, examples Psalm 35:13-14 8431 fasting, reasons
8605 prayer, and God's will Library Specific References to Prophecy in the Gospels
20. 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.
a.d. 340. Birth of St. Ambrose (probably at Trèves), youngest son of Ambrose, Prefect of the Gauls. Constantine II. killed at Aquileia. Death of Eusebius. 341. Seventh Council of Antioch. Second exile of St. Athanasius. 343. Photinus begins teaching his heresy. 347. Birth of St. John Chrysostom. Council of Sardica. St. Athanasius restored. 348. Birth of Prudentius the Christian poet. 349. Synod of Sirmium against Photinus. 350. Death of the Emperor Constans. St. Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers. …
St. Ambrose—Works and Letters of St. Ambrose The Sixth Commandment
Thou shalt not kill.' Exod 20: 13. In this commandment is a sin forbidden, which is murder, Thou shalt not kill,' and a duty implied, which is, to preserve our own life, and the life of others. The sin forbidden is murder: Thou shalt not kill.' Here two things are to be understood, the not injuring another, nor ourselves. I. The not injuring another. [1] We must not injure another in his name. A good name is a precious balsam.' It is a great cruelty to murder a man in his name. We injure others in …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Ninth Commandment
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.' Exod 20: 16. THE tongue which at first was made to be an organ of God's praise, is now become an instrument of unrighteousness. This commandment binds the tongue to its good behaviour. God has set two natural fences to keep in the tongue, the teeth and lips; and this commandment is a third fence set about it, that it should not break forth into evil. It has a prohibitory and a mandatory part: the first is set down in plain words, the other …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Question of the Comparison Between the Active and the Contemplative Life
I. Is the Active Life preferable to the Contemplative? Cardinal Cajetan, On Preparation for the Contemplative Life S. Augustine, Confessions, X., xliii. 70 " On Psalm xxvi. II. Is the Active Life more Meritorious than the Contemplative? III. Is the Active Life a Hindrance to the Contemplative Life? Cardinal Cajetan, On the True Interior Life S. Augustine, Sermon, CCLVI., v. 6 IV. Does the Active Life precede the Contemplative? I Is the Active Life preferable to the Contemplative? The Lord …
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life After the Scripture.
"In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God created He him."--Gen. v. 1. In the preceding pages we have shown that the translation, "in Our image," actually means, "after Our image." To make anything in an image is no language; it is unthinkable, logically untrue. We now proceed to show how it should be translated, and give our reason for it. We begin with citing some passages from the Old Testament in which occurs the preposition "B" which, in Gen. i. 27, stands before image, where …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit Opposition to Messiah Unreasonable
Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD , and against His Anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. I t is generally admitted, that the institutes of Christianity, as contained in the New Testament, do at least exhibit a beautiful and salutary system of morals; and that a sincere compliance with the precepts of our Lord and His apostles, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Notes on the Third Century
Page 161. Line 1. He must be born again, &c. This is a compound citation from John iii. 3, and Mark x. 15, in the order named. Page 182. Line 17. For all things should work together, &c. See Romans viii. 28. Page 184. Lines 10-11. Being Satan is able, &c. 2 Corinthians xi. 14. Page 184. Last line. Like a sparrow, &c. Psalm cii. Page 187. Line 1. Mechanisms. This word is, in the original MS., mechanicismes.' Page 187. Line 7. Like the King's daughter, &c. Psalm xlv. 14. Page 188. Med. 39. The best …
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations Concerning Persecution
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 We are now come to the last beatitude: Blessed are they which are persecuted . . '. Our Lord Christ would have us reckon the cost. Which of you intending to build a tower sitteth not down first and counteth the cost, whether he have enough to finish it?' (Luke 14:28). Religion will cost us the tears of repentance and the blood of persecution. But we see here a great encouragement that may …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 35:13 NIVPsalm 35:13 NLTPsalm 35:13 ESVPsalm 35:13 NASBPsalm 35:13 KJV
Psalm 35:13 Commentaries
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