What does Psalms 35:22 mean?

"This thou hast seen, O LORD: keep not silence: O Lord, be not far from me." - Psalms 35:22

"This thou hast seen, O LORD: keep not silence: O Lord, be not far from me." - Psalms 35:22

The Bible verse Psalm 35:22 from the King James Version (KJV) reads, "This thou hast seen, O LORD: keep not silence: O Lord, be not far from me." This verse is part of a larger psalm attributed to David, in which he petitions God for deliverance from his enemies.

The overarching theme of Psalm 35 is David's cry for justice and deliverance from his adversaries. In the preceding verses, David describes how his enemies have wrongfully accused him, sought his harm, and rejoiced in his misfortune. He turns to God, asking for His intervention and protection. In verse 22, David appeals to God's omniscience, acknowledging that God has seen the injustices done to him. He implores God to not remain silent, but to take action on his behalf. David also expresses his need for God's nearness, asking that the Lord not be far from him.

The context of this verse is essential for understanding its significance. At the time of writing, David was facing significant opposition and persecution. As a prominent figure in ancient Israel, he had many enemies who sought to undermine his leadership and harm him personally. In this psalm, David pours out his heart to God, expressing his anguish and fear in the face of threats and malicious attacks.

The symbolism in Psalm 35:22 is particularly poignant. By acknowledging that God has seen the injustices done to him, David affirms his faith in God's awareness of his circumstances. This demonstrates the depth of his relationship with God, as he knows that he is not alone in his suffering. Additionally, David's plea for God to not remain silent reflects his desperation for divine intervention. He longs for God to speak out on his behalf, to bring about a resolution to his troubles. The desire for God's proximity in the face of adversity speaks to the intimacy of David's relationship with the Lord, as he seeks comfort and strength in God's presence.

Furthermore, the language used in this verse conveys a sense of urgency and passion. David's pleas are heartfelt, and his desperation is palpable. This serves as a reminder of the raw emotions and struggles that all people face, even those who are counted as righteous before God. David's unreserved honesty in expressing his distress provides a model for believers to bring their concerns and fears to God, trusting in His faithfulness and justice.

Overall, Psalm 35:22 reflects the timeless human experience of grappling with injustice and suffering, and the longing for God's intervention and nearness in such times. It is a poignant reminder of the reality of adversity and the need for steadfast faith in God's providence. The verse serves as an encouragement for believers to turn to God in times of trouble, trusting in His care and ultimate deliverance.

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Psalms 35:22 Artwork

Psalms 35:22 - "This thou hast seen, O LORD: keep not silence: O Lord, be not far from me."

Psalms 35:22 - "This thou hast seen, O LORD: keep not silence: O Lord, be not far from me."

"This thou hast seen, O LORD: keep not silence: O Lord, be not far from me." - Psalms 35:22

"This thou hast seen, O LORD: keep not silence: O Lord, be not far from me." - Psalms 35:22

Psalm
 35:22

Psalm 35:22

Psalms 105:35 - "And did eat up all the herbs in their land, and devoured the fruit of their ground."

Psalms 105:35 - "And did eat up all the herbs in their land, and devoured the fruit of their ground."

"And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer." - Psalms 78:35

"And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer." - Psalms 78:35

"With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth." - Psalms 35:16

"With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth." - Psalms 35:16

"He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings." - Psalms 107:35

"He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings." - Psalms 107:35

Psalms 104:35 - "Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye the LORD."

Psalms 104:35 - "Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye the LORD."

"Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help." - Psalms 35:2

"Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help." - Psalms 35:2

Psalms 78:35 - "And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer."

Psalms 78:35 - "And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer."

Psalms 106:35 - "But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works."

Psalms 106:35 - "But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works."

"Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them." - Psalms 35:6

"Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them." - Psalms 35:6

Psalms 22:18 - "They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture."

Psalms 22:18 - "They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture."

Psalms 35:16 - "With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth."

Psalms 35:16 - "With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth."

Psalms 35:12 - "They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul."

Psalms 35:12 - "They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul."

Psalms 107:35 - "He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings."

Psalms 107:35 - "He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings."

Psalms 35:2 - "Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help."

Psalms 35:2 - "Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help."

Psalms 35:6 - "Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them."

Psalms 35:6 - "Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them."

"Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase them." - Psalms 35:5

"Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase them." - Psalms 35:5

Psalms 35:20 - "For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land."

Psalms 35:20 - "For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land."

Psalms 35:9 - "And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation."

Psalms 35:9 - "And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation."

Psalms 89:35 - "Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David."

Psalms 89:35 - "Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David."

Psalms 69:35 - "For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah: that they may dwell there, and have it in possession."

Psalms 69:35 - "For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah: that they may dwell there, and have it in possession."

Psalms 119:35 - "Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight."

Psalms 119:35 - "Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight."

Psalms 35:5 - "Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase them."

Psalms 35:5 - "Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase them."

Psalms 35:28 - "And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long."

Psalms 35:28 - "And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long."

"They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion." - Psalms 22:13

"They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion." - Psalms 22:13

Psalms 35:11 - "False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not."

Psalms 35:11 - "False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not."

Psalms 22:7

Psalms 22:7

Psalms 35:18 - "I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people."

Psalms 35:18 - "I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people."