4 June 2024 - Psalm 35

Everything works together for good

In Psalm 35, we see that David had enemies who unjustly hated him, and he wanted God to destroy them. However, this latter part only makes sense when we understand the former. These enemies were unjust adversaries, a fact that the Psalm makes abundantly clear.

Psalm 35:7(ESV) For without cause they hid their net for me; without cause they dug a pit for my life. Verse 12a(ESV) They repay me evil for good; Verse 19 They are wrongfully my foes; they hate me without cause. Verse 20(ESV) For they do not speak peace, . . . . they devise words of deceit.

Because these enemies unjustly came against David, he asked the Lord to vindicate him. David is asking God to contend with those who contend with him, to fight against those who fight him, and to make enemies of those who have made themselves David's enemies. He asks the Lord to:

Put them to shame; Let them be turned back; Let them be like chaff before the wind; Let their way be dark and slippery; Let destruction come upon them; Let them fall into the nets they have set; Let them be put to shame and disappointed altogether, let them be clothed with shame and dishonour.

Vindication is requested, and David expects it to happen. That’s the third thing to see here. Verse 9(ESV) Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD, exulting in His salvation. Verse 18(ESV) I will thank you in the great congregation; in the mighty throng, I will praise you. Verse 28(ESV) Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness and of your praise all the day long.

In Psalm 35:28(MSG) David concludes: 'GOD is great—everything works together for good for His servant.' I’ll tell the world how great and good You are; I’ll shout Hallelujah all day, every day. I conclude with Romans 8:28(NKJV) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.