David starts and ends this Psalm talking about divine justice. This Psalm is written from the perspective of the courts of heaven and David is making his case against evil people. It seems that translators didn’t quite know how to translate some of David’s words, so they assigned words that somehow fall between two meanings. On most occasions this works well, but a few times as we will see this changes the meanings of David’s phrases. Translators also added words that at times make the meanings of the sentence change. We’ve seen this in the last few blogs. David wrote this as a song that would be played and sung in the tabernacle, which is a genius idea, as people singing these words before the Lord is a prayer of judgment against evil people on David’s behalf. Because this was written as a song, there were probably words that rhymed and flowed together, which makes the translation difficult. This is why we see the usage of words that the translators were not sure about. Some of David’s sentences are choppy or are technically incomplete sentences. But this seems to be creative license which probably flows with the music that he wrote.
This is one of the Psalms that some people mistakenly call imprecatory. David is not calling down curses and sending evil spirits or demons to carry out those curses on his enemies. David is calling on Yahweh, in the heavenly courts, declaring to Yahweh judgment on people who are trying to entrap David. David is making a bold case against evil people. David is the King of Israel, appointed by Yahweh. Some kings and leaders who were chosen by Yahweh had a special reason or purpose for Israel, and Yahweh supported them as they fulfilled their mission.
David wastes no time in this Psalm asking for justice. Right away we notice his statements are being made before Yahweh in a heavenly tribunal.
1 G1340.1 Adjudicate, G2962 O lord, G3588 the G91 ones wronging G1473 me! G4170 Wage war against G3588 the G4170 ones waging war against G1473 me!
4170 LSJ Gloss:πολεμέω to be at war
Dodson:πολεμέω I make war, contendI make war, contend, fight, battle.
Thayer:
1) to war, carry on war
2) to fight
πολεμέω
polemeō pol-em-eh'-o From G4171; to be (engaged) in warfare, that is, to battle (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: fight, (make) war.
“Yahweh assert judgment who act unjustly towards me. Contend who fight me”
Adjudicate means to make a formal judgment. Epidikázo, epi is “over”, dikaios, meaning “just or equitable” and krisis, “judgment or divine judgment” and is a derivative of dikaiokrisia meaning “just sentence or righteous judgment”. David is asking for over impartial righteous judgment over those who are acting unjustly towards him. He says to Yahweh “fight those fighting me”.
1949 Dodson:ἐπιλαμβάνομαι I seize, take hold of I lay hold of, take hold of, seize (sometimes with beneficent, sometimes with hostile, intent).
Thayer:
1) to take in addition, to lay hold of, take possession of, overtake, attain, attain to
1a) to lay hold of or to seize upon anything with the hands, to take hold of, lay hold of
1b) metaph. to rescue one from peril, to help, succour
ἐπιλαμβάνομαι
epilambanomai ep-ee-lam-ban'-om-ahee Middle voice from G1909 and G2983; to seize (for help, injury, attainment or any other purpose; literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: catch, lay hold (up-) on, take (by, hold of, on).
3696 LSJ Gloss:ὅπλον a tool, implement
Dodson:ὅπλον an instrument, arms, weapons an instrument; plur: arms, weapons.
Thayer:
1) any tool or implement for preparing a thing
1a) arms used in warfare, weapons
2) an instrument
ὅπλον
hoplon hop'-lon Probably from the primary word ἕπω hepō (to be busy about); an implement or utensil or tool (literally or figuratively, especially offensive for war) KJV Usage: armour, instrument, weapon.
“Seize weapons and shield”.
David calls on Yahweh to grab weapons and defensive tools.
996 LSJ Gloss:βοήθεια help, aid, rescue, support
Dodson:βοήθεια assistance, a help (a) abstr: assistance, (b) concr: (a technical term of nautical language), a help.
Thayer:
1) help
βοήθεια
boētheia bo-ay'-thi-ah From G998; aid; specifically a rope or chain for frapping a vessel KJV Usage: help.
“Stand up and support me”.
It seems like David was feeling overwhelmed by injustice. He asked for Yahweh to grab some weapons and help him. The word used for “help” is the word boētheia. David is asking Yahweh for aid, or in other words ‘throw me a line’. David is calling on Yahweh to tie him to a dock. It is a great visual if we picture David being tied to a pier while his enemies are trying to wash him out to sea.
Psalms 35:3 G1632 Discharge G4501 the broadsword, G2532 and G4788 close up G1828.2 right opposite G3588 the ones G2614 pursuing G1473 me! G2036 Say G3588 to G5590 my soul, G1473 G4991 [2your deliverance G1473 G1510.2.1 1I am]! G1473
1632 LSJ Gloss:ἐκχέω to pour out
Dodson:ἐκχέω I pour out, shed I pour out (liquid or solid); I shed, bestow liberally.
Thayer:
1) to pour out, shed forth
2) metaph. to bestow or distribute largely
ἐκχέω, ἐκχύνω
ekcheō ekchunō ek-kheh'-o, ek-khoo'-no From G1537 and χέω cheō (to pour); to pour forth; figuratively to bestow KJV Usage: gush (pour) out, run greedily (out), shed (abroad, forth), spill.
4501 LSJ Gloss:ῥομφαία a large sword, scymitar
Dodson:ῤομφαία a sword, piercing grief a sword, scimitar; fig: war, piercing grief.
