◄ Psalm 35:6 ►
May their path be dark and slick, as the angel of the LORD pursues.
Study Bible
May their path
The phrase "their path" refers to the way or course of life that the enemies of the psalmist are taking. In Hebrew, the word for "path" is "orach," which often signifies a well-trodden road or a way of life. The psalmist is invoking divine intervention to disrupt the plans and actions of those who seek to harm him. This reflects a common biblical theme where the righteous seek God's justice against the wicked, trusting that God will make their way difficult and uncertain.

be dark
The word "dark" in Hebrew is "choshek," which can mean darkness, obscurity, or even calamity. Darkness in the Bible often symbolizes confusion, danger, and the absence of God's presence. By asking for their path to be dark, the psalmist is calling for their plans to be confounded and for them to be enveloped in uncertainty and fear, unable to see the way forward.

and slippery
The term "slippery" translates from the Hebrew "chalaq," which means smooth or treacherous. A slippery path is one where footing is unsure, leading to falls and missteps. This imagery suggests that the enemies will find themselves in precarious situations, unable to maintain their balance or progress, symbolizing the instability and eventual downfall of those who oppose God's anointed.

as the angel of the LORD
The "angel of the LORD" is a significant figure in the Old Testament, often representing God's direct intervention in human affairs. In Hebrew, "mal'ak YHWH" can be a messenger or a divine agent. This phrase indicates that the psalmist is calling upon a powerful, divine force to actively pursue and thwart his enemies. The angel of the LORD is seen as a protector of the righteous and an executor of divine justice.

pursues them
The word "pursues" comes from the Hebrew "radaph," which means to chase or follow after with intent. This implies relentless pursuit, suggesting that the divine intervention will be continuous and unyielding. The psalmist is confident that God will not only disrupt the plans of the wicked but will actively chase them down, ensuring that justice is served.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The author of Psalm 35, David is seeking God's intervention against his enemies. He is a central figure in the Old Testament, known for his deep relationship with God and his role as the second king of Israel.

2. Enemies of David
The unspecified adversaries who are unjustly attacking David. They represent those who oppose God's anointed and, by extension, God's purposes.

3. Angel of the LORD
A divine messenger often seen as a representation of God's presence and action. In this context, the angel is an agent of divine justice against David's enemies.

4. Dark and Slippery Path
A metaphor for the confusion and instability that David wishes upon his enemies. It symbolizes the divine retribution and the difficulties they will face.

5. Pursuit
The act of the angel of the LORD chasing David's enemies, indicating relentless divine justice and the certainty of God's intervention.
Teaching Points
Divine Justice
God is just and will ultimately bring justice to those who oppose His people. Believers can trust in God's timing and methods.

The Role of the Angel of the LORD
The angel of the LORD acts as an agent of God's will, demonstrating that God is actively involved in the lives of His people, both in protection and in judgment.

Metaphors of Darkness and Slipperiness
These metaphors illustrate the instability and danger of living in opposition to God. They serve as a warning to avoid paths that lead away from righteousness.

Prayer for Deliverance
Like David, believers can pray for God's intervention in times of unjust persecution, trusting that God hears and acts on behalf of His people.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Even when facing adversaries, believers are encouraged to trust in God's sovereign plan and His ability to turn situations around for His glory and their good.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the role of the angel of the LORD in the Old Testament enhance our view of God's justice and protection today?

2. In what ways can the imagery of a "dark and slippery path" serve as a warning in our personal spiritual journey?

3. How can we apply David's example of seeking God's intervention in our own lives when facing unjust treatment?

4. What other biblical examples can you find where God intervenes on behalf of His people against their enemies, and how do these examples encourage us?

5. How does trusting in God's sovereignty help us to respond to personal adversities and challenges in a way that honors Him?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 73
This psalm also discusses the fate of the wicked, emphasizing that their apparent success is temporary and that they will ultimately face divine judgment.

Proverbs 4:19
This verse describes the way of the wicked as darkness, reinforcing the imagery of a dark and slippery path as a consequence of living in opposition to God.

Exodus 23:20-23
The angel of the LORD is mentioned as a guide and protector for the Israelites, showing the dual role of the angel as both protector and avenger.
Sermons
Battle and VictoryC. Short Psalm 35:1-10
A Hard Case - a Very Hard One - Laid Before GodC. Clemance Psalm 35:1-28
The Flesh and the SpiritW. Forsyth Psalm 35:1-28
People
David, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Angel, Danger, Dark, Darkness, Full, Messenger, Persecute, Pursue, Pursuer, Pursuing, Slipperiness, Slippery, Troubled
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 35:4-6

     4113   angels, agents of judgment

Psalm 35:4-10

     5830   delight

Psalm 35:5-6

     4812   darkness, God's judgment

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

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