Psalm 35 (34):19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

May my adversaries not exult over me without reason, for they celebrate my struggles. They despise me without justification, being those I have never wronged, feigning sincerity (Psalms 34:19). They have promised me peace (Psalms 34:20), yet their hearts harbor deceit. What does this feigned sincerity reveal? It exposes a facade that contradicts their true intentions. Who are these duplicitous individuals? They have indeed spoken words of peace to me while nurturing anger and deceit within.

Once more, he refers to those who stirred up Saul, who feigned friendship while truly being adversaries. The Prophet articulates this more distinctly in the subsequent verses.

The concept of pretense holds no value. The speaker asserts that he has not wronged anyone, nor has he acted in any way that would provoke animosity from his foes. Through his gaze, David conveys his disapproval of the flatterers who discreetly averted their eyes from Saul, effectively disavowing David's words or actions in his presence. The eminent Basil remarks that the act of blinking symbolizes those who are sycophantic. The act of blinking is universally criticized; for instance, in Proverbs, it describes the wicked person as one who “blinks his eye,” signals with his foot, and instructs with gestures of his fingers (Proverbs 6:13). Additionally, it states that those who blink deceitfully bring about the sorrow of others (Proverbs 10:10).

Inner Reflection Can you relate this to the Passion of our Lord? The Passion unfolded in such a way that we might be prepared. The closer you draw to God, the more adversaries you may face, and trials will persist. They tempt you, mockingly dishonoring you, and gnash their teeth in opposition. In your distress, you should exclaim, "Lord! When will You take notice? Deliver my soul from their malice, from the lions, my only-begotten." Our soul is unique both in essence and love.

As David faced the triumph of his adversaries during his downfall, he earnestly implores God to prevent their wicked celebration from enduring. To further please the Lord, it is underscored that their enmity towards him was unfounded, driven solely by malicious intent. Possessing the assurance of a clear conscience is essential when seeking God's swift assistance in times of trial. The repetition of similar expressions shortly thereafter highlights David's justified grievance against the unjust animosity of his foes; for a man who lives in peace and kindness, having offered them good deeds without causing any harm, finds himself the target of hatred and persecution. The reference to wiping away tears at the close of the verse conveys a sense of rebuke and mockery; similarly, in Psalm 21:8, the bending of the head carries the same implication.

The unrighteous among the Jews harbored hostility towards Christ the Lord, and their hearts were devoid of joy, as they sought to extinguish the life of the Eternal One permanently. Yet, in doing so, they brought condemnation upon themselves, failing to find joy, as they desired the demise of the Immortal One.