Psalms

Psalms 35: The LORD defends the wronged

Begin in prayer

Before we hear a wronged man's plea for justice, let us remember the righteous God who sees every heart. Pray that Jesus would be our refuge while we place our cause before the righteous Judge.

Yahweh, within her, is righteous. He will do no wrong. Every morning he brings his justice to light. He doesn’t fail, but the unjust know no shame.

Zephaniah 3:5

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word, and help us to see Christ. Show us that the LORD sees deceit and judges rightly, so His people may bring their cause to Him. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

David asks the LORD to contend for him and stand between him and enemies who seek his life without cause. He prays that their hidden trap will catch its makers, while his own soul rejoices in God's salvation. False witnesses repay him evil for good, though he had fasted, prayed and mourned when they were sick. Their response to his trouble is mockery and rejoicing, joined to deceit against people living quietly in the land. Appealing to the God who has seen it all, David asks for a righteous verdict and shame for those who gloat. He closes by asking joy for those who favour his righteous cause and promising praise for the LORD who delights in His servant's wellbeing.

As you read Psalms 35, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

The righteous LORD defends the poor against deceitful enemies and gives His servants reason to praise.

David's first plea joins a court case to a battle, asking God to defend his cause and protect his life. Shield and spear picture the Lord's powerful defence, while the word he longs to hear is that God Himself is his salvation. He asks for his hunters to be shamed, driven like chaff by the LORD's angel, and caught in the destruction they prepared. These are petitions for God's judgment against causeless cruelty, leaving the sentence and its execution in God's hands. Their false testimony is made worse by David's remembered fasting and mourning for them when they were sick. Their deceit also threatens quiet neighbours, so his plea concerns justice for people who are trying to live in peace. Jesus speaks of hatred without cause in John 15 verse 25, taking up the complaint also found in this psalm. David's final appeal rests on God's righteousness and ends with praise for the Lord who delights in His servant's good.

How does Psalm 35 show us that the righteous LORD defends the poor against deceitful enemies and gives His servants reason to praise?

The LORD can defend the poor against stronger enemies.

David asks the Lord to stand between him and his pursuers. The net and pit describe harm prepared without cause. He asks that the trap return upon its makers and that his joy be in God's salvation.

The LORD sees the cruelty of deceitful witnesses.

David had mourned and prayed for these people when they were ill. They repay his kindness with false accusations and mockery when he suffers. His appeal rises above their claims because God has seen what they have done.

The righteous LORD gives His servants reason to praise.

David asks for a verdict according to God's righteousness. He prays for shame upon those who gloat and joy for those who favour his righteous cause. Their praise is directed to the LORD who delights in His servant's wellbeing.

Memorise

My tongue shall talk about your righteousness and about your praise all day long.

Psalm 35:28

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, where does fear of unfair treatment keep me from trusting the Lord Jesus?

David asks, “Vindicate me, Yahweh my God, according to your righteousness.” The enemies' false testimony cannot overrule the God who has seen their cruelty. He leaves his case with the righteous Lord and promises to praise Him.

We also have spoken and acted against God's righteous will. Jesus was innocent of every charge of sin, yet He bore His people's punishment and died in their place. God raised Him to life. Christ has fully answered His people's guilt, giving them pardon and the righteous standing no defence before neighbours could earn.

Turn from sin and trust Jesus. He forgives all who seek refuge in Him. Bring Him the wrong done against you and ask Him to judge according to His righteousness. Jesus receives His people's pleas for justice, so believers can leave their case with Him and praise His righteous judgment.

Parent's note

Tell your children that the LORD sees deceit and judges rightly, so His people may bring their cause to Him. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God for seeing injustice and defending His servants with righteousness. Bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

If you were of the world, the world would love its own. But because you are not of the world, since I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

John 15:19

Righteous Lord, You see every hidden trap and every deceitful word. Please forgive our sins and lead us to trust Jesus for mercy. Help those who are falsely accused. Please judge deceitful words and hidden traps, and teach us to praise Your righteousness through this week. Amen.