[:en]SCRIPTURE: PSALM 35
“Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid” (Psalm 35:1-2)
“I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among throngs of people I will praise you” (Psalm 35:18)
“Vindicate me in your righteousness, O Lord, my God; do not let them gloat over me” (Psalm 35:24)
“My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long” (Psalm 35:28)
When David’s enemies were falsely accusing him, he started with prayer and admitted his helplessness. He turned the whole situation over to the Lord.
TEN WISHES OF DAVID
- May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame (v. 4a)
- May those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay (v. 4b)
- May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them away (v. 5)
- May their path be dark and slippery with the angel of the Lord pursuing them” (v. 6)
- May ruin overtake them by surprise (v. 8a)
- May the net they hid entangle them” (v. 8b)
- May they fall into the pit to their ruin (v. 8c)
- May all who gloat over my distress be put to shame and confusion (v. 26a)
- May all who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and disgrace (v. 26b)
- May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness (v. 27)
WHAT DAVID’S ENEMIES DID TO HIM:
- They contended and fought against him (v. 1)
- They pursued him (v. 3)
- They sought his life and plotted his ruin (v. 4)
- They hid their net and dug a pit against him without a cause (v. 7)
- They falsely accused him (v. 11)
- They repaid him evil for good (v. 12)
- They slandered him without ceasing (v. 15)
- They mocked him maliciously (v. 16)
- They did not speak peaceably (v. 20)
- They gaped at him and rejoiced over his disgrace (v. 21)
In the end, David spoke of God’s righteousness and sang praises to Him. He shouted for joy and gladness and exalted Him!
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