What does Psalm 35:12 mean?
David had been good to those who now sought to kill him. Twice, David could have killed Saul (1 Samuel 24; 26). On one occasion Saul even admitted that David was a better man than he (1 Samuel 24:17). Yet he continued to oppose David, as did his men. Instead of responding to his kindness with good, David's enemies did him wrong. Such ungrateful treatment saddened David deeply.Essentially, all humanity has repaid God's goodness with evil. God created a beautiful world for mankind to enjoy. He faithfully causes the seasons to come and go in turn. His faithfulness is renewed every morning. He provides harvests and shelter for all. He demonstrated love toward everyone by giving His Son while everyone was lost in sin (Romans 5:8). Nevertheless, mankind has spurned the Lord's love and goodness. Isaiah 53:6 portrays all mankind as turning away from God and going astray. When in His goodness and grace Jesus came to earth to seek and to save sinners, the world rejected Him and ultimately nailed Him to a cross (Matthew 16:21).
Psalm 35:11–18 is the second of three variations on the same themes, which make up Psalm 35. David describes the attacks he endured. His enemy lied and used unscrupulous witnesses to level false accusations. This betrayal is made worse because David had been kind and loving towards them when they were in need. When they were sick, he prayed for them, and mourned when they did not recover. Yet now they ridiculed him. David calls out for God's intervention.
This is one of the "imprecatory psalms," which call on God to immediately judge or destroy His enemies. David echoes the same ideas in three phases. Each segment includes a plea for rescue, a request for God to conquer David's foes, and a promise to praise the Lord. David makes a point of noting that his enemies have no good reason for their hatred, since he was kind to them. With faith, David looks ahead, trusting he will have the opportunity to worship the Lord for His rescue and vindication.
