Psalm 35
In this psalm we have the appeal of Israel's Messiah, Jesus, on behalf of the tried and afflicted ones. He makes their cause His own, speaks as identified with them, though He is high in the glory and they in trouble in and around Jerusalem. It will be observed that there is no confession of sin or guilt, nor complaint at the ungodliness of the mass of the Jews, in this psalm. Hated and plotted against by their brethren, they in their Messiah call for judgment upon their enemies.
In verse 8 one man is singled out. Who is he? We must look back to Judas Iscariot who betrayed his Master, and onward to the Antichrist, the leader in the wickedness of the last days. The stronger than he, of verse 10, is the Lord, of course.
Verses 13 to 14 could have their perfect fulfilment in none but Himself, we know, but they show the spirit of the godly Jews of that time that is soon to come. Other verses tell of the varied character of the opposition,—with craft-setting traps for the godly (verse 7); unrighteous witnesses (verse 11) bringing false charges; slander (verse 15); open, undisguised hatred (verse 16); deceit (verse 20); and contempt (verse 21). By these and other means the unbelieving Jews and their Gentile allies will seek to destroy the godly.
Verse 17 sets forth evidently Jesus,—"my only one,"—the name used in Psalm 22:2020Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog. (Psalm 22:20). Translated in both passages as "my darling," the same Hebrew word is "thy only" (son) in Genesis 22:22And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of. (Genesis 22:2) and 12, where Isaac is a type of God's beloved Son. The great congregation in verse 18 —the same expression as in Psalm 22:25,25My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him. (Psalm 22:25) is all Israel, redeemed, when the great tribulation is over.
Messages of God’s Love 8/10/1930