Psalms 35:4

“Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt.”

Psalm 35 is attributed to David and is classified as a psalm of lament. In this particular verse, David expresses his desire for God to deal with his enemies, those who are seeking to harm him and take his life. David appeals to God for justice and asks that his adversaries be confounded, put to shame, turned back, and brought to confusion.

Let’s break down the verse and explore its meaning:

“Let them be confounded and put to shame”: David wants his enemies to experience confusion and shame. He desires that their plans against him be thwarted, exposing their evil intentions and causing them to feel humiliated.

“That seek after my soul”: David refers to those who are actively pursuing his life, seeking to harm or kill him. These individuals are relentless in their pursuit and pose a threat to his well-being.

“Let them be turned back and brought to confusion”: David wants his enemies to be turned away from their malicious intentions. He asks that their plans be frustrated and that they experience confusion and disarray instead.

“That devise my hurt”: David acknowledges that his adversaries are actively plotting and devising strategies to cause him harm. He seeks God’s intervention to protect him from their schemes and to turn those schemes against his enemies.

It is important to note that this psalm reflects David’s personal plea for deliverance from his enemies, and it expresses his human emotions and desires for justice. It is a reminder that it is natural to turn to God in times of distress, seeking protection, vindication, and the defeat of those who wish to harm us.