May their path
The phrase "their path" refers to the way or course of life that the enemies of the psalmist are taking. In Hebrew, the word for "path" is "orach," which often signifies a well-trodden road or a way of life. The psalmist is invoking divine intervention to disrupt the plans and actions of those who seek to harm him. This reflects a common biblical theme where the righteous seek God's justice against the wicked, trusting that God will make their way difficult and uncertain.

be dark
The word "dark" in Hebrew is "choshek," which can mean darkness, obscurity, or even calamity. Darkness in the Bible often symbolizes confusion, danger, and the absence of God's presence. By asking for their path to be dark, the psalmist is calling for their plans to be confounded and for them to be enveloped in uncertainty and fear, unable to see the way forward.

and slippery
The term "slippery" translates from the Hebrew "chalaq," which means smooth or treacherous. A slippery path is one where footing is unsure, leading to falls and missteps. This imagery suggests that the enemies will find themselves in precarious situations, unable to maintain their balance or progress, symbolizing the instability and eventual downfall of those who oppose God's anointed.

as the angel of the LORD
The "angel of the LORD" is a significant figure in the Old Testament, often representing God's direct intervention in human affairs. In Hebrew, "mal'ak YHWH" can be a messenger or a divine agent. This phrase indicates that the psalmist is calling upon a powerful, divine force to actively pursue and thwart his enemies. The angel of the LORD is seen as a protector of the righteous and an executor of divine justice.

pursues them
The word "pursues" comes from the Hebrew "radaph," which means to chase or follow after with intent. This implies relentless pursuit, suggesting that the divine intervention will be continuous and unyielding. The psalmist is confident that God will not only disrupt the plans of the wicked but will actively chase them down, ensuring that justice is served.

1. David
The author of Psalm 35, David is seeking God's intervention against his enemies. