Psalms 35:26
Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify themselves against me.
Original Language Analysis
יֵ֘בֹ֤שׁוּ
Let them be ashamed
H954
יֵ֘בֹ֤שׁוּ
Let them be ashamed
Strong's:
H954
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
וְיַחְפְּר֨וּ׀
and brought to confusion
H2659
וְיַחְפְּר֨וּ׀
and brought to confusion
Strong's:
H2659
Word #:
2 of 10
to blush; figuratively, to be ashamed, disappointed; causatively, to shame, reproach
יִֽלְבְּשׁוּ
let them be clothed
H3847
יִֽלְבְּשׁוּ
let them be clothed
Strong's:
H3847
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
בֹ֥שֶׁת
with shame
H1322
בֹ֥שֶׁת
with shame
Strong's:
H1322
Word #:
7 of 10
shame (the feeling and the condition, as well as its cause); by implication (specifically) an idol
Cross References
Psalms 38:16For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.Psalms 132:18His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish.Job 19:5If indeed ye will magnify yourselves against me, and plead against me my reproach:Job 8:22They that hate thee shall be clothed with shame; and the dwelling place of the wicked shall come to nought.
Historical Context
Clothing metaphors were powerful in cultures where garments signified status. To be clothed with shame meant public disgrace, the opposite of the honor-robes these enemies sought.
Questions for Reflection
- How does pride make us vulnerable to divine opposition?
- In what ways are you tempted to magnify yourself rather than humble yourself before God?
Analysis & Commentary
The judicial imagery reaches its climax: shame and dishonor as divine verdict on the proud who exalted themselves. Being 'clothed' with shame contrasts their desired clothing with honor, showing that God's judgment reverses human aspirations. Those who 'magnify themselves' (Hebrew 'gadal,' make great) against David actually magnify themselves against God's anointed, thus warranting divine humiliation. This anticipates Philippians 2—self-exaltation leads to humbling, humility to exaltation.