Thayer:
1) a large sword
2) properly a long Thracian javelin, also a kind of long sword wont to be worn on the right shoulder
ῥομφαία
rhomphaia hrom-fah'-yah Probably of foreign origin; a sabre, that is, a long and broad cutlass (any weapon of the kind, literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: sword.
“Pour out the saber, drag out those hunting me down, speak to my soul, rescue me”.
Right opposite seems to be an expression that translates “drag out” or “entice”, meaning Yahweh is being asked to corner those who are hunting David, making it look like an accident, then pour out the sword. We could say “hunt the hunters”. David is standing before Yahweh demanding heavenly help from Yahweh to hunt his enemies.
Psalms 35:4 G153 Let [4be ashamed G2532 5and G1788 6feel remorse G3588 1the G2212 2ones seeking G3588 G5590 3my soul]! G1473...
153 Dodson:αἰσχύνομαι I am ashamed, am put to shame.
Thayer:
1) to disfigure
2) to dishonour
3) to suffuse with shame, make ashamed, be ashamed
αἰσχύνομαι
aischunomai ahee-skhoo'-nom-ahee From αἶσχος aischos (disfigurement, that is, disgrace); to feel shame (for oneself) KJV Usage: be ashamed.
1788 LSJ Gloss:ἐντρέπω to turn about
Dodson:ἐντρέπω I turn to confusion, put to shame, reverence
(a) I turn to confusion, put to shame, (b) mid: I reverence, regard.
Thayer:
1) to shame one
2) to be ashamed
3) to reverence a person
4) to turn about
ἐντρέπω
entrepō en-trep'-o From G1722 and the base of G5157; to invert, that is, (figuratively and reflexively) in a good sense, to respect; or in a bad one, to confound KJV Usage: regard, (give) reverence, shame.
“Put to shame and turn to confusion those seeking my soul.”
David uses this phrase later in this Psalm. He is not asking Yahweh if he would do this, David is calling to Yahweh to do it. Translators may have tried to soften David’s words, but really David is boldly demanding his enemies be put to shame and be confused. He is not suggesting it, he is ordering it. Imagine David in a courtroom making his case.
Psalms 35:4...G654 Let them be turned G1519 to G3588 the G3694 rear, G2532 and G2617 let [4be disgraced G3588 1the ones G3049 2considering G1473 3evils against me]! G2556
654 LSJ Gloss:ἀποστρέφω to turn
Dodson:ἀποστρέφω I turn away, restore, reject
I turn away, pervert, remove; I restore, replace; mid: I desert, reject.
Thayer:
1) to turn away
1a) to remove anything from anyone
1b) to turn him away from allegiance to any one
1c) tempt to defect
2) to turn back, return, bring back
2a) of putting a sword back in its sheath
2b) of Judas returning money to temple
3) to turn one's self away, turn back, return
4) to turn one's self away from, deserting
ἀποστρέφω
apostrephō ap-os-tref'-o From G575 and G4762; to turn away or back (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: bring again, pervert, turn away (from).
3694 LSJ Gloss:ὀπίσω backwards
Dodson:ὀπίσω behind, after behind, after; back, backwards.
Thayer:
1) back, behind, after, afterwards
1a) of place: things that are behind
1b) of time: after
ὄπίσω
opisō op-is'-o From the same as G3693 with enclitic of direction; to the back, that is, aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun)
KJV Usage: after, back (-ward), (+ get) behind, + follow.
2617 LSJ Gloss:καταισχύνω to disgrace, dishonour, put to shame
Dodson:καταισχύνω I shame, disgrace, put to utter confusion I shame, disgrace, bring to shame, put to utter confusion, frustrate.
Thayer:
1) to dishonour, disgrace
2) to put to shame, make ashamed
2a) to be ashamed, blush with shame
2b) one is said to be put to shame who suffers a repulse, or whom some hope has deceived
καταισχύνω
kataischunō kat-ahee-skhoo'-no From G2596 and G153; to shame down, that is, disgrace or (by implication) put to the blush KJV Usage: confound, dishonour, (be a-, make a-) shame (-d).
2556 LSJ Gloss:κακός bad
Dodson:κακός bad, evil bad, evil, in the widest sense.
Thayer:
1) of a bad nature
1a) not such as it ought to be
2) of a mode of thinking, feeling, acting
2a) base, wrong, wicked
3) troublesome, injurious, pernicious, destructive, baneful
κακός
kakos kak-os' Apparently a primary word; worthless (intrinsically such; whereas G4190 properly refers to effects), that is, (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious KJV Usage: bad, evil, harm, ill, noisome, wicked.
“Turn away backwards and downward shame those calculating wickedness”.
David is declaring that his enemies be turned away backwards, he is calling for shame, kataischunō, from Yahweh to come on them. The word “let” is not in the text. It turns David’s words into a suggestion rather than a demand. The demand is turning those people around and Yahweh pouring down shame on them.
Psalms 35:5 G1096 Let them become G5616 as G5522 dust G2596 according to G4383 the face G417 of the wind! G2532 and G32 an angel G2962 of the lord G1570.2 squeezing G1473 them.
4383 LSJ Gloss:πρόσωπον the face, visage, countenance
Dodson:πρόσωπον the face, countenance, surface.
