How does Psalm 35 describe God's righteousness?

Psalm 35 is a powerful and evocative piece of scripture, attributed to King David, that profoundly illustrates God's righteousness in the context of personal struggle, divine justice, and the believer's relationship with God. The psalm is a passionate plea for deliverance from enemies, a call for divine intervention, and an affirmation of God's righteous judgment.

Psalm 35 can be divided into three main sections: verses 1-10, 11-18, and 19-28. Each section contributes uniquely to the overarching theme of God's righteousness, and together they create a comprehensive picture of divine justice and faithfulness.

In the first section, verses 1-10, David cries out to God for help against his adversaries. He uses vivid imagery of battle, asking God to "contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me!" (Psalm 35:1, ESV). The language here is martial, depicting God as a divine warrior who takes up shield and buckler to protect His servant. This imagery underscores the righteousness of God as a defender of the innocent and the oppressed. David's plea is not just for personal vindication but for the manifestation of God's justice. He trusts that God, in His righteousness, will act against those who unjustly persecute him.

David's confidence in God's righteousness is further highlighted in verses 7-8, where he describes the malicious intent of his enemies: "For without cause they hid their net for me; without cause they dug a pit for my life. Let destruction come upon him when he does not know it! And let the net that he hid ensnare him; let him fall into it—to his destruction!" (Psalm 35:7-8, ESV). Here, David appeals to God's righteous judgment to turn the schemes of the wicked back upon themselves. This reflects a deep belief in the moral order upheld by God, where evil deeds ultimately lead to the downfall of the evildoer.

The second section, verses 11-18, shifts focus to the personal betrayal and false accusations David faces. He laments how those he once treated with kindness have turned against him: "But at my stumbling they rejoiced and gathered; they gathered together against me; wretches whom I did not know tore at me without ceasing; like profane mockers at a feast, they gnash at me with their teeth" (Psalm 35:15-16, ESV). Despite the pain of betrayal, David does not seek personal revenge but instead calls upon God's righteous intervention. This section emphasizes the righteousness of God as a refuge and advocate for those who suffer unjustly.

David's plea in verse 17, "How long, O Lord, will you look on? Rescue me from their destruction, my precious life from the lions!" (Psalm 35:17, ESV), is a poignant expression of his trust in God's timing and righteousness. He believes that God sees his suffering and will act justly, even if the deliverance is not immediate. This patience and faith in God's righteous judgment is a recurring theme throughout the Psalms and is a testament to the enduring faith of the believer.

The final section, verses 19-28, is a call for vindication and a declaration of praise for God's righteousness. David contrasts the deceit and malice of his enemies with the righteousness of God, who "delights in the welfare of his servant" (Psalm 35:27, ESV). He prays for those who rejoice in his vindication and calls for them to continually say, "Great is the Lord, who delights in the welfare of his servant!" (Psalm 35:27, ESV). This section culminates in a promise of public praise: "Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness and of your praise all the day long" (Psalm 35:28, ESV).

David's commitment to proclaiming God's righteousness underscores the public and communal aspect of divine justice. It is not merely a private matter but a testimony to the world of God's faithfulness and justice. In this way, Psalm 35 serves as both a personal lament and a communal declaration of God's righteous character.

Throughout Psalm 35, the righteousness of God is depicted as multifaceted. It is protective, as God defends the innocent and oppressed. It is just, as God turns the schemes of the wicked back upon themselves. It is patient, as God sees and acts in His perfect timing. And it is praiseworthy, as God's righteous acts are to be proclaimed and celebrated by the community of believers.

The themes of divine protection and justice in Psalm 35 resonate with other parts of the Old Testament. For instance, in Deuteronomy 32:4, God is described as "The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he" (ESV). This verse echoes the righteousness of God as depicted in Psalm 35, affirming that God's ways are just and perfect.

Moreover, the New Testament also reflects these themes, particularly in the teachings of Jesus. In the Beatitudes, Jesus says, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied" (Matthew 5:6, ESV). This beatitude aligns with David's longing for God's righteous intervention and his trust that God will ultimately satisfy the cry for justice.

In Christian literature, the righteousness of God as portrayed in Psalm 35 has been a source of comfort and inspiration for many. For example, in his "Commentary on the Psalms," John Calvin writes, "David, being wrongfully oppressed by his enemies, betakes himself to God, the righteous Judge, and commits his cause to Him. He does not doubt that God will take his part, and deliver him from the violence of the wicked." Calvin's interpretation emphasizes the trust and confidence that believers can have in God's righteous judgment.

In conclusion, Psalm 35 provides a profound and multifaceted depiction of God's righteousness. Through vivid imagery, heartfelt pleas, and declarations of praise, David illustrates a God who is just, protective, patient, and praiseworthy. This psalm encourages believers to trust in God's righteous character, to seek His intervention in times of distress, and to proclaim His justice and faithfulness to the world. As we reflect on Psalm 35, we are reminded of the enduring truth that God's righteousness is a source of hope, comfort, and strength for all who call upon His name.