Psalm 35
In this psalm, (1.) David, as a type of Christ, complains of the cruelty of his enemies, in striving with him, in persecuting him, in seeking his ruin, and in reproaching, contemning, deriding, and triumphing over him, ver. 1, 3-4, 7, 11, 15-16, 20-21, 25-26. (2.) He pleads his own innocency, that he had never given them any provocation; but, amidst their abuse of him, had earnestly and affectionately studied to promote their welfare, ver. 7, 9, 12-14. (3.) He supplicates that God would espouse his cause, protect, deliver, and comfort his soul, defeat the designs, and disappoint the expectations of his enemies; and that he would countenance and encourage his friends, ver. 1-2, 4, 17, 22-27. (4.) He predicts the destruction of his enemies, and the abounding of his own comfort; and in the views hereof, resolves to thank and praise the Lord, ver. 4-10, 18, 28.
While I sing, let me, with grief and shame, call to mind the infernal opposition, I and others have made to our all-compassionate Redeemer. Let me beware of exposing myself to that vengeance, which is laid up in store for his incorrigible enemies. Let me never avenge myself on my injurious neighbours: But amidst all attacks from hell or earth, or from my own corrupt heart, let me commit all my concerns to him who judgeth righteously, that he may bring them to pass.