Psalms 35:19
Let not those rejoice over me who are wrongfully my foes, and let not those wink the eye who hate me without cause.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "wink the eye" is a vivid expression of malicious, silent agreement among enemies, like a secret signal of satisfaction that the speaker is suffering. It highlights how some opposition isn't overt aggression, but a sinister, shared delight in your downfall.
David is in deep distress, facing enemies who are not only hostile but also falsely accuse him and take malicious delight in his suffering. He's pleading with God to intervene, to not allow these enemies to mock him with their evil schemes and satisfied glances. This prayer comes just before he asks God to rouse Himself and act on his behalf, highlighting the urgency of his situation and the malicious intent of those against him.
Ever felt attacked for no good reason? The Bible talks about enemies whose hatred is baseless, and their actions can be subtle yet hurtful.
The verse highlights two types of unjust enemies:
Both describe a deep injustice, where the victim is targeted not for their wrongdoing, but for the aggressor's own flawed perspective or malice. It points to a spiritual reality where God's faithful are often hated simply for following Him.
Beyond outright attacks, there are subtle gestures that communicate contempt. What does it mean to 'wink the eye' in mockery?
The phrase 'wink the eye' (or 'karats' in Hebrew) isn't just a casual gesture. It describes a specific kind of malicious communication:
David pleads with God to prevent these subtle, yet deeply hurtful, acts of derision from his enemies.
Understand the original words
oyeb · Hebrew Noun
A state of being in opposition or hostility toward someone; it refers to those who act as enemies or adversaries, often contrary to God's will.
sane · Hebrew Verb
A settled, active dislike or hostility toward God or His people; it is the opposite of the command to love one's neighbor and is often associated with the ways of the wicked.
This psalm is a cry from the heart of David, likely written during his desperate flight from King Saul. It’s a raw expression of betrayal and injustice, where David feels hated and hunted without cause by those who should be his allies.
c. 1025 BC
David Anointed King
Samuel anoints David as king, signifying God's chosen leader for Israel, though Saul remains on the throne. This marks the beginning of David's troubled ascent to power.
c. 1015-1010 BC— this verse
Saul's Persecution of David
King Saul, consumed by jealousy and fear, relentlessly pursues David, seeking to kill him. David is forced to flee and live as a fugitive in the wilderness, gathering a loyal following.
c. 1010 BC
David Spares Saul's Life
Twice David has opportunities to kill Saul but refuses, showing mercy and respect for God's anointed. These events highlight David's integrity amidst Saul's unjust hatred.
c. 1010-1005 BC
David in Exile
David continues to live in hiding, sometimes seeking refuge with foreign kings, always pursued by Saul. He composes many psalms during this period of intense suffering and reliance on God.
Jesus explicitly references this verse when speaking about His disciples being hated without cause, showing the deep fulfillment of this psalm in His own suffering and that of His followers.
Psalms 69:4This psalm shares the same sentiment, describing enemies who hate the psalmist without cause and speak falsely, highlighting the persistent theme of undeserved persecution within the Psalms.
Psalms 109:3Here, the psalmist pleads with God against enemies who speak against him with lying tongues and surround him with hateful words, echoing the cry in Psalm 35 against wrongful rejoicing.
Luke 6:22Jesus blesses His followers when they are hated and excluded because of Him, a direct parallel to the 'hated without cause' sentiment in this verse, showing the spiritual significance of such persecution.
calvinPsalms 35:19-23: "Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause."
- Let not those who are my enemies wrongfully rejoice over me; neither let those who hate me without a cause wink with the eye. 20. For they speak not peace; [719] but devise deceitful words upon the clefts of the earth. 21. They have opened their mouth against me: they have said, Aha! aha! our eye hath seen it. [720] 22. O Jehovah! thou hast also…
clarkePsalms 35:19: "Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause."
That are mine enemies - Saul and his courtiers.
The phrase "wink the eye" is a vivid expression of malicious, silent agreement among enemies, like a secret signal of satisfaction that the speaker is suffering. It highlights how some opposition isn't overt aggression, but a sinister, shared delight in your downfall.
David is in deep distress, facing enemies who are not only hostile but also falsely accuse him and take malicious delight in his suffering. He's pleading with God to intervene, to not allow these enemies to mock him with their evil schemes and satisfied glances. This prayer comes just before he asks God to rouse Himself and act on his behalf, highlighting the urgency of his situation and the malicious intent of those against him.
David is in deep distress, facing enemies who are not only hostile but also falsely accuse him and take malicious delight in his suffering. He's pleading with God to intervene, to not allow these enemies to mock him with their evil schemes and satisfied glances. This prayer comes just before he asks God to rouse Himself and act on his behalf, highlighting the urgency of his situation and the malicious intent of those against him.
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When faced with unjust enemies and their scornful glances, where do we turn? This Psalm directs us to the ultimate judge.
David's prayer in this verse is not just a complaint; it's a plea for divine justice and intervention. He asks God to intervene because:
This prayer reminds us that even when earthly justice seems absent, our ultimate hope lies in a God who sees all, knows all, and will, in His time, bring about true judgment and vindication.
c. 1005 BC
Saul's Death
Saul and his son Jonathan are killed in battle against the Philistines. This event marks the end of Saul's reign and the immediate danger to David's life.
c. 1005 BC
David Becomes King of Judah
Following Saul's death, David is proclaimed king over the tribe of Judah. He later becomes king over all Israel, consolidating his rule after a period of civil strife.
"Let not those rejoice over me who are wrongfully my foes, and let not those wink the eye who hate me without cause." — The phrase "wink the eye" is a vivid expression of malicious, silent agreement among enemies, like a secret signal of satisfaction that the speaker is suffering. It highlights how some opposition isn…
