Psalms 35:19-28 - Exposition

The main element of this, the third section of the psalm, is prayer. Complaint finds a voice in Psalms 35:20 , Psalms 35:21 , and thanksgiving in Psalms 35:28 ; but with these exceptions, the strophe is one long strain of prayer. The prayer is, first, negative: "Let not mine enemies rejoice" ( Psalms 35:19 ); "Keep not silence" ( Psalms 35:22 ); "Be not far from me" ( Psalms 35:22 ). But after this it becomes mainly positive: "Stir up thyself, and awake to judgment" ( Psalms 35:23 ); "Judge me, O Lord" ( Psalms 35:24 ); "Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion that rejoice at my hurt" ( Psalms 35:26 ); "Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause" ( Psalms 35:27 ); "Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in my prosperity" ( Psalms 35:27 ).