Psalms 35:13
But I, when they were sick— I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting; I prayed with head bowed on my chest.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Even though his enemies repaid his kindness with cruelty, David's true empathy meant he still donned sackcloth and fasted when they were sick. The phrase "my prayer returned into mine own bosom" doesn't mean his prayers were unanswered, but rather that his deep, heartfelt prayers for them were constantly repeated and held within his own heart, showing the sincerity of his compassion.
The Psalmist describes the deep, sacrificial love he showed to those who are now violently attacking him. While they were suffering from sickness or distress, he wore sackcloth, fasted, and prayed earnestly for them as if they were his dearest kin. However, when these enemies recovered and saw him falter, they not only showed no gratitude but actively rejoiced in his suffering and conspired against him with false accusations.
Imagine your harshest critics suddenly falling ill. What's your gut reaction? David's response here is astonishingly counter-cultural.
David describes profound empathy for those who were actively plotting his destruction. He didn't just not rejoice in their suffering; he actively mourned and interceded for them.
The Depth of His Grief
What does it mean for your prayer to 'return into your own bosom'? It speaks volumes about the nature and persistence of true prayer.
The phrase 'my prayer returned into mine own bosom' is a rich image that scholars have explored deeply. It doesn't mean his prayer was ineffective or unheard.
Layers of Meaning
Understand the original words
śaq · Hebrew Noun
A coarse fabric, typically made of goat's hair, worn as a sign of extreme mourning, repentance, or distress before God.
ṣûm · Hebrew Verb
To abstain from food for a period, often as a spiritual discipline of humility, intercession, or seeking God's favor in times of crisis.
pālal · Hebrew Verb
The act of communicating with God, involving adoration, confession, thanksgiving, or supplication; it is an expression of dependence upon the Lord.
This psalm reveals David's deep personal anguish over the betrayal of those he had shown immense kindness to, highlighting the stark contrast between his compassionate actions and his enemies' cruel rejoinders.
c. 1025 BC
David Anointed King
Samuel the prophet anoints David, the youngest son of Jesse, as king over Israel, marking him as God's chosen leader though Saul still reigns.
c. 1015-1010 BC
David Flees Saul
David flees for his life from the jealous King Saul, living as a fugitive, gathering followers, and demonstrating loyalty even to his persecutor.
c. 1010 BC
David Spares Saul's Life
While Saul is vulnerable in a cave at En Gedi, David's men urge him to kill the king, but David refuses, cutting off a piece of Saul's robe instead, showing mercy.
c. 1010 BC
David Spares Saul Again
David and Abishai enter Saul's camp at night and find the king sleeping defenseless. David takes Saul's spear and water jug but again refuses to harm him.
c. 1005 BC
This passage shows David fasting and wearing sackcloth and ashes when his infant son was sick, demonstrating profound grief and a fervent prayer for mercy on behalf of another.
Job 16:15Job describes himself as clothed in sackcloth and covered in ashes during his affliction, mirroring the outward signs of deep sorrow and self-affliction mentioned in Psalms 35.
Luke 10:30-37The parable of the Good Samaritan powerfully illustrates showing compassion and kindness, even to those who are enemies or strangers, reflecting the selfless care David extended to his persecutors.
Matthew 5:44Jesus' teaching to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you directly aligns with David's actions of fasting and praying for those who were attacking him.
calvinPsalms 35:11-15: "False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not."
- Violent witnesses rise up, they charge me with things which I know not. 12. They render me evil for good, to the bereaving [708] of my soul. 13. But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I afflicted my soul with fasting; and have poured my prayer into my own bosom. 14. I behaved myself towards him as if he had been my friend and brother: I humbled myself as one that mourneth h…
poolePsalms 35:13: "But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom."
Sick; or in any other great misery. Sackcloth; which was the habit of mourners, Genesis 37:34 Matthew 11:21 Revelation 11:3 . I humbled my soul, Heb. I afflicted my soul , (of which phrase see Leviticus 16:29,31 23:27,32 , &c.,) partly with fasting, and partly with compassion and fervent prayers for them. And my prayer returned into mine own…
Even though his enemies repaid his kindness with cruelty, David's true empathy meant he still donned sackcloth and fasted when they were sick. The phrase "my prayer returned into mine own bosom" doesn't mean his prayers were unanswered, but rather that his deep, heartfelt prayers for them were constantly repeated and held within his own heart, showing the sincerity of his compassion.
The Psalmist describes the deep, sacrificial love he showed to those who are now violently attacking him. While they were suffering from sickness or distress, he wore sackcloth, fasted, and prayed earnestly for them as if they were his dearest kin. However, when these enemies recovered and saw him falter, they not only showed no gratitude but actively rejoiced in his suffering and conspired against him with false accusations.
The Psalmist describes the deep, sacrificial love he showed to those who are now violently attacking him. While they were suffering from sickness or distress, he wore sackcloth, fasted, and prayed earnestly for them as if they were his dearest kin. However, when these enemies recovered and saw him falter, they not only showed no gratitude but actively rejoiced in his suffering and conspired against him with false accusations.
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David Reigns as King
After Saul's death, David becomes king of Judah and later all Israel, facing ongoing challenges and enemies throughout his long reign.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
David's Loyalty Despite Betrayal
The Psalmist (traditionally David) laments that his enemies, whom he treated with kindness and compassion, even fasting and praying for them when they were sick, now seek his destruction and rejoice in his suffering.
"But I, when they were sick— I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting; I prayed with head bowed on my chest." — Even though his enemies repaid his kindness with cruelty, David's true empathy meant he still donned sackcloth and fasted when they were sick. The phrase "my prayer returned into mine own bosom" does…
