Psalm 35 is one of the most emotionally intense prayers in the Book of Psalms. Written by David, this psalm reflects a moment of deep injustice, betrayal, and distress. It is a cry for God’s intervention when the psalmist is attacked without cause. Reading Psalm 35 in the King James Version preserves its poetic strength and solemn tone, while understanding its meaning and context helps readers grasp why it remains relevant today.
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Psalm 35 (KJV) – Full Chapter
1 Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.
2 Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help.
3 Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me: say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.4 Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt.
5 Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase them.
6 Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them.7 For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit, which without cause they have digged for my soul.
8 Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.9 And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation.
10 All my bones shall say, LORD, who is like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?11 False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not.
12 They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul.
13 But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.
14 I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother.15 But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea, the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not:
16 With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth.17 Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling from the lions.
18 I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people.19 Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.
20 For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land.
21 Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, and said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen it.22 This thou hast seen, O LORD: keep not silence: O Lord, be not far from me.
23 Stir up thyself, and awake to my judgment, even unto my cause, my God and my Lord.
24 Judge me, O LORD my God, according to thy righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me.25 Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it: let them not say, We have swallowed him up.
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.
28 And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.
Historical and Spiritual Context of Psalm 35
Psalm 35 is traditionally attributed to David and is classified as an imprecatory psalm, meaning it includes strong appeals for God’s judgment against enemies. David writes as someone who is falsely accused, betrayed, and attacked by people he once treated as friends.
In the broader context of Psalms, this psalm reflects the reality that God’s people often face unjust opposition. David does not seek personal revenge. Instead, he brings his case before God, trusting divine justice rather than human retaliation.
Verse-by-Verse Meaning and Themes
God as Defender and Warrior (Verses 1–3)
David opens by asking God to take up his cause like a warrior. The imagery of shield, buckler, and spear shows that David views God as his ultimate protector. This reflects deep trust in God’s active involvement, not passive observation.
The Cry for Justice (Verses 4–8)
These verses express David’s desire for his enemies’ plans to fail. While strong in language, they reflect a plea for justice, not cruelty. David asks that evil intentions collapse upon those who devised them.
Praise in Anticipation of Deliverance (Verses 9–10)
Even before deliverance arrives, David declares joy in God. This shows faith rooted not in circumstances, but in confidence that God defends the helpless and oppressed.
Betrayal by Former Friends (Verses 11–16)
This section reveals the emotional core of the psalm. David describes false witnesses, betrayal, and mockery from people he once cared for deeply. These verses explain why the pain is so intense: the enemies are not strangers, but former companions.
A Plea for God to Act (Verses 17–24)
David asks how long God will remain silent. This is not unbelief, but honest prayer. He appeals to God’s righteousness, asking for judgment that reflects truth rather than lies.
Confidence in God’s Final Justice (Verses 25–28)
The psalm ends with confidence and praise. David believes God will vindicate the righteous and silence false accusations. The conclusion moves from distress to worship, showing how prayer transforms suffering into trust.
Key Messages of Psalm 35
- God sees injustice, even when it appears hidden
- Betrayal causes deep pain, and God invites honest prayer about it
- Justice belongs to God, not personal revenge
- Praise can coexist with suffering
- God defends those who cannot defend themselves
How Psalm 35 Applies Today
Psalm 35 speaks powerfully to anyone facing false accusations, betrayal, or unfair treatment. It teaches believers to bring pain honestly to God rather than suppressing it or responding with vengeance.
The psalm also reminds readers that faith does not mean silence in suffering. God welcomes raw, truthful prayer and responds with righteousness and care.
A Psalm of Honest Faith
Psalm 35 is not gentle or quiet. It is bold, emotional, and deeply human. Yet it is also faithful. David does not abandon trust in God; he runs toward Him with his pain.
Reading Psalm 35 in the KJV preserves its gravity and reverence, while understanding its meaning and context reveals a powerful lesson: God is a defender of the innocent, a judge of truth, and a refuge for the wounded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Psalm 35 about in simple terms?
Psalm 35 is a prayer for God’s help during a time of injustice. David asks God to defend him against enemies who falsely accuse and attack him without cause. The psalm expresses pain, trust, and confidence that God will bring justice.
Why does Psalm 35 contain strong language against enemies?
Psalm 35 is an imprecatory psalm, meaning it includes prayers asking God to act against injustice. David does not seek personal revenge. Instead, he brings his case to God and asks Him to deal righteously with those who cause harm.
Who wrote Psalm 35 and why?
Psalm 35 is traditionally attributed to David. It was likely written during a period when David faced betrayal, false accusations, and persecution. The psalm reflects both his emotional pain and his trust in God’s justice.
What does Psalm 35 teach about God’s role in justice?
Psalm 35 teaches that God sees injustice and defends those who are wronged. David repeatedly asks God to act as judge and defender, showing that ultimate justice belongs to God, not to human retaliation.
Why is Psalm 35 considered emotionally intense?
Psalm 35 includes raw expressions of grief, betrayal, and frustration. David had shown kindness to people who later turned against him. This emotional honesty shows that God allows sincere, heartfelt prayer.
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