Psalm 35

King David was an interesting dichotomy: a poet and a warrior. His skills as a poet began to develop during his solitude as a shepherd. His skills as a warrior were thrust upon him, first when he confronted Galioth, and later when he was pursued by King Saul. The imagery of battle is intertwined in many of his psalms.

Psalm 35 draws out our empathy and for many, painful memories. We experience empathy because we have known people who were betrayed. Trusted friendships were broken. Those who had been loyal supporters were now conspiring in opposition. While our usual expectations for such turnabouts are in the world of politics; regrettably, they are quite common in church as well.

Psalm 35 invokes painful memories for the many that have been betrayed through divorce, failed business ventures, or other relationships. The psalmist presents a good pattern for processing our empathy and painful memories. Talk to God. Honestly express the depth of our feelings. Trust God. The psalmist pleads for God to avenge; he does not take responsibility for meeting out justice.

However, the psalmist is writing from the perspective of a poet warrior living under the Old Covenant. We are living under the redemptive grace of the New Covenant. Therefore, after we have vented to God, we turn to scripture and seek the proper course for the followers of Jesus. The Sermon on the Mount is a good place to start:

“But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!  In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:44-45

Sē’lah

<><  <><  <><  <><

What word or phrase in today’s reading of the Psalms

 attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

What insights come to you?

How does this passage touch your life today?

Reading for June 6, 2012             Psalm 36