Thayer:
1) the face
1a) the front of the human head
1b) countenance, look
1b1) the face so far forth as it is the organ of sight, and by it various movements and changes) the index of the inward thoughts and feelings
1c) the appearance one presents by his wealth or property, his rank or low condition
1c1) outward circumstances, external condition
1c2) used in expressions which denote to regard the person in one's judgment and treatment of men
2) the outward appearance of inanimate things
πρόσωπον
prosōpon pros'-o-pon From G4314 and ὤψ ōps (the visage; from G3700); the front (as being towards view), that is, the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication presence, person KJV Usage: (outward) appearance, X before, countenance, face, fashion, (men’s) person, presence.
“Become as dust coming down in the face of the wind and angel of Yahweh pressing them”
David is calling up to Yahweh that his enemies blow away like dust in the wind with an angel pushing them. Thinking about the vision that David is describing, imagine an angel depressing a group of people as they blow away in the wind. Again “let” is not in the text.
Psalms 35:6 G1096 Let [2become G3588 G3598 1their way] G1473 G4655 darkness G2532 and G3643.2 slippery! G2532 and G32 an angel G2962 of the lord G2614 pursuing G1473 them.
4655 LSJ Gloss:σκότος darkness, gloom
Dodson:σκότος darkness darkness, either physical or moral.
Thayer:
1) darkness
1a) of night darkness
1b) of darkened eyesight or blindness
2) metaph.
2a) of ignorance respecting divine things and human duties, and the accompanying ungodliness and immorality, together with their consequent misery in hell
2b) persons in whom darkness becomes visible and holds sway
σκότος
skotos skot'-os From the base of G4639; shadiness, that is, obscurity (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: darkness.
2614 LSJ Gloss:καταδιώκω to pursue closely
Dodson:καταδιώκω I hunt down, follow closely.
Thayer:
1) to follow after, follow up
καταδιώκω
katadiōkō kat-ad-ee-o'-ko From G2596 and G1377; to hunt down, that is, search for KJV Usage: follow after.
“Come into being, their road obscured and slippery, and angel of Yahweh hunting them”.
The idea that David is calling on is for his evil enemies to walk out on to a road that is really dark and slick, then as they are dealing with walking on the road, the angel of Yahweh starts to hunt them. Think of the fear that would seize them as they try to run, something like running and hiding from the Nazgûl.
Psalms 35:7 G3754 For G1431 without cause G2928 they hid G1473 [3against me G1312 2of corruption G3803 1their snare]; G1473 G3155 in folly G3679 they berate G3588 G5590 my soul. G1473
2928 LSJ Gloss:κρύπτω to hide, cover, cloak
Dodson:κρύπτω I hide, conceal, lay up.
Thayer:
1) to hide, conceal, to be hid
2) escape notice
3) metaph. to conceal (that it may not become known)
κρύπτω
kruptō kroop'-to A primary verb; to conceal (properly by covering) KJV Usage: hide (self), keep secret, secret [-ly].
1312 LSJ Gloss:διαφθορά destruction, ruin, blight, death.
Dodson:διαφθορά destruction, decay, corruption.
Thayer:
1) corruption, destruction
2) in the NT that destruction which is effected by the decay of the body after death
διαφθορά
diaphthora dee-af-thor-ah' From G1311; decay KJV Usage: corruption.
3803 LSJ Gloss:παγίς a trap
Dodson:παγίς a snare, trap a snare, trap (especially for catching birds) hence, met: stratagem, device, wile.
Thayer:
1) snare, trap, noose
1a) of snares in which birds are entangled and caught
1a1) implies unexpectedly, suddenly, because birds and beasts are caught unawares
1b) a snare, i.e. whatever brings peril, loss, destruction
1b1) of a sudden and unexpected deadly peril
1b2) of the allurements and seductions of sin
1b3) the allurements to sin by which the devil holds one bound
1b4) the snares of love
παγίς
pagis pag-ece' From G4078; a trap (as fastened by a noose or notch); figuratively a trick or stratagem (temptation) KJV Usage: snare
“Because freely they concealed a trap of destruction, vainly reproaching my soul”.
The reason that David is making these proclamations is because the evil ones set a hidden trap to defame David’s soul. They were doing everything in their power to smear David with hidden snares. Why did they hate David?
Psalms 35:8 G2064 Let there come G1473 to him G3803 a snare G3739 which G3756 he knows not! G1097 G2532 And G3588 the G2339 snare of the hunt G3739 which G2928 he hid, G4815 let it seize G1473 him! G2532 and G1722 in G3588 the G3803 same snare G4098 he shall fall G1722 in G1473 it.
2339 LSJ Gloss:θήρα a hunting of wild beasts, the chase
Dodson:θήρα hunting, entrapping hunting, entrapping; prey, game; a net, means of capture.
Thayer:
1) a hunting of wild beasts to destroy them
2) metaph. of preparing destruction for men
θήρα
thēra thay'-rah From θήρ thēr (a wild animal, as game); hunting, that is, (figuratively) destruction KJV Usage: trap.
2928 LSJ Gloss:κρύπτω to hide, cover, cloak
Dodson:κρύπτω I hide, conceal, lay up.
Thayer:
1) to hide, conceal, to be hid
2) escape notice
3) metaph. to conceal (that it may not become known)
κρύπτω
kruptō kroop'-to A primary verb; to conceal (properly by covering) KJV Usage: hide (self), keep secret, secret [-ly].
“Come a trap on him, unknown, and the hunting which concealed, seize him and in the same trap fall into”.
In secret, David is reversing the trap onto his enemies, just as they tried to do to David. He then praises Yahweh.
