Psalms 35:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 35:5
5 Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase them.
Chapter Context
Psalms 35 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of hope, faith, mercy. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-28: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 35:5
5 Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase them.
Analysis
Chaff represents worthlessness and vulnerability—the useless husks blown away during threshing. This imagery appears throughout Scripture (Psalm 1:4, Matthew 3:12) to depict the fate of the wicked. The 'angel of the LORD' may refer to the Angel of the LORD (Christophany) or divine agents executing judgment, emphasizing that God personally superintends the destruction of evil while the righteous need not lift a finger.
Historical Context
Ancient threshing involved tossing grain in the wind to separate wheat from chaff. This agricultural image would resonate powerfully with an agrarian society, vividly depicting how easily God scatters His enemies.
Reflection
- What 'chaff' in your life needs to be blown away by God's refining work?
- How does trusting God's timing in judgment free you from anxiety about evildoers?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Isaiah 37:36, Acts 12:23
- Parallel theme: Psalms 1:4, Exodus 14:19, Job 21:18, Isaiah 17:13, 29:5, Hosea 13:3