Psalms 35:5
Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the Lord chase them.
Psalms 35:5 (KJV)
Context
Psalm 35 is attributed to King David and is a psalm of lament. In this psalm, David cries out to God for deliverance and justice against enemies who attack him without cause. He seeks God’s intervention and calls upon Him to bring judgment upon his adversaries.
Meaning
In Psalm 35:5, David uses vivid imagery to express his desire for God to deal with his enemies. He compares them to “chaff before the wind.” Chaff is the light, worthless husk of grain that is separated from the edible kernel during threshing and is easily blown away by the wind. David envisions his enemies being carried away and scattered, just like chaff blown away by a strong wind. Additionally, David asks for the “angel of the LORD” to chase them, emphasising the divine intervention and supernatural assistance he seeks. The angel of the Lord is the Lord’s messenger, a created being who ministers to God and obeys His orders. This angel is able to protect God’s people and destroy their enemies, as seen when one angel destroyed the firstborn of Egypt (Exodus 12:29) and another destroyed the Assyrian army (2 Kings 19:35).
Biblical connections
The imagery of chaff also appears in Psalm 1:4, where the wicked are described as chaff driven by the wind. This reinforces the idea that the wicked are insubstantial and easily scattered by God’s judgment. The verse is part of a series of imprecations in Psalm 35, with verse 6 continuing the theme of the angel of the Lord pursuing the enemies.
Application
Trust in God’s Justice: David’s plea for divine intervention in Psalm 35 reminds us that when we face opposition or unjust treatment, we can turn to God, who is just and righteous. Like David, we can trust that God sees our situation and will ultimately bring justice to those who wrong us.
Recognition of Transience: The imagery of chaff being blown away highlights the fleeting nature of human power and wickedness. Our enemies may seem strong and influential for a time, but ultimately, they are temporary and vulnerable. When we face adversaries, we should remember that their power is temporary, and our trust should be in God, who is eternal and sovereign.
Seeking Divine Assistance: David’s invocation of the “angel of the LORD” reveals his reliance on divine intervention. It reminds us to seek God’s assistance in times of trouble. While we may face challenges beyond our control, we can call upon God’s supernatural help, trusting that He will fight on our behalf.
Prayer for Enemies: Although David asks for judgment against his enemies, it is important to note that he entrusts their fate to God’s hands rather than seeking personal revenge. As Christians, we are called to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). While we may desire justice, it is crucial to approach such prayers with a heart of forgiveness and to allow God to bring about His perfect will.
Reflection
This verse is a plea for God’s intervention, expressing confidence that God will act on behalf of the righteous. It is a prayer for the defeat of the wicked, not a call for personal vengeance. The language is poetic and forceful, reflecting the intensity of David’s distress and his reliance on God’s justice.
