Psalms 35:14

"But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth. I afflicted my soul with fasting. My prayer returned into my own bosom."

Key Reflection

When David wrote this psalm, he described his deep empathy and personal sacrifice during times of distress for others. The practice of wearing sackcloth and fasting was a public display of mourning and repentance. By stating that his prayer “returned into my own bosom,” David emphasized the sincerity and genuineness of his prayers, suggesting that they were heartfelt and deeply felt rather than merely verbalized. This verse reflects the cultural expectation for leaders to demonstrate genuine concern through personal actions like wearing sackcloth and fasting, highlighting the contrast between his authentic response and the insincerity of those who treated him poorly when he was in need.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

I behaved myself -Margin, as in Hebrew: “I walked.” The word “walk,” in the Scriptures, is often used to denote a course of conduct; the way in which a man lives and acts:Philippians 3:18;Galatians 2:14;1Th 4:12;2 Thessalonians 3:11. It is not improperly rendered here, “I behaved myself.” As though he had been my friend or brother -Margin, as in Hebrew: “as a friend, as a brother to me.” This shows that these persons were not his near “relations,” but that they were his intheate friends, or were supposed to be so. He felt and acted toward them as though they had been his nearest relations. I bowed down heavily -Prof.

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