Psalms 35:9 G3588 G1161 But G5590 my soul G1473 G21 shall exult G1909 over G3588 the G2962 lord; G5059.6 it shall be made happy G1909 over G3588 G4992 his deliverance. G1473
21 LSJ Gloss:ἀγαλλιάω to rejoice exceedingly
Dodson:ἀγαλλιάω I exult, am full of joy.
Thayer:
1) to exult, rejoice exceedingly, be exceeding glad
ἀγαλλιάω
agalliaō ag-al-lee-ah'-o From ἄγαν agan (much) and G242; properly to jump for joy, that is, exult KJV Usage: be (exceeding) glad, with exceeding joy, rejoice (greatly).
4992 Dodson:σωτήριος saving, bringing salvation, salvation saving, bringing salvation; subst: salvation.
Thayer:
1) saving, bringing salvation
2) he who embodies this salvation, or through whom God is about to achieve it
3) the hope of (future) salvation
σωτήριον
sōtērion so-tay'-ree-on Neuter of the same as G4991 as (properly concrete) noun; defender or (by implication) defence KJV Usage: salvation.
David concludes this first section with rejoicing in Yahweh and and jumping for joy in delight over his deliverance. We see that David was always delivered from his enemies. David was not always delivered from his own poor decisions, but Yahweh was always faithful to David when people came against him. David declared Yahweh’s aspects.
Psalms 35:10 G3956 All G3588 G3747 my bones G1473 G2046 shall say, G2962 O lord, G2962 O lord, G5100 who G3664 is likened G1473 to you? G4506 rescuing G4434 the poor G1537 from G5495 the hand G4731 of the one more solid than G1473 he, G2532 and G4434 the poor G2532 and G3993 needy one G575 from G3588 the ones G1283 tearing him in pieces. G1473
4506 LSJ Gloss:ῥύομαι to draw to oneself
Dodson:ῤύομαι I rescue I rescue, deliver (from danger or destruction).
Thayer:
1) to draw to one's self, to rescue, to deliver
2) the deliverer
ῥύομαι
rhuomai rhoo'-om-ahee Middle voice of an obsolete verb, akin to G4482 (through the idea of a current; compare G4511); to rush or draw (for oneself), that is, rescue KJV Usage: deliver (-er).
4434 LSJ Gloss:πτωχός one who crouches
Dodson:πτωχός poor, destitute poor, destitute, spiritually poor, either in a good sense (humble devout persons) or bad.
Thayer:
1) reduced to beggary, begging, asking alms
2) destitute of wealth, influence, position, honour
2a) lowly, afflicted, destitute of the Christian virtues and eternal riches
2b) helpless, powerless to accomplish an end
2c) poor, needy
3) lacking in anything
3a) as respects their spirit
3a1) destitute of wealth of learning and intellectual culture which the schools afford (men of this class most readily give themselves up to Christ's teaching and proved them selves fitted to lay hold of the heavenly treasure)
For Synonyms see entry G5870
πτωχός
ptōchos pto-khos' From πτώσσω ptōssō (to crouch; akin to G4422 and the alternate of G4098); a beggar (as cringing), that is, pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used in a qualified or relative sense; whereas G3993 properly means only straitened circumstances in private), literally (often as noun) or figuratively (distressed) KJV Usage: beggar (-ly), poor.
3993 LSJ Gloss:πένης one who works for his daily bread, a day-labourer, a poor man
Dodson:πένης poor one who works for his living; a laborer, poor man.
Thayer:
1) poor
For Synonyms see entry G5870
πένης
penēs pen'-ace From a primary “peno” (to toil for daily subsistence); starving, that is, indigent KJV Usage: poor.
1283 LSJ Gloss:διαρπάζω to tear in pieces
Dodson:διαρπάζω I plunder, rob thoroughly.
Thayer:
1) to plunder
διαρπάζω
“Yahweh Yahweh who is like you, rescuing the beggar from the hand of the strong, and the beggar and the poor from the one robbing him.”
David recognizes that there are other domineering leaders who steal from the poor, yet Yahweh delivers the beggars and the poor. David goes into another dialogue regarding evil people.
Psalms 35:11 G450 Rising up G1473 against me G3144 [2witnesses G94 1 are unjust], G3739 [3of things which G3756 4I did not G1097 5know G2065 1asking G1473 2me].
3144 LSJ Gloss:μάρτυς a witness
Dodson:μάρτυς a witness a witness; an eye- or ear-witness.
Thayer:
1) a witness
1a) in a legal sense
1b) an historical sense
1b1) one who is a spectator of anything, e.g. of a contest
1c) in an ethical sense
1c1) those who after his example have proved the strength and genuineness of their faith in Christ by undergoing a violent death
μάρτυς
martus mar'-toos Of uncertain affinity; a witness (literally [judicially] or figuratively [generally]); by analogy a “martyr” KJV Usage: martyr, record, witness.
“Unrighteous witnesses rising up, interrogating me, which things I did not know”.
Why would people ask questions of David, wasn’t he the king? David was probably unassuming in some regards, yet also a warrior. The sophisticates in the society probably thought they were smarter and could run things better. David’s agenda was set by Yahweh, not by human counselors. David almost completely wiped out the Philistines, secured Israel’s borders, brought the tabernacle to Gibeon, and established Solomon’s reign so that Solomon would not have to go to war so that he could build the temple. These ideas were ordained by Yahweh, not men.
