Definition: [A Psalm] of David. Plead [my cause], O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Psalm 35:1. It’s a really powerful and important message about dealing with challenges. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, David is telling God to actively defend himself against someone who is trying to harm him. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “A Psalm of David” : This tells us this isn’t just any random verse – it’s a heartfelt expression of David’s feelings. It’s a prayer he wrote down. “Plead [my cause]… with them that strive with me” : David is asking God to actively help him. He’s not just wishing for luck; he's begging for a fight. “Strive with me” means someone is actively trying to impede or oppose him – likely in a difficult situation. “Fight against them that fight against me” : This is the core of it. David isn’t asking God to win this battle. He's telling God to counter someone else who is trying to harm him. It's about protecting himself and his well-being. So, what does this mean practically? It suggests a situation where David feels like he’s constantly under attack – maybe he’s facing opposition, criticism, or hardship. He’s asking for God’s strength and protection to stand up to those challenges. In essence, it's a plea for divine intervention and help in defending against negativity. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Give you some examples of situations where this verse might be relevant (like personal struggles)?

Definition: All my bones shall say, LORD, who [is] like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Psalm 35:10. It's a really powerful and emotional piece of scripture. Here's what it essentially means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is about God’s incredible power to protect the vulnerable. It speaks to a deep sense of gratitude and awe when we realize how good God is at helping those who are struggling. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “All my bones shall say, LORD…” – This means everyone – all of us – feels a profound connection to God. It’s not just a feeling; it's a complete and utter recognition that we are dependent on Him. “…which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him…” – This is the heart of the verse. "Deliverest" means to save, protect, or rescue. The Lord is saving those who are struggling. “He that is too strong for him” refers to a powerful, possibly even overwhelming, force - like someone who is incredibly strong and capable. “Yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?” – This is where it gets really emotional. "Spoileth" means to ruin, destroy, or take something away completely. The Lord is protecting those who are struggling and vulnerable – particularly the poor and those in need. He’s safeguarding them from being harmed or taken advantage of by someone stronger than them. Overall Meaning: The verse expresses a deep sense of dependence on God and a humbling realization that He is capable of rescuing and protecting those who are weak and vulnerable. It's a plea for God's constant protection and care, emphasizing His goodness and mercy. Why it’s significant: This verse resonates with the human experience – we often feel humbled when we realize how fragile or powerless we can be. It’s a reminder that even in difficult times, God is actively working to protect us. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Psalm 35? Discuss the meaning within a specific context (like a struggle with adversity)?

Definition: False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge [things] that I knew not.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Psalm 35:11. It’s a really important and sobering passage about trust and being deceived. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: What it means: This verse is saying that someone who is falsely accusing you of something – something you don’t know – has spread lies against you. It's like they’re trying to make you look bad or guilty when you're innocent. Let's unpack the parts: “False witnesses did rise up” : This means someone is deliberately and falsely claiming something that isn't true. They are setting themselves up as an expert or having a false claim. “…they laid to my charge [things] that I knew not.” : This is the key part. “Charge” in this context means "to accuse" or “to say." The person is saying, "I'm accusing you of something you don’t even know about!" It's a deliberate and careless act of misrepresentation. What does it tell us about our situation? This verse can be really unsettling because it highlights that we are often vulnerable to deception. It reminds us: Don't trust everyone: We shouldn’t blindly believe everything someone says, especially if it doesn’t make sense or if they seem suspicious. Be wary of accusations: Always question things and be careful about what you accept as truth. Protect your reputation: It’s important to stay true to yourself and not let others try to damage your character or standing. In short, it's a warning to guard against being falsely accused. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Psalm 35? Discuss the context of this verse in more detail (like its time period)? Talk about how to respond when someone is accusing you unfairly?

Definition: They rewarded me evil for good [to] the spoiling of my soul.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Psalm 35:12. It's a really powerful and somewhat heartbreaking statement about suffering. Here’s a simple explanation: Basically, it means: “They punished me for doing something good, even though it hurt my spirit.” Let’s unpack that a little bit further: “They rewarded” : This suggests someone or something was praising or celebrating something positive – maybe a good deed, a successful achievement, or even just being kind. “Evil” : This is the key word here. It means something that goes against God’s will, something that isn't right, and causes pain or distress. It could be selfishness, pride, anger, or any action that disrespects God’s goodness. “Me” : This emphasizes that the punishment wasn’t inflicted on someone else; it was directed at you . “Good [to] the spoiling of my soul” : This is a really important part. "Spoiling my soul" means that your spirit – your feelings, your peace, your happiness – was damaged or ruined by this evil. It’s like a deep wound to your inner self. The overall message is about: The pain of suffering : The verse highlights the reality that sometimes good things can lead to bad consequences, and that suffering isn’t always something we can control. God's perspective : It shows us that God might be allowing this hardship to test us, to show us our true character, or to guide us towards a deeper understanding of ourselves and His plan for us. Important Note: It’s important to remember that Psalm 35:12 isn't necessarily about you being punished by God. It's more about the experience of suffering – the feeling of pain, sadness, or distress caused by something that goes against your will. It’s a reminder that we all experience hardship and that it’s okay to feel hurt sometimes. Resources if you want to explore this further: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Psalm/35/12](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Psalm/35/12) - This allows you to read the verse in different translations and see how it’s interpreted across different traditions. Bible Kids: [https://kids.bibleonline.org/verse/35/12](https://kids.bibleonline.org/verse/35/12) – A good, easy-to-understand explanation for younger readers. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Psalm 35? Discuss the meaning of suffering in a broader context?

