What can we learn about handling betrayal from Psalm 35:15? The scene David paints “ But when I stumbled, they assembled in glee; they gathered together against me; assailants I did not know tore at me without ceasing.” (Psalm 35:15) David pictures a moment when he trips—physically, emotionally, or politically—and instead of friends rushing to lift him up, a hostile crowd rushes to finish him off. Betrayal replaces support. What betrayal can look like • Sudden: “they assembled in glee” • Coordinated: “they gathered together” • Personal: “assailants I did not know” (people he thought were neutral now act like enemies) • Relentless: “tore at me without ceasing” Recognizing these traits helps us call betrayal what it is rather than excusing or minimizing it. Lessons for handling betrayal • Acknowledge the pain – David doesn’t gloss over the hurt. Naming wrong is a first step toward healing (see Psalm 55:12-14). • Bring the matter straight to God – Psalm 35 as a whole is a prayer, reminding us that the Lord invites every raw feeling (Psalm 62:8). • Resist retaliation – David appeals to God for justice rather than plotting revenge. – Jesus modeled this: “When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate… but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23) • Expect betrayal without becoming cynical – Fallen people fail us; only the Lord is unfailingly faithful (2 Timothy 4:16-17). • Wait for God’s vindication – Romans 12:19: “Never avenge yourselves, but leave room for God’s wrath.” – Psalm 35 ends with God setting things right; our story will, too, in His timing. Practical responses 1. Pour out your complaint in prayer; be as honest as David. 2. Ask the Spirit to guard your heart from bitterness (Hebrews 12:15). 3. Keep obeying God in everyday duties—integrity is your defense (Psalm 37:5-6). 4. Seek wise, godly counsel rather than broadcasting the hurt to anyone who will listen (Proverbs 11:14). 5. Bless, not curse, those who wrong you (Luke 6:27-28); this releases their judgment to the Lord. A foreshadow of Christ David’s experience points ahead to the greater Son of David. Jesus was betrayed by a friend’s kiss (Luke 22:47-48), abandoned by nearly all, yet He entrusted Himself to the Father, securing our salvation through His righteous response. When we face betrayal, we follow the One who has gone before us. In summary Psalm 35:15 shows betrayal at its ugliest, yet it also lights a path: name the wrong, take it to God, refuse revenge, and trust the Lord to vindicate. |
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