Psalm 35

An imprecatory psalm of David. These always make people uncomfortable, myself included. The thought of asking God for revenge goes against the peaceful nature of what Jesus taught. But is David really asking for revenge? It seems he is merely asking for justice.

Boice outlines this psalm with a three verse introduction and a three verse conclusion. The introduction lays out David asking for God to be his defense attorney and his champion in battle. Verses 4-10 lay out the battle champion call. The legal case is discussed in verses 11-17. Then both are merged into one argument in verses 18-28. I'm not sure I see the immediate distinctions in all these cases, but it's clear that David uses both the military and the legal situations to plead his case to God.

Mostly, David is asking that God give the accusers a taste of their own medicine. These are people whom David claims he has not wronged, yet still they are out for his blood. God is to be his champion in battle. God is to be his advocate in court, pleading his case. Each of these situations call for a "loser" if David is to be vindicated. David asks that the accusers be put to shame and confustion, clothed with shame and disgrace. In short, he doesn't want them getting what they are after. That sounds pretty normal to me!

Finally, David declares, "My tongue will speak of your righteousnss and of your praises all day long."