Psalm 35:27
May those who favor my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, "Exalted be the LORD who delights in His servant's well-being."
Let them shout for joy and be glad
This phrase calls the faithful to express exuberant joy and gladness. The Hebrew word for "shout for joy" is "רָנַן" (ranan), which conveys a sense of jubilant singing or shouting. Historically, this expression of joy was often associated with victory or deliverance, reflecting a deep-seated gratitude and celebration of God's intervention. The call to "be glad" further emphasizes a state of inner happiness and contentment, rooted in the assurance of God's justice and protection.

who favor my vindication
The term "vindication" in Hebrew is "צְדָקָה" (tsedaqah), which can also mean righteousness or justice. This phrase refers to those who support or take pleasure in the psalmist's righteous cause. In a broader scriptural context, it highlights the communal aspect of faith, where believers are encouraged to support one another in their pursuit of justice and righteousness, trusting that God will ultimately vindicate the righteous.

may they always say
The word "always" suggests a continual, unwavering declaration. It implies a steadfastness in faith and a perpetual acknowledgment of God's goodness. This constancy is a testament to the enduring nature of God's promises and the believer's commitment to proclaiming His praise.

‘The LORD be magnified
To "magnify" the LORD, from the Hebrew "גָּדַל" (gadal), means to make great or exalt. This phrase is a call to elevate God's name and character above all else, recognizing His supreme authority and majesty. Historically, magnifying the LORD was a central aspect of worship, reflecting a deep reverence and awe for His divine nature.

who delights in the well-being of His servant.’
The word "delights" comes from the Hebrew "חָפֵץ" (chaphets), indicating pleasure or desire. This phrase underscores God's benevolent nature and His active interest in the prosperity and welfare of His servants. The "well-being" or "peace" (שָׁלוֹם, shalom) of His servant encompasses not just physical health, but also spiritual and emotional wholeness. This assurance of God's delight in the prosperity of His people is a source of profound comfort and encouragement, affirming His loving care and provision.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The author of this psalm, David is seeking God's intervention against his adversaries. He is a central figure in the Old Testament, known for his deep relationship with God and his role as the King of Israel.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal presence and faithfulness to His people. In this verse, He is portrayed as one who delights in the well-being of His servant.

3. The Servant
While David is the immediate servant in context, this term can also be applied to any believer who seeks to serve God faithfully.

4. Adversaries
Though not mentioned directly in this verse, the context of Psalm 35 involves David's adversaries, against whom he seeks vindication.

5. The Community of Believers
Those who "delight in my vindication" are the community of believers who support and rejoice in God's justice and favor towards His servants.
Teaching Points
Delight in God's Justice
As believers, we should find joy in God's righteous judgments and His vindication of His people. This reflects our trust in His sovereignty and justice.

Magnify the LORD
Our response to God's work in our lives should be to magnify and glorify Him. This involves acknowledging His goodness and sharing His deeds with others.

Community Support
The verse highlights the importance of a supportive community that rejoices in each other's spiritual victories and well-being.

God's Delight in Us
Understanding that God delights in our well-being can encourage us to live faithfully, knowing that our lives bring joy to our Creator.

Joy in Trials
Even in the face of adversity, we can find joy and gladness in the assurance of God's ultimate vindication and care for us.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's delight in our well-being affect your daily walk with Him?

2. In what ways can you actively "magnify the LORD" in your life and community?

3. How can the community of believers support each other in times of trial and vindication?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's vindication. How did it impact your faith and relationship with Him?

5. How can the principles in Psalm 35:27 be applied to your current life situation, especially in dealing with adversaries or challenges?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 37:4
This verse speaks about delighting in the Lord and receiving the desires of one's heart, which parallels the joy and gladness mentioned in Psalm 35:27.

Philippians 4:4
Paul encourages believers to rejoice in the Lord always, which aligns with the call to "shout for joy and gladness" in this psalm.

Romans 8:28
This verse assures believers that God works for the good of those who love Him, similar to how God delights in the well-being of His servant.