Why were evil people attempting to entrap David? They did not want Yahweh’s agenda to succeed. This is not as much about men as the devil, the god of this world, attempting to subvert Yahweh’s people. This is a spiritual battle, and this is why David is not suggesting punishment on his enemies, he is publicly stating punishment for all to see. David will put these words to music for others to sing in the tabernacle.
Psalms 35:12 G467 They recompensed G1473 to me G4190 evil G473 for G18 good, G2532 and G814.3 childlessness G3588 to G5590 my soul. G1473
467 LSJ Gloss:ἀνταποδίδωμι to give back, repay, tender in repayment
Dodson:ἀνταποδίδωμι I give in return I give in return, recompense.
Thayer:
1) in a good sense, to repay, requite
2) in a bad sense, penalty and vengeance
ἀνταποδίδωμι
antapodidōmi an-tap-od-ee'-do-mee From G473 and G591; to requite (good or evil) KJV Usage: recompense, render, repay.
“They repaid evil for good and bereavement my soul”.
David was doing good and yet the devil was inspiring people to make David grieve like a childless person. David was grieved for his child Israel, as one who is childless. I’m sure there were times that David wished he was not the king.
Psalms 35:13 G1473 But I, G1161 G1722 in G3588 G1473 their G3926 troubling G1473 me, G1746 put on G4526 sackcloth. G2532 And G5013 I humbled G1722 [2in G3521 3fasting G3588 G5590 1my soul]; G1473 G2532 and G3588 G4335 my prayer G1473 G1519 [2unto G2859 3my bosom G1473 G654 1shall be returned].
3926 LSJ Gloss:παρενοχλέω to trouble greatly
Dodson:παρενοχλέω I trouble I trouble, cause disturbance to, annoy, harass.
Thayer:
1) to cause trouble in a matter, to trouble, annoy
παρενοχλέω
parenochleō par-en-okh-leh'-o From G3844 and G1776; to harass further, that is, annoy KJV Usage: trouble.
“But I, in their harassment, clothed myself in sackcloth and humbled my soul in fasting, and my prayer upon my bosom restore”.
When these people grieved him, David prayed and fasted, seeking his soul’s restoration. This is a humble approach.
Psalms 35:14 G5613 As G4139 a neighbor, G5613 as G80 [2brother G2251 1to our], G3779 so G2100 they were well-pleasing. G5613 As G3996 mourning G2532 and G4658.1 looking downcast G3779 so G5013 I humbled myself.
“I was agreeable as a neighbor or a brother and mourning and pouting I humbled myself”.
David agreed with his enemies. Instead of immediately fighting back, David treated his enemies as if they were a neighbor or a brother, and he humbled himself with fasting and prayer. Since our spiritual enemies know us very well, instead of fighting, David searched to see if there was any truth to what they were saying. He believed them as if they were his brother. As we know, sometimes our families are far more harsh toward our mistakes than strangers would be. Joseph is a great example of this.
Psalms 35:15 G2532 And G2596 against G1473 me G2165 they were glad G2532 and G4863 they gathered together; G4863 they gathered together G1909 [2against G1473 3me G3148 1whips], G2532 and G3756 I did not G1097 know; G1294.4 they were cut asunder G2532 and G3756 were not G2660 vexed.
2165 LSJ Gloss:εὐφραίνω to cheer, delight, gladden
Dodson:εὐφραίνω I cheer, am glad, make merry I cheer, make glad; generally mid. or pass: I am glad, make merry, revel, feast.
Thayer:
1) to gladden, make joyful
1a) to be glad, to be merry, to rejoice
1b) to rejoice in, be delighted with a thing
εὐφραίνω
euphrainō yoo-frah'ee-no From G2095 and G5424; to put (middle voice or passive voice be) in a good frame of mind, that is, rejoice KJV Usage: fare, make glad, be (make) merry, rejoice.
4863 LSJ Gloss:συνάγω to bring together, gather together, collect, convene
Dodson:συνάγω I gather together I gather together, collect, assemble, receive with hospitality, entertain.
Thayer:
1) to gather together, to gather
1a) to draw together, collect
1a1) of fishes
1a2) of a net in which they are caught
2) to bring together, assemble, collect
2a) to join together, join in one (those previously separated)
2b) to gather together by convoking
2c) to be gathered i.e. come together, gather, meet
3) to lead with one's self
3a) into one's home, i.e. to receive hospitably, to entertain
συνάγω
sunagō soon-ag'-o From G4862 and G71; to lead together, that is, collect or convene; specifically to entertain (hospitably) KJV Usage: + accompany, assemble (selves, together), bestow, come together, gather (selves together, up, together), lead into, resort, take in.
3148 LSJ Gloss:μάστιξ a whip, scourge
Dodson:μάστιξ a scourge, lash, sufferings (a) a scourge, lash, of leathern thongs with pieces of metal sewn up in them, (b) met: severe pains (sufferings), disease.
Thayer:
1) a whip, scourge
2) metaph. a scourge, plague
2a) a calamity, misfortune, esp. sent by God to discipline or punish
μάστιξ
mastix mas'-tix Probably from the base of G3145 (through the idea of contact); a whip (literally the Roman flagellum for criminals; figuratively a disease) KJV Usage: plague, scourging.
2660 Dodson:κατανύσσομαι I am pierced, stung met: I am pierced, stung, smitten.
Thayer:
1) to prick, pierce
2) metaph. to pain the mind sharply, agitate it vehemently
2a) esp. of the emotion of sorrow
κατανύσσω
katanussō kat-an-oos'-so From G2596 and G3572; to pierce thoroughly, that is, (figuratively) to agitate violently (“sting to the quick”) KJV Usage: prick.
