Psalm 35:19 is a powerful expression of someone who is being unjustly attacked and longs for deliverance from their enemies. Let's break down the meaning:
"Don’t let those who are my enemies wrongfully rejoice over me": This is a plea to God not to allow the enemies to celebrate a victory they haven't rightfully earned. The "wrongfully" or "falsely" is a crucial part. It indicates that the speaker believes they are being attacked unjustly. Their enemies would be rejoicing not because of any wrongdoing on the speaker's part, but because of false accusations or malevolent schemes.
"neither let those who hate me without a cause wink their eyes": This reinforces the idea of unjustified hatred and malicious intent. "Hate me without a cause" means the speaker has done nothing to warrant such animosity. "Winking their eyes" is a subtle, but important detail:
In ancient Near Eastern culture (and even today), winking could be a sign of secret plotting, malicious glee, or victory (over someone else).
It shows that the enemies are confident and feel they are winning.
The psalmist is asking God not to let the enemies revel in their perceived triumph, because the triumph is founded on unjust hatred.
Overall Meaning:
The verse is a passionate cry for justice. The psalmist believes they are being persecuted unjustly and asks God not to allow their enemies to celebrate a false victory. It highlights the pain of being hated and attacked for no valid reason and asks God to prevent the enemies from gloating or succeeding in their malevolent plans. It's a plea for vindication and protection from undeserved malice. The psalmist is deeply hurt by the injustice and wants God to intervene.
Psalm 35:19 is a powerful expression of someone who is being unjustly attacked and longs for deliverance from their enemies. Let's break down the meaning:
"Don’t let those who are my enemies wrongfully rejoice over me": This is a plea to God not to allow the enemies to celebrate a victory they haven't rightfully earned. The "wrongfully" or "falsely" is a crucial part. It indicates that the speaker believes they are being attacked unjustly. Their enemies would be rejoicing not because of any wrongdoing on the speaker's part, but because of false accusations or malevolent schemes.
"neither let those who hate me without a cause wink their eyes": This reinforces the idea of unjustified hatred and malicious intent. "Hate me without a cause" means the speaker has done nothing to warrant such animosity. "Winking their eyes" is a subtle, but important detail:
In ancient Near Eastern culture (and even today), winking could be a sign of secret plotting, malicious glee, or victory (over someone else).
It shows that the enemies are confident and feel they are winning.
The psalmist is asking God not to let the enemies revel in their perceived triumph, because the triumph is founded on unjust hatred.
Overall Meaning:
The verse is a passionate cry for justice. The psalmist believes they are being persecuted unjustly and asks God not to allow their enemies to celebrate a false victory. It highlights the pain of being hated and attacked for no valid reason and asks God to prevent the enemies from gloating or succeeding in their malevolent plans. It's a plea for vindication and protection from undeserved malice. The psalmist is deeply hurt by the injustice and wants God to intervene.