35:title Of David See note on 3:title.

35:1 Contend The Hebrew word used here, riv, often appears in contexts referring to legal disputes (see Job 9:3 and note). Here it carries a meaning of going to battle (Judg 11:25). The psalmist asks Yahweh to fight for him against his enemies.

35:2 buckler The shield here is not just used in defense, but in preparation for attack (Jer 46:3). See note on Psa 3:3.

shield The Hebrew word used here, tsinnah, describes a large, full-body shield. A shield bearer often carried this shield (1 Sam 17:7).

35:3 javelin The term segor describes a short, light spear (1 Sam 17:6–7).

35:4 Let those who seek my life be shamed and humiliated The psalmist prays that his enemies will be shamed for the way they treat him

35:5 chaff before the wind The husks and stalks of wheat that would be blown away by the wind as the grain was winnowed.

the angel of Yahweh The Angel of Yahweh often appears in military contexts (2 Kgs 19:35; see note on Psa 34:7). Here the psalmist asks the Angel to fight for him and drive away his enemies.

35:6 their way The psalmist prays that Yahweh will hinder the plans of his enemies.

35:7 they secretly hide the pit with their net for me The psalmist emphasizes that his enemies have no reason to mistreat him. He is innocent, so he appeals to Yahweh for vindication (see note on 7:3).

35:8 his net that he hid, let it catch him While the downfall of the wicked may be self-induced, it probably represents a punishment from God (9:15–16).

35:9 Then my soul will rejoice The psalmist promises to respond to Yahweh’s deliverance by praising Him.

35:10 who is like you A rhetorical question demonstrating that no one can compare to Yahweh (Exod 15:11).

35:11 Violent witnesses The Hebrew phrase used here, ede chamas, often indicates a false witness (Exod 23:1), specifically one who witnesses with bad intentions against someone (Deut 19:16).

35:12 It is bereavement The Hebrew word used here, shekhol, usually indicates the loss of children (Isa 47:8–9).

35:15 at my stumbling they rejoiced In contrast to his attitude toward their sufferings (vv. 13–14), the psalmist’s enemies rejoice at his stumbling. Instead of mourning with him, his enemies surround him, looking for opportunities to humiliate him further (see 17:11–12).

35:16 they gnashed at me with their teeth The psalmist portrays his enemies as wild animals tearing into prey.

35:17 My Lord, how long See note on 6:3. The psalmist desperately petitions Yahweh to act quickly to put an end to his suffering.

35:18 I will give thanks to you Describing public praise, a common and expected response to Yahweh’s saving work (22:22).

35:19 wink the eye A gesture that indicates deceit. See Prov 6:13 and note.

those who hate me without cause See note on Ps 35:7.

35:21 Aha! Aha The Hebrew word used here, he'ach, is an expression of joy (Isa 44:16). The enemies take great pleasure in falsely accusing the psalmist.

Our eyes have seen it The enemies provide false witness.

35:22 You have seen, O Yahweh The psalmist reminds Yahweh that He knows the truth. Yahweh has seen the events that have transpired and knows that the psalmist’s enemies falsely accuse him.

O Lord, do not be far from me Complaint of God’s distance or apparent abandonment is common in lament psalms. See note on Ps 10:1.

35:23 Wake up and rouse yourself Feeling as though Yahweh ignores his suffering, the psalmist petitions Him to act (see 7:6 and note).

35:24 according to your righteousness Because Yahweh is righteous, He should act to vindicate the innocent and judge the guilty (see 4:1 and note).

35:27 who delight in my vindication Referring to people who, unlike the psalmist’s enemies, delighted in his innocence. See 4:1 and note.

Let them shout for joy and be glad, who delight in my vindication The psalmist closes by encouraging others to joyfully praise Yahweh. They are to praise Yahweh for His greatness and His protection of the psalmist.