Psalm 35 (34):28Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

However, our Lord Christ, exemplifying the ultimate moral standard, taught, "It was said to the ancients, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say unto you, Love your enemies and bless those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:43, 44). In alignment with this, the holy Apostle also stated, "Bless, and do not curse" (Romans 12:14). Therefore, recognizing this distinction is important: understand what aligns with the law and what aligns with grace. Thus, blessed David did not utter curses but rather prophetically prophesied what would undoubtedly happen. Furthermore, he refrained from seeking vengeance against those who wronged him. To grasp this, hear his own words: "If I repay those who repay me with evil, may I fall into the hands of my enemies; let them pursue my soul and trample my life into the ground, and let them cast my glory into the dust" (Psalm 7:5-6). Do not assume that he spoke these words without acting on them; in fact, his actions confirmed his words. His deeds reveal more than his speech. For on two occasions, when he had his enemy at his mercy, he not only refrained from killing him himself but also intervened to protect him from those who sought to do harm. When this enemy eventually fell in battle, he mourned deeply and received the news with great sorrow, exalting as if he himself had brought about his death. I find it essential to share this account for those who admire and emulate the divine David, so that they may beneficially draw wisdom from David’s profound example.

Believers who engage with this psalm should not extract justifications for cursing their adversaries as David did, but instead regard David as one who lived under the ancien permit, rather than the full grace of the gospel as understood today. The former covenant permitted animosity towards enemies, whereas the law of the gospel commands to love them instead. As the Lord Christ stated: ‘It was said unto the ancients, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy’ (Lev. 19:17, 18; Ex. 34:12). ‘But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you’ (Matt. 5:44). In a different context, David’s words do not serve to curse but rather predict, almost like an oath, the misfortunes destined for his foes. If he pronounces curses, they serve as a legal declaration, rather than a gospel pronouncement. Additionally, Solomon mentions, ‘Strike the unblemished silver, and it shall become perfectly pure’ (Proverbs 25:4). Hence, while David may seem to curse his enemies, he does so without malice; his intention is purely to wish for their souls' well-being, desiring that they might face chastisement here in order to avoid future judgment, or that others might draw lessons from their repentance due to divine correction. It is also pivotal to recognize that the essential phrases refer to the Lord Christ, as if spoken directly to the Father regarding the Jews who persecuted Him. Furthermore, Theodoret points out that David, in accordance with gospel teaching, did not seek vengeance against those who wronged him; he pleaded, "If I have repaid those who repaid me with evil, let me stumble in my dealings with my enemies." Not only did he voice such sentiments without living them out, but he embodied these principles; having had the chance to confront an enemy, he not only spared his life but also prohibited others from harming him. When that enemy fell in battle, David mourned deeply for him and even executed the one who brought news of his death due to the joy and arrogance displayed in his report.