Psalm 35:25

Let them not say in their hearts, "Aha, just what we wanted!" Let them not say, "We have swallowed him up!"

Study Bible

Let them not say in their hearts
This phrase emphasizes the internal dialogue and intentions of David's adversaries. In Hebrew, the heart (לֵב, "lev") is often seen as the center of thought and intention, not just emotion. David is appealing to God to prevent his enemies from even thinking triumphantly. This reflects a deep understanding of human nature, where the heart is the wellspring of actions. In a spiritual sense, it reminds believers to guard their own hearts and to seek God's intervention in the hearts of others.

Aha, our soul!
The exclamation "Aha" (הֶאָח, "he'ach") is an expression of malicious joy or gloating. The phrase "our soul" (נַפְשֵׁנוּ, "nafshenu") can be understood as a collective expression of the enemies' being or life force. Historically, this reflects the taunting nature of enemies who believe they have gained the upper hand. For the believer, it is a call to trust in God's justice, knowing that gloating over others' misfortunes is contrary to His will.

Let them not say
This repetition underscores the plea for divine intervention. It is a call for God to silence the voices of those who would claim victory over the righteous. In the broader scriptural context, it echoes the biblical theme that ultimate victory belongs to God, and human boasting is futile.

We have swallowed him up!
The imagery of swallowing (בָּלַע, "bala") suggests complete destruction or consumption. In ancient Near Eastern culture, this metaphor was often used to describe overwhelming defeat. David's prayer is for God to prevent his enemies from achieving or even claiming such a victory. For Christians, this serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the assurance that, despite appearances, the righteous will not be utterly defeated.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The author of the psalm, traditionally believed to be King David, who often faced adversaries and sought God's deliverance.

2. Enemies
The unspecified adversaries of David who sought his downfall and rejoiced at his misfortunes.

3. God
The ultimate judge and deliverer whom David calls upon for justice and protection.

4. Israel
The nation over which David ruled, often facing external and internal threats.

5. Heart
The inner thoughts and intentions of David's enemies, which he asks God to thwart.

Teaching Points

Trust in Divine Justice
Believers are encouraged to trust in God's justice rather than seeking personal revenge. David's plea reflects a deep reliance on God to vindicate him.

Guarding the Heart
The psalm highlights the importance of guarding one's heart against malicious intent and rejoicing in others' misfortunes. This aligns with the biblical call to love and pray for our enemies.

Prayer as a Weapon
David's response to his adversaries is prayer, demonstrating the power of prayer in spiritual warfare and the importance of bringing our struggles before God.

Humility in Victory
The psalm serves as a reminder to remain humble and not gloat over others' failures, recognizing that God is the ultimate source of victory and justice.

Community Support
Encourages believers to support one another in times of trial, as David often sought the support of his community in prayer and worship.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's response to his enemies in Psalm 35:25 reflect his overall relationship with God?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of leaving vengeance to God in our daily lives, as seen in Romans 12:19?

3. How can we guard our hearts against the temptation to rejoice in others' misfortunes, as advised in Proverbs 24:17-18?

4. What role does prayer play in dealing with adversaries, and how can we incorporate this practice into our spiritual lives?

5. How can the community of believers support each other in times of trial, drawing from David's example in the Psalms?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 13:4
Similar themes of enemies rejoicing over the psalmist's troubles, highlighting a plea for God's intervention.

Proverbs 24:17-18
Advises against rejoicing over an enemy's downfall, aligning with the moral stance David takes against his adversaries' gloating.

Romans 12:19
Encourages believers to leave vengeance to God, reflecting David's reliance on divine justice rather than personal retribution.

1 Samuel 24:12
David's refusal to harm King Saul, trusting God to judge between them, exemplifies his consistent reliance on God's justice.