May those who gloat in my distress be ashamed and confounded; may those who exalt themselves over me be clothed in shame and reproach. May those who gloat in my distressThe phrase "gloat in my distress" captures the malicious joy that adversaries feel when witnessing the suffering of others. The Hebrew root for "gloat" is "שָׂמַח" (samach), which means to rejoice or be glad. In this context, it is a perverse rejoicing over another's misfortune. Historically, this reflects the common human tendency to feel superior when others falter, a theme prevalent throughout the Psalms. The psalmist's plea is for divine justice against those who take pleasure in his suffering, a call for God to intervene and uphold righteousness. be ashamed and confounded
The words "ashamed" and "confounded" are powerful expressions of divine retribution. "Ashamed" comes from the Hebrew "בּוֹשׁ" (bosh), meaning to feel shame or disgrace. "Confounded" is derived from "חָפֵר" (chaphar), which implies being perplexed or humiliated. The psalmist desires that those who mock him experience a reversal of fortune, where their pride turns into confusion and dishonor. This reflects a biblical principle where God humbles the proud and exalts the humble, as seen in the broader scriptural narrative. may those who exalt themselves over me
The act of exalting oneself over another is rooted in pride and arrogance. The Hebrew word "רוּם" (rum) means to rise or lift oneself up. This self-exaltation is contrary to the biblical call for humility, as seen in Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." The psalmist's prayer is for God to address this arrogance, reminding us that true exaltation comes from God alone. be clothed in shame and reproach
The imagery of being "clothed" in shame and reproach is vivid and evocative. In biblical times, clothing was a symbol of one's status and identity. To be "clothed in shame" suggests a complete covering or enveloping in disgrace. "Reproach" (Hebrew "חֶרְפָּה" - cherpah) indicates scorn or disgrace. This metaphor underscores the totality of the judgment the psalmist seeks against his enemies. It is a call for their public humiliation, a reversal of their unjust exaltation, and a restoration of divine justice. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe author of Psalm 35, David is expressing a prayer for deliverance from his enemies. He is seeking God's intervention against those who unjustly persecute him. 2. Enemies of DavidThese are the individuals who are causing distress to David, gloating over his misfortunes, and exalting themselves over him. They represent opposition and injustice. 3. GodThe ultimate judge and deliverer whom David is appealing to for justice and vindication against his adversaries. Teaching Points Trust in God's JusticeDavid's prayer reflects a deep trust in God's ability to bring justice. Believers are encouraged to rely on God to address wrongs rather than taking matters into their own hands. The Consequences of PrideThe verse warns against pride and gloating over others' misfortunes. It serves as a reminder that God opposes the proud and that humility is a virtue to be cultivated. Prayer for DeliveranceLike David, believers can bring their distress and adversities before God in prayer, trusting Him to act on their behalf. The Reality of Spiritual WarfareThis psalm acknowledges the presence of adversaries and spiritual battles. Christians are reminded to be vigilant and prayerful, recognizing that opposition can come in various forms. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's response to his enemies in Psalm 35:26 reflect his faith in God's justice? 2. In what ways can pride lead to shame and reproach, as seen in this verse and other scriptures like Proverbs 16:18? 3. How can believers today apply the principle of trusting God for deliverance in their own lives? 4. What are some practical steps Christians can take to avoid gloating over others' misfortunes and instead cultivate humility? 5. How does the theme of spiritual warfare in Psalm 35 encourage you to approach challenges and adversities in your life? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 25:2-3This passage also speaks of trust in God and the hope that those who wait on Him will not be put to shame, similar to David's plea for his enemies to be confounded. Proverbs 16:18This verse highlights the theme of pride leading to downfall, which connects to the idea of David's enemies exalting themselves and ultimately being clothed in shame. 1 Peter 5:5This New Testament scripture emphasizes humility and God's opposition to the proud, aligning with the theme of God humbling those who exalt themselves over others. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Abashed, Adversity, Altogether, Ashamed, Calamity, Clothed, Confounded, Confusion, Covered, Disappointed, Disgrace, Dishonor, Dishonour, Distress, Evil, Exalt, Honour, Humiliated, Hurt, Lifted, Magnify, Magnifying, Nothing, Pleasure, Rejoice, Rejoicing, Shame, Shamed, Themselves, TroublesDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 35:26 5815 confusion
5836 disgrace
5879 humiliation
5947 shame 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 35:26 NIVPsalm 35:26 NLTPsalm 35:26 ESVPsalm 35:26 NASBPsalm 35:26 KJV
Psalm 35:26 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