Definition: But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing [was] sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Psalm 35:13. It's a really beautiful and comforting verse from the Bible, and it speaks about a woman experiencing hardship. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Imagine a woman is going through a really tough time – maybe she’s feeling sad, worried, or overwhelmed. When her friends and family are sick, she feels very helpless and distressed. She quickly wraps herself in a dark, heavy cloth (sackcloth) to protect herself from the cold and show her sadness. What it Means Figuratively: “My clothing [was] sackcloth” : This isn't about literally wearing a sackcloth! It means she was feeling very vulnerable, ashamed, and burdened by her emotions. It’s like she was trying to hide her pain and make herself smaller. "I humbled my soul with fasting" : She took a break from things that made her sad – like eating or socializing – to focus on prayer and reflection. It shows she was letting go of some of the negative emotions so she could be more focused on God. “My prayer returned into mine own bosom” : This is the most important part! She realized that instead of asking for help from others, she needed to turn her thoughts and feelings inward – to pray to God directly. She wasn’t just pleading for someone else to fix things; she was turning to God as the source of strength and comfort. Overall Meaning: This verse shows a woman recognizing her own vulnerability and needing to turn to God for solace and guidance during difficult times. It’s about finding strength in prayer and trusting in God's love and care, even when things are hard. Why it’s important: It reminds us that we can find comfort and peace in prayer, even when we feel overwhelmed by our own struggles. It emphasizes the importance of turning to God for help and support – not just from others, but directly from Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage (when was it written)? Talk about how this verse relates to a specific theme in the Bible?

Definition: I behaved myself as though [he had been] my friend [or] brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth [for his] mother.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Psalm 35:14. It's a really powerful and poignant passage about suffering and resilience. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: The verse describes a person who was experiencing deep pain and sadness, but they were trying to minimize that sadness by behaving in a way that seemed like a friend or brother would. It's a moment of intense sorrow. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “I behaved myself as though [he had been] my friend…” – This is the key part. It means the person was trying to appear friendly and comforting, even though they were deeply hurting. They were trying to be supportive in a way that felt genuine. “…I bowed down heavily…” – This suggests extreme sadness, despair, or perhaps shame. It’s not just a little bit sad; it's a monumental display of emotional distress. “as one that mourneth [for his] mother.” - This is the most important part. The person was mourning for their mother. It signifies a profound loss and grief – a deep, enduring sorrow. Putting it all together: The verse paints a picture of someone who was experiencing intense pain and heartbreak. Instead of letting their sadness surface, they actively tried to minimize it by appearing calm and supportive. It’s a moment where their suffering is being presented as a reflection of the pain they felt for their mother, highlighting the depth of their grief. Overall Meaning & Context: This verse speaks to the human experience of dealing with loss and hardship. It acknowledges that sometimes, we can unintentionally try to mask our pain by behaving in a way that might seem like comfort – even if it’s not truly comforting. It's about acknowledging the reality of suffering while still trying to maintain composure or appear positive. Why is this verse significant? Psalm 35:14 is often interpreted as a reflection of David's own experience during a time of great sorrow and loss after the death of his mother. It’s a testament to his resilience and his ability to find strength even in the face of unimaginable pain. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Psalm 35? Discuss what this verse might mean in a broader context (like biblical themes)?