1 Samuel 2:1
Hannah's prayer of rejoicing in God's deliverance reflects the joy and vindication sought in Psalm 35:27.
A Hard Case - a Very Hard One - Laid Before GodC. Clemance Psalm 35:1-28
The Flesh and the SpiritW. Forsyth Psalm 35:1-28
Pleas for TriumphC. Short Psalm 35:19-28
Magnifying GodHomilistPsalm 35:27-28
Sympathy with the GodlyD. Dickson.Psalm 35:27-28
People
David, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Always, Cause, Continually, Cries, Delight, Delighteth, Delights, Desire, Desiring, Evermore, Exalted, Exult, Favor, Favour, Glad, Gladness, Joy, Magnified, Peace, Pleasure, Praised, Prosperity, Rejoice, Righteous, Righteousness, Servant, Shout, Sing, Vindication, Welfare, Well-being, Yea, Yes
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 35:27

     7160   servants of the Lord

Library
Specific References to Prophecy in the Gospels
20. But, if it does not weary you, let the point out as briefly as possible, specific references to prophecy in the Gospels, that those who are being instructed in the first elements of the faith may have these testimonies written on their hearts, lest any doubt concerning the things which they believe should at any time take them by surprise. We are told in the Gospel that Judas, one of Christ's friends and associates at table, betrayed Him. Let the show you how this is foretold in the Psalms: "He
Various—Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.

Historical Summary and Chronological Tables.
a.d. 340. Birth of St. Ambrose (probably at Trèves), youngest son of Ambrose, Prefect of the Gauls. Constantine II. killed at Aquileia. Death of Eusebius. 341. Seventh Council of Antioch. Second exile of St. Athanasius. 343. Photinus begins teaching his heresy. 347. Birth of St. John Chrysostom. Council of Sardica. St. Athanasius restored. 348. Birth of Prudentius the Christian poet. 349. Synod of Sirmium against Photinus. 350. Death of the Emperor Constans. St. Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers.
St. Ambrose—Works and Letters of St. Ambrose

The Sixth Commandment
Thou shalt not kill.' Exod 20: 13. In this commandment is a sin forbidden, which is murder, Thou shalt not kill,' and a duty implied, which is, to preserve our own life, and the life of others. The sin forbidden is murder: Thou shalt not kill.' Here two things are to be understood, the not injuring another, nor ourselves. I. The not injuring another. [1] We must not injure another in his name. A good name is a precious balsam.' It is a great cruelty to murder a man in his name. We injure others in
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

The Ninth Commandment
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.' Exod 20: 16. THE tongue which at first was made to be an organ of God's praise, is now become an instrument of unrighteousness. This commandment binds the tongue to its good behaviour. God has set two natural fences to keep in the tongue, the teeth and lips; and this commandment is a third fence set about it, that it should not break forth into evil. It has a prohibitory and a mandatory part: the first is set down in plain words, the other
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Question of the Comparison Between the Active and the Contemplative Life
I. Is the Active Life preferable to the Contemplative? Cardinal Cajetan, On Preparation for the Contemplative Life S. Augustine, Confessions, X., xliii. 70 " On Psalm xxvi. II. Is the Active Life more Meritorious than the Contemplative? III. Is the Active Life a Hindrance to the Contemplative Life? Cardinal Cajetan, On the True Interior Life S. Augustine, Sermon, CCLVI., v. 6 IV. Does the Active Life precede the Contemplative? I Is the Active Life preferable to the Contemplative? The Lord
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

After the Scripture.
"In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God created He him."--Gen. v. 1. In the preceding pages we have shown that the translation, "in Our image," actually means, "after Our image." To make anything in an image is no language; it is unthinkable, logically untrue. We now proceed to show how it should be translated, and give our reason for it. We begin with citing some passages from the Old Testament in which occurs the preposition "B" which, in Gen. i. 27, stands before image, where
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Opposition to Messiah Unreasonable
Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD , and against His Anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. I t is generally admitted, that the institutes of Christianity, as contained in the New Testament, do at least exhibit a beautiful and salutary system of morals; and that a sincere compliance with the precepts of our Lord and His apostles,
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Notes on the Third Century
Page 161. Line 1. He must be born again, &c. This is a compound citation from John iii. 3, and Mark x. 15, in the order named. Page 182. Line 17. For all things should work together, &c. See Romans viii. 28. Page 184. Lines 10-11. Being Satan is able, &c. 2 Corinthians xi. 14. Page 184. Last line. Like a sparrow, &c. Psalm cii. Page 187. Line 1. Mechanisms. This word is, in the original MS., mechanicismes.' Page 187. Line 7. Like the King's daughter, &c. Psalm xlv. 14. Page 188. Med. 39. The best
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations

Concerning Persecution
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 We are now come to the last beatitude: Blessed are they which are persecuted . . '. Our Lord Christ would have us reckon the cost. Which of you intending to build a tower sitteth not down first and counteth the cost, whether he have enough to finish it?' (Luke 14:28). Religion will cost us the tears of repentance and the blood of persecution. But we see here a great encouragement that may
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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