Psalms 35:24
Judge me, O LORD my God, according to thy righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me.
Original Language Analysis
שָׁפְטֵ֣נִי
Judge
H8199
שָׁפְטֵ֣נִי
Judge
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
1 of 7
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
כְ֭צִדְקְךָ
according to thy righteousness
H6664
כְ֭צִדְקְךָ
according to thy righteousness
Strong's:
H6664
Word #:
2 of 7
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
יְהוָ֥ה
me O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
me O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהָ֗י
my God
H430
אֱלֹהָ֗י
my God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 7
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וְאַל
H408
וְאַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
5 of 7
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
Cross References
Psalms 43:1Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.Psalms 26:1Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.Psalms 7:8The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me.Psalms 35:19Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.
Historical Context
Divine righteousness (Hebrew 'tsedeq') was foundational to Israel's covenant confidence. God's reputation as just Judge sustained hope that He would ultimately vindicate the oppressed and judge the wicked.
Questions for Reflection
- How does focusing on God's righteousness rather than your own change your prayers?
- When is it appropriate to ask God to not let evil triumph over you?
Analysis & Commentary
David appeals to God's righteousness as the basis for judgment, not his own merit. This reflects covenant theology where God's character guarantees justice. The petition 'let them not rejoice over me' recognizes that the wicked's triumph would imply God's inability or unwillingness to save, thus impugning His name. Personal vindication becomes secondary to God's glory—the primary concern is that God's righteousness be demonstrated.