“And they down cheered, assembled. Assembled upon my sufferings, and knew not. Separated, and not pierced thoroughly”.
David’s enemies gathered together and called down cheers, meaning they thanked their demons and evil spirits who were taking the curses to David. They gathered together because of David’s sufferings, in other words David’s hardships caused these enemies to celebrate with their idols. They separated David, but didn’t kill him.
Psalms 35: 16 G3985 They tested G1473 me; G1592 they derided G1473 me G3456.1 in sneering; G1031 they gnashed G1909 against G1473 me G3588 G3599 with their teeth. G1473
3985 LSJ Gloss:πειράζω to make proof
Dodson:πειράζω I try, tempt, test.
Thayer:
1) to try whether a thing can be done
1a) to attempt, endeavour
2) to try, make trial of, test: for the purpose of ascertaining his quantity, or what he thinks, or how he will behave himself
2a) in a good sense
2b) in a bad sense, to test one maliciously, craftily to put to the proof his feelings or judgments
2c) to try or test one's faith, virtue, character, by enticement to sin
2c1) to solicit to sin, to tempt
1c1a) of the temptations of the devil
2d) after the OT usage
2d1) of God: to inflict evils upon one in order to prove his character and the steadfastness of his faith
2d2) men are said to tempt God by exhibitions of distrust, as though they wished to try whether he is not justly distrusted
2d3) by impious or wicked conduct to test God's justice and patience, and to challenge him, as it were to give proof of his perfections.
πειράζω
peirazō pi-rad'-zo From G3984; to test (objectively), that is, endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline KJV Usage: assay, examine, go about, prove, tempt (-er), try.
1592 LSJ Gloss:ἐκμυκτηρίζω to turn up one's nose at, mock at
Dodson:ἐκμυκτηρίζω I deride, scoff at, mock greatly.
Thayer:
ἐκμυκτερίζω
1031 Dodson:βρύχω I grind or gnash I grind or gnash, as with the teeth for rage or pain.
Thayer:
1) to grind, gnash with the teeth
2) to bite, to chew
βρύχω
bruchō broo'-kho A primary verb; to grate the teeth (in pain or rage) KJV Usage: gnash.
“They tested, they mocked, they sneered, gnashing upon me with their teeth”.
They tried to tempt David, just like the devil tests, tempts, and mocks us. David’s enemies were so vicious they looked like wild animals. David is bold in his case against these evil people likening them to rabid animals.
Psalms 35:17 G2962 O lord, G4219 when G2029 will you scrutinize? G600 Restore G3588 G5590 my soul G1473 G575 from G3588 G2556.1 their evil actions; G1473 G575 [2from G3023 3lions G3588 G3439 1my only child]. G1473
2029 LSJ Gloss:ἐποπτεύω to look over, overlook, watch
Dodson:ἐποπτεύω I am an eyewitness of, behold I am an eyewitness of, behold, look upon.
Thayer:
1) to be an overseer
2) to look upon, view attentively
3) to watch
ἐποπτεύω
epopteuō ep-opt-yoo'-o From G1909 and a derivative of G3700; to inspect, that is, watch KJV Usage: behold.
600 LSJ Gloss:ἀποκαθίστημι to re-establish, restore, reinstate
Dodson:ἀποκαθίστημι I restore, give back I set up again, restore to its original position or condition; hence: I restore, give back.
Thayer:
1) to restore to its former state
2) to be in its former state
ἀποκαθίστημι
apokathistēmi ap-ok-ath-is'-tay-mee From G575 and G2525; to reconstitute (in health, home or organization) KJV Usage: restore (again).
3439 LSJ Gloss:μονογενής only-begotten, single
Dodson:μονογενής only, only-begotten, unique only, only-begotten; unique.
Thayer:
1) single of its kind, only
1a) used of only sons or daughters (viewed in relation to their parents)
1b) used of Christ, denotes the only begotten son of God
μονογενής
monogenēs mon-og-en-ace From G3441 and G1096; only born, that is, sole KJV Usage: only (begotten, child).
“Yahweh what time look upon? Reestablish my soul away from their evil. My only child away from lions”.
David asks Yahweh when he is going to look on these people. He then asks Yahweh to restore his soul and to protect his only child from lions. David had several children, he is not speaking of one child, he is speaking of his child Israel. Israel was his baby. Save the nation from the lions.
Psalms 35:18 G1843 I shall make acknowledgment G1473 to you G1722 in G1577 [2assembly G4183 1 the vast]; G1722 with G2992 [2people G926 1grievous] G134 I shall praise G1473 you.
1577 LSJ Gloss:ἐκκλησία an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned, the legislative assembly
Dodson:ἐκκλησία an assembly, congregation, church an assembly, congregation, church; the Church, the whole body of Christian believers.
Thayer:
1) a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place, an assembly
1a) an assembly of the people convened at the public place of the council for the purpose of deliberating
1b) the assembly of the Israelites
1c) any gathering or throng of men assembled by chance, tumultuously
1d) in a Christian sense
1d1) an assembly of Christians gathered for worship in a religious meeting
1d2) a company of Christian, or of those who, hoping for eternal salvation through Jesus Christ, observe their own religious rites, hold their own religious meetings, and manage their own affairs, according to regulations prescribed for the body for order's sake
1d3) those who anywhere, in a city, village, constitute such a company and are united into one body
1d4) the whole body of Christians scattered throughout the earth
1d5) the assembly of faithful Christians already dead and received into heaven
ἐκκλησία
ekklēsia ek-klay-see'-ah From a compound of G1537 and a derivative of G2564; a calling out, that is, (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both) KJV Usage: assembly, church.
