Who wrote Psalm 35 and why?

Psalm 35 is attributed to King David, one of the most prominent figures in the Old Testament. The superscription of the psalm itself indicates Davidic authorship, stating, "Of David." This attribution is consistent with the historical and literary context of the psalm, as well as with the broader collection of the Psalms, many of which are ascribed to David.

David, the second king of Israel, is known not only for his leadership and military prowess but also for his deep spirituality and poetic talent. He is credited with composing many of the psalms, which are rich in emotional and spiritual expression. Psalm 35 is no exception. It is a cry for divine intervention and justice in the face of persecution and false accusations.

The context of Psalm 35 suggests that David wrote it during a time of intense personal struggle and conflict. The psalm is essentially a prayer for deliverance from his enemies, who are described as malicious and deceitful. David's life, as recorded in the books of Samuel and Chronicles, was fraught with such encounters. He faced opposition from King Saul, who saw him as a threat to his throne, and later from his own son Absalom, who led a rebellion against him. These experiences would have provided ample motivation for David to pen a psalm like Psalm 35.

Psalm 35 can be divided into three main sections, each reflecting a different aspect of David's plea to God:

1. Verses 1-10: David appeals to God as his defender and advocate. He asks God to "contend with those who contend with me" and to "fight against those who fight against me" (Psalm 35:1, ESV). David portrays his enemies as aggressors who seek his harm without cause. He calls upon God to take up shield and buckler and rise up to his help, using imagery of divine warfare to emphasize his need for protection.

2. Verses 11-18: In this section, David laments the betrayal and ingratitude of his enemies. He describes how they repay his acts of kindness with evil and how they falsely accuse him. David's anguish is palpable as he recounts how he mourned for these very people when they were in trouble, yet they rejoice in his suffering. This section highlights the depth of David's sense of injustice and betrayal.

3. Verses 19-28: The final section is a plea for vindication and a declaration of trust in God's justice. David asks God not to let his enemies rejoice over him or think they have triumphed. He prays for their downfall and for his own vindication, expressing confidence that God will deliver him. The psalm concludes with a vow to praise God in the great assembly, demonstrating David's faith that God will ultimately act on his behalf.

The themes of Psalm 35 resonate deeply with the broader narrative of David's life. Throughout his story, we see a man who, despite his flaws and failures, consistently turns to God in times of trouble. David's relationship with God is marked by a profound sense of dependence and trust. This psalm, like many others attributed to him, captures the raw emotion and spiritual depth of a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22).

In addition to its historical context, Psalm 35 also holds theological significance. It reflects the biblical theme of divine justice and the belief that God is a righteous judge who defends the innocent and punishes the wicked. This theme is echoed throughout the Psalms and the broader biblical canon. For example, Psalm 7:11 states, "God is a righteous judge, and a God who feels indignation every day" (ESV). Similarly, Proverbs 21:15 declares, "When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers" (ESV).

The New Testament also echoes these themes. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied" (Matthew 5:6, ESV). This beatitude reflects the same longing for divine justice that David expresses in Psalm 35. Furthermore, the apostle Paul reminds believers that ultimate justice belongs to God: "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord'" (Romans 12:19, ESV).

Psalm 35 also serves as a model for believers in how to pray during times of distress and persecution. David's example teaches us to bring our struggles and injustices before God honestly and fervently. It encourages us to trust in God's righteous character and his ability to deliver and vindicate us. The psalm's structure—moving from plea to lament to praise—offers a pattern for our own prayers, reminding us to end with a declaration of trust in God's faithfulness.

In conclusion, Psalm 35 is a powerful expression of King David's plea for divine justice in the face of persecution and false accusations. Its attribution to David is consistent with his life experiences and the broader collection of the Psalms. The themes of divine justice and trust in God's righteousness resonate throughout the psalm and the entire biblical narrative. As believers, we can draw inspiration from David's example, bringing our own struggles before God and trusting in his ultimate justice and deliverance.