Psalms 35:6

Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the Lord persecute them.

Psalms 35:6 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 35 is a lament by King David, who prays for deliverance from enemies that attack him without cause. In the surrounding verses, David asks God to fight against his foes and to rescue him from their plots. This verse is part of a series of requests for divine judgment.

Meaning

The words “dark and slippery” picture a path of adversity and confusion. The wicked cannot see where they are going, and they stumble and fall. They do not know where to flee or how to stand. David asks that the angel of the LORD pursue them, acting as God’s agent of judgment. This is vivid poetic language, not a description of literal events.

Biblical connections

The same image appears in Jeremiah 23:12, where God says that wicked prophets will walk in slippery places in darkness and fall. This shows that a dark and slippery way is a biblical picture of divine judgment. The angel of the LORD also appears elsewhere as a messenger who carries out God’s will.

Application

David brings his pain and his desire for justice honestly before God. Believers today can do the same, trusting that God sees wrong and will act rightly. At the same time, Jesus teaches His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who mistreat them (Matthew 5:44). This verse does not give permission for personal revenge; it leaves judgment in God’s hands.

Reflection

When we face unfair treatment, we may feel anger and confusion. Like David, we can turn to God with our honest feelings. We can ask Him to defend us and to bring about justice in His time, while we choose forgiveness and trust in His perfect wisdom.