May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plan to harm me be driven back and confounded. May those who seek my lifeThe phrase "seek my life" in Hebrew is "מְבַקְשֵׁי נַפְשִׁי" (mevakshei nafshi). The word "seek" (מְבַקְשֵׁי) implies a determined pursuit, often with malicious intent. In the historical context of David's life, this refers to his enemies who were actively pursuing him to take his life. Spiritually, it can represent any force or influence that seeks to destroy one's spiritual well-being. The plea is for divine intervention against those who are intent on causing harm. be disgraced and put to shame
The Hebrew words for "disgraced" (יֵבֹשׁוּ) and "put to shame" (וְיַחְפְּרוּ) convey a deep sense of public humiliation and defeat. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, honor and shame were significant social constructs. To be disgraced and shamed was to lose one's standing and reputation. This prayer is for God to vindicate the righteous by reversing the intended harm back onto the evildoers, thus upholding divine justice. may those who plot my ruin
The phrase "plot my ruin" in Hebrew is "חֹשְׁבֵי רָעָתִי" (choshevei ra'ati). The word "plot" (חֹשְׁבֵי) suggests a calculated and deliberate plan to cause harm. "Ruin" (רָעָתִי) implies not just physical destruction but also moral and spiritual downfall. This reflects the psalmist's awareness of the deep-seated malice of his adversaries, who are not merely content with physical harm but seek total devastation. be turned back in dismay
The Hebrew for "be turned back" (יָשׁוּבוּ) and "in dismay" (וְיַחְפְּרוּ) suggests a sudden reversal of fortune. The imagery is of enemies retreating in confusion and fear, thwarted in their evil plans. This is a call for divine intervention that not only protects the psalmist but also causes the enemies to experience the very fear and chaos they intended for him. It is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and ability to protect and deliver His people from their adversaries. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe author of this psalm, 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 King of Israel. 2. Enemies of DavidThese are the individuals or groups who are actively seeking to harm David. They represent opposition and adversity faced by the righteous. 3. GodThe ultimate judge and protector, to whom David appeals for justice and deliverance from his adversaries. Teaching Points Trust in Divine JusticeDavid's plea for his enemies to be disgraced and put to shame reflects a deep trust in God's justice. Believers are encouraged to rely on God to right wrongs rather than taking matters into their own hands. Prayer as a WeaponDavid uses prayer to seek protection and justice. This teaches us the power of prayer in spiritual warfare and the importance of bringing our struggles before God. The Consequences of EvilThe psalm highlights that those who plot evil will face consequences. This serves as a warning against engaging in deceitful or harmful actions. God's Protection for the RighteousThe psalm reassures believers of God's protection over those who are faithful to Him, encouraging us to remain steadfast in our faith. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's approach to dealing with his enemies in Psalm 35:4 reflect his 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 does the theme of divine justice in Psalm 35:4 compare to other scriptures like Proverbs 26:27? 4. What role does prayer play in confronting adversities, according to Psalm 35:4 and other related scriptures? 5. How can we find comfort in God's protection when facing opposition, as demonstrated in Psalm 35:4? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 7:15-16This passage also speaks of the downfall of the wicked, emphasizing that those who plot evil will ultimately face their own ruin. Proverbs 26:27This verse highlights the principle that those who dig a pit for others will fall into it themselves, reinforcing the theme of divine justice. Romans 12:19Paul advises believers to leave vengeance to God, aligning with David's appeal for God to handle his enemies. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Abashed, Ashamed, Attempts, Backward, Blush, Confounded, Confusion, Damage, Devise, Devising, Disappointed, Disgraced, Dishonor, Dishonored, Dismay, Evil, Foolish, Humiliated, Hurt, Overcome, Plot, Ruin, Seek, Seeking, Shame, SoulDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 35:4 1320 God, as Saviour
5589 trap
5817 conspiracies
5836 disgrace
8610 prayer, asking God Psalm 35:4-6 4113 angels, agents of judgment
4140 angel of the Lord
4426 chaff Psalm 35:4-10 5830 delight 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 35:4 NIVPsalm 35:4 NLTPsalm 35:4 ESVPsalm 35:4 NASBPsalm 35:4 KJV
Psalm 35:4 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