Definition: But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: [yea], the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew [it] not; they did tear [me], and ceased not:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Psalm 35:15. It’s a really powerful and complex passage about suffering and God’s presence. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a moment of intense distress and pain – the speaker is feeling incredibly hurt and alone. Then, immediately after that pain, people around him start to criticize, mock, and even physically harm him. It’s like a vicious cycle of suffering and negativity. Let's unpack it: “But in mine adversity they rejoiced…” : This is the key part. The speaker is experiencing hardship – sadness, frustration, being wronged – but they are also feeling joy and comfort. It’s a contrast that highlights the difference between our reaction to suffering and how others react. “…and gathered themselves together:” They were physically grouping together - perhaps seeking solace or support in each other. “[yea], the abjects gathered themselves together against me…” : This is where it gets really intense. The "abjects" – meaning the people who are criticizing him – are actively attacking and harming him. They’re deliberately trying to cause pain and distress. It's a clear act of hostility. “and I knew [it] not:” This is the most difficult part to translate. It means the speaker didn’t understand why they were being targeted or what their enemies were doing. They felt completely vulnerable and helpless. It suggests a sense of confusion and lack of control. What it says about God: The verse isn't just about the speaker's suffering; it also speaks to God’s presence in our lives. It implies that God is watching over us, even when we feel alone and vulnerable. It suggests: God’s Presence: God is aware of our pain and is present with us, even amidst turmoil. Protection: It speaks to the idea that God doesn't abandon us during difficult times. Overall Meaning – A Story of Struggle & Hope This verse paints a picture of a time of profound struggle. The speaker feels attacked and helpless, but then, unexpectedly, they experience joy from their companions. It’s a reminder that: Suffering is inevitable: Life inevitably involves hardship. God's Love is Present: Even in our darkest moments, God isn't absent; He's actively involved and offering comfort. It’s about recognizing that God's love doesn’t diminish our pain but rather provides a source of strength to endure it. --- Do you want me to explain this verse further? For example: We could delve deeper into the symbolism of "abjects" and their meaning. I can offer different interpretations based on biblical theology.

Definition: With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Psalm 35:16. It’s a really powerful and sad passage about feeling hurt and rejected. Here's what it means in simpler terms: What it says: “With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth.” Let’s unpack each part: “With hypocritical mockers in feasts…” – This means people who are pretending to be righteous or good, but secretly judging and criticizing others - especially during a celebration or gathering. They're acting like they're being punished or uncomfortable because of their behavior. Think of it like someone trying to look perfect while actually feeling insecure about themselves. “…they gnashed upon me with their teeth.” – This is the really heavy part. “Gnashing” means to bite and chew forcefully. So, this describes a harsh, angry, and biting expression of negativity. It’s like they were actively attacking or cursing you with their words. It suggests intense anger and resentment. Overall Meaning & What it's about: This verse paints a picture of deep hurt and betrayal. The speaker feels deeply wronged because of the actions of these people. They’re being deliberately targeted and criticized – they're using their judgment to tear you down. It conveys a sense of profound sadness, anger, and possibly even despair. Why is this important? This verse reminds us that judgment can be very damaging. It highlights the importance of: Being kind to yourself: Don’t let others' negativity affect your self-esteem. Seeking forgiveness: It encourages seeking God's forgiveness for any hurt you have experienced. Focusing on your own goodness: Remember that God sees your worth even when others don't. In a nutshell, Psalm 35:16 is about the pain of being judged and criticized by those who are not true friends. It’s a reminder to be mindful of how we treat others and to prioritize our own well-being. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the meaning in a different way (e.g., from a psychological perspective)?

Definition: Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling from the lions.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Psalm 35:17 together. This is a really powerful and emotional passage of prayer. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse expresses deep worry and desperation about someone being threatened or harmed. It’s a plea for protection and reassurance from a difficult situation. Let's unpack it word by word: “Lord, how long wilt thou look on?” – This is the core of the plea. “Look on” means to watch, to observe, to see something happen. The speaker is asking God how much longer He will allow this situation to continue. They’re feeling a profound sense of worry that it won't end. “rescue my soul from their destructions…” – This refers to someone or something being harmed by evil, misfortune, or danger. “Destructions” means being ruined, damaged, or destroyed. The speaker is asking for God to save them from this harm. “my darling from the lions.” – This is a very striking and emotional image. “Lions” are powerful and dangerous animals. The speaker is expressing that they are in immediate danger from these lions - representing a difficult or threatening person or situation. It’s a metaphor for facing overwhelming hardship or pain. Overall Meaning & Tone: The verse conveys a feeling of intense anxiety, fear, and dependence on God. It speaks to the vulnerability of someone who feels helpless against a powerful force. The speaker is asking for God's protection and intervention in their life, offering a desperate plea for safety. In essence, it’s a heartfelt expression of profound worry and reliance on God’s grace and protection. --- Would you like me to: Explain the context of Psalm 35? Discuss the meaning of the imagery used (like the lions)? Give you some related Bible verses about trust in God?

Definition: I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Psalm 35:18! It’s a really beautiful and comforting verse. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says: “When we’re surrounded by lots of people, especially when we’re praising God, we’ll be happy and thankful.” Let's unpack that a little bit more: “I will give thee thanks…” – This is a direct expression of gratitude. It means you’ll feel thankful to God for something. “…in the great congregation” - “Great congregation” refers to a large group of people, like a crowd or a gathering. It's not just any crowd; it suggests a significant and important group. “I will praise thee among much people.” – This is the core of the verse. It means you’ll be expressing your joy and adoration towards God by sharing that feeling with many others. What does this tell us about God? It paints a picture of God as someone who is loved and appreciated . He’s not just interested in being alone; He wants to share his happiness with those around him. It suggests a sense of community and blessing – that God values our presence and joy. In a nutshell, the verse encourages us to be thankful for God's presence and to let our joy out into the world. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the meaning of this verse in more detail (perhaps relating it to a specific situation)?