“Acknowledge them in the large congregation, among burdensome people praise you”.
While we hardly think that the people who curse David are part of the congregation, they were. When we think of what we know happened a few years later when the kingdom split, that there were people worshipping in the temple who were worshiping the stars, the constellations, the cherubim, along with booths for male and female prostitutes, we recognize that not everyone was worshipping Yahweh when they went to the tabernacle. David is asking for Yahweh to do something about the people who are cursing him and his family Israel, but who are also praising Yahweh.
If we recognize one of the things that David did was merge the Zadok/Zedek/Sedek priesthood with the Levitical priesthood, we will understand the problems that could have been taking place in the tabernacle. The Zadok priests were from Shem’s school and Shem’s line while the Levites were from Jacob’s line. Technically, Jacob was a Zadok/Zedek/Sedek priest as he studied and served Shem and Eber for over thirty seven years. However, when Jacob’s heirs went into Egypt they lost their knowledge and had to be retaught about Yahweh by Moses. The Zadok priests were more holy and righteous than the Levites. Why would people in the mega church hate David, try to entrap him, yet praise Yahweh?
Psalms 35:19 G3361 May [5not G2020.1 6rejoice against G1473 7me G3588 1the ones G2189.1 2hating G1473 3me G95 4unjustly]; G3588 even the G3404 ones detesting G1473 me G1431 without a charge, G2532 and G1269 shunning G3788 their eyes.
“The hateful not shine on me unjustly, they persecute freely, nodding eyes”.
David is asking that these evil people not out shine him unjustly, but he knows they wink their eyes in plotting against him. They look like light filled followers of Yahweh, but they are not. They should not look like the dawn, clean and new, as they make their case against David. We have all seen people like these people, they simply “channel” that former angel of light for their purposes. Solomon tells us about the secret signs that these foolish people make to one another in Proverbs 6:13-ff.
Psalms 35:20 G3754 For G1473 to me G3303 then G1516 [2peaceable G2980 1they spoke], G2532 but G1909 in G3709 anger G1388 [2treachery G1260 1they devised].
1388 LSJ Gloss:δόλος a bait
Dodson:δόλος deceit, guile, treachery.
Thayer:
1) craft, deceit, guile
δόλος
dolos dol'-os From δέλλω dellō (an obsolete primary probably meaning to decoy; compare G1185); a trick (bait), that is, (figuratively) wile KJV Usage: craft, deceit, guile, subtilty.
“For they on the one hand spoke peaceable, and upon anger reckoned thoroughly, craft”.
These enemies spoke peace, but then in their anger they completely worked their craft, or their evil manipulations. David is pointing out the two-faced nature of these evil people. They speak to their victims peacefully, but all the while laying bait.
Psalms 35:21 G2532 And G4115 they widened G1909 [2against G1473 3me G3588 G4750 1their mouth]. G1473 G2036 They said, G2103.1 Well done, G2103.1 well done, G1492 [2saw G3588 G3788 1our eyes]! G1473
“Upon me enlarged their mouths, they say ‘well done, well done our eyes know’”.
The two faced people loudly announce to all that they saw David doing something. So on the one hand they are nice to David’s face, but then they release their plan accusing David of something. This judicial hearing is important for the stopping of lies and rumors.
Psalms 35:22 G1492 You beheld, G2962 O lord . G3361 You should not G3902.1 remain silent, G2962 O lord . G3361 You should not G868 separate G575 from G1473 me.
“I know Yahweh not counterfeit, Yahweh not leave away from me”.
David declares that Yahweh is not a false god and Yahweh will not run away from David. David is countering the gods of the evil people whose gods are counterfeits and fakes. David says straight to Yahweh’s face that he is not like the other false gods who do nothing and don’t answer. Aren’t we supposed to haven boldness in Yahweh’s presence? Wisdom 5:1, Ephesians 3:12, Hebrews 10:19, 1 John 4:17
Psalms 35:23 G1825 Awake, G2962 O lord, G2532 and G4337 take heed G3588 to G2920 my case, G1473 G3588 O G2316 my God, G1473 G2532 and G3588 [3O G2962 4my lord G1473 G1519 1to G3588 G1349 2my cause]! G1473
1349 LSJ Gloss:δίκη custom, usage
Dodson:δίκη justice, judicial hearing, punishment (a) (originally: custom, usage) right, justice, (b) process of law, judicial hearing, (c) execution of sentence, punishment, penalty, (d) justice, vengeance.
Thayer:
1) custom, usage
2) right, just
3) a suit at law
4) a judicial hearing, judicial decision, esp. sentence of condemnation
5) execution of a sentence, punishment
5a) to suffer punishment
6) the goddess Justice, avenging justice
δίκη
dikē dee'-kay Probably from G1166; right (as self evident), that is, justice (the principle, a decision, or its execution) KJV Usage: judgment, punish, vengeance.
“Rise up Yahweh and pay attention to my tribunal, my Elohim my Yahweh, to my judicial hearing,”.
David is calling on a krisis, a divine judgment. The devil was accusing David via the evil people that the devil was inspiring. David calls up Yahweh Elohim to his dikē, judicial hearing. Certainly we all want Yahweh to judge us as compared to our enemies, the satan, or the devil. David has now come back to asking Yahweh to adjudicate him.
Psalms 35:24 G2919 Judge G1473 me, G2962 O lord, G2596 according to G3588 G1343 your righteousness, G1473 G2962 O lord G3588 G2316 my God, G1473 G2532 and G3361 let them not G2020.1 rejoice against G1473 me!
1343 LSJ Gloss:δικαιοσύνη righteousness, justice
Dodson:δικαιοσύνη justice, justness, righteousness
(usually if not always in a Jewish atmosphere), justice, justness, righteousness, righteousness of which God is the source or author, but practically: a divine righteousness.
Thayer:
1) in a broad sense: state of him who is as he ought to be, righteousness, the condition acceptable to God
1a) the doctrine concerning the way in which man may attain a state approved of God
1b) integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, correctness of thinking feeling, and acting
2) in a narrower sense, justice or the virtue which gives each his due
δικαιοσύνη
dikaiosunē dik-ah-yos-oo'-nay From G1342; equity (of character or act); specifically (Christian) justification KJV Usage: righteousness.
“Judge, me Yahweh, your, downward justice, Yahweh my Elohim, and not shine on me”.
David asks for Yahweh to decide or choose krinō, with downward, kata justice, dikaiosunē. He is calling for the Lords judgment to come down on him. Why? Because he knows that he didn’t do anything wrong. He asks that the evil people not shine brighter than him. Being that he is the king, others would not normally shine brighter, but these people were setting themselves up as spiritual light, probably using a former incorporeal angel of light, to fool others.
Psalms 35:25 G3361 May they not say G2036 G1722 in G2588 their heart, G1473 G2103.1 Well done, G2103.1 well done G3588 to G5590 our soul. G1473 G3366 Nor G2036 may they say, G2666 We swallowed G1473 him down.
2666 LSJ Gloss:καταπίνω to gulp
Dodson:καταπίνω I swallow, devour, destroy I drink down, swallow, devour, destroy, consume.
Thayer:
1) to drink down, swallow down
2) to devour
3) to swallow up, destroy
καταπίνω
katapinō kat-ap-ee'-no From G2596 and G4095; to drink down, that is, gulp entire (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: devour, drown, swallow (up).
“Not say in their heart ‘well done well done my soul’. Not even say ‘downward swallow him’”.
David is making the declaration that even though they shine brighter than he does in their accusations against him, they will not congratulate themselves and claim that they consumed him.
Psalms 35:26 G153 May they be ashamed, G2532 and G1788 may [4feel remorse G260 5together G3588 1the ones G2020.1 2rejoicing at G3588 G2556 3my hurts]. G1473 G1746 Let [5be clothed in G152 6shame G2532 7and G1791 8remorse G3588 1the ones G3169.2 2speaking great words G1909 3against G1473 4me]!
“Put to shame and turn to confusion at the same time. Evil doers shine on me. Put on shame and confusion speaking great words upon me.”
As David started with this idea, he again writes to put these people to shame and turn to confusion. Clothe them in shame and confusion when they speak mega words on David.
Psalms 35:27 G21 Exult G2532 and G2165 be glad, G3588 O ones G2309 wanting G3588 G1343 righteousness G1473 for me! G2532 And G2036 let say G1275 always, G3170 [3be magnified G3588 1The G2962 2 lord]! G3588 by the ones G2309 wanting G3588 the G1515 peace G3588 G1401 of his servant. G1473
“Rejoice and delight who wish my justice and say through all time Yahweh declare great, who wish peace his bondman”.
David announces for those people who wish dikaiosunē, righteous justice for David, who wish peace for Yahweh’s servant, to declare that Yahweh is great!
Psalms 35:28 G2532 And G3588 G1100 my tongue G1473 G3191 shall meditate upon G3588 G1343 your righteousness; G1473 G3650 the entire G3588 G2250 day G3588 G1868 on your high praise. G1473
“And my language revolve in the mind, your righteous justice, the whole day your praise”.
David says that he will continually think and speak about dikaiosunē, Yahweh’s righteous judgment, and will praise Him the whole day.
Whatever the evil people were doing to attempt to overthrow David, they were not successful. They did not overcome David. They made his life miserable, but they could not get rid of him because Yahweh was for him. David was a fighter, a brutal fighter, until he was older. He was not a stately looking king on a throne, who was served all day long by others. He was a warrior who got his hands dirty, killing many giants, and securing Israel’s future. If we want to be like David, we have to get dirty. We have to use the tools that David used. We should not resemble clean and neat television characters, but dirty, bloody warriors for Yahweh.
The first thing we see about this Psalm is the invocation of adjudication. This tells us that we are in the courts of Yahweh. We are in a judicial hearing before the Lord. David is making his case against evil people. This is why he is not asking Yahweh to do anything, but instead, like a prosecutor, he is declaring the sentence for their evil. When David’s enemies rose up with conniving plans to discredit him, he warred against them with declarations of judgment against them. He brought them to the courts of the Lord, and accused them of wrong doing. David invoked the divine justice of the Lord to stop his enemies. Why is it that the devil only brings Christians before the courts of the Lord, accusing them of any infraction, while the children of the devil are never brought to judgment? Haven’t Christians been enduring a lopsided justice system? Maybe it is because we have never understood our rights as children of the Most High God to bring enemies into the high courts of Yahweh. What if we did what David did? What if we rose up as prosecutors with boldness like David?
