Psalm 35
A Psalm of David
Pt. 3

As was the style of a number of biblical writers, David circled back to his theme to develop it further. Liars and character assassins were operating against him within the court of Saul who was too mentally ill to notice or care. In fact, his disability made him vulnerable and amenable to hearing and believing salacious tales concerning this man who had been a great friend and supporter to him and was, in fact, his own son-in-law.

David brought the issue again, the third time, to the attention of the Lord in his cry for help.

21 Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, and said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen it.

Not only did they lie but they falsely affirmed having personally observed David doing wickedly. No doubt the accusations centered around charges that he had betrayed and worked against Saul.

22 This thou hast seen, O LORD: keep not silence: O Lord, be not far from me.

In a contrasting thought he took note of the fact that while his enemies had not seen the things they swore they had, the Lord God had seen and recorded the Truth and David longed for that truth to be revealed. “Keep not silence,” was his petition for the Lord to uncover and reveal the deceits of the liars so that all might know of David’s innocence in the matter. Sometimes this is the only way lies can be exposed.

“Be not far from me,” is the prayer, “be near to me, draw near and draw me near to you.” While this seems like an ordinary and normal prayer for any saint, we must remember that David knew full well the principle of holiness, only the repentant and obedient soul has any hope of this prayer being actually answered for him. Clean hands and a pure heart are required of those to whom the Lord would obviously and actively embrace in this way.

23 Stir up thyself, and awake to my judgment, even unto my cause, my God and my Lord.

This was spoken against the apparent reality that many of God’s people observe and experience as a rule in their lives, God seems reluctant to open and obvious action on behalf of the saint. It is not actually true for He is always ready to move but He does it in His Own time which seems delayed
especially to one in a desperate situation. This is a very respectful and worshipful version of, “Please hurry.”

24 Judge me, O LORD my God, according to thy righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me.

David not only wanted the Lord to “judge,” or examine, him but also to make that judgment known to all who knew David, that the accusations of the wicked might not stand and his enemies become victorious.

25 Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it: let them not say, We have swallowed him up.

This was the victory they desired which, of course, would have ultimately prevented him (humanly speaking) from becoming King.

26 Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify themselves against me. 27 Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.

David imagined the contrast between the evil ones and those who were committed to him, those who supported his “righteous cause.” He considered the embarrassment and humiliation of the liars when the Truth was finally unveiled and the gladness and joy of a full vindication for him that the godly would experience.

He also desired greatly that God’s Name be praised and magnified at the outcome of this deep and powerful trial he was enduring, a good thing for every saint to remember, especially in prayers for deliverance from times of trouble.

And, finally, the pledge of David, which we are sure he kept, to speak often of the Righteousness of God and to praise Him for the answer to this petition. It is a frequent occurrence that those who pray and see answers to their prayers forget to return to the Lord as the one leper whom the Lord healed.

Luke 17:12-18
12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:
13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.
14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

28 And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.

This is a pledge any who pray should always be diligent to keep.

— May 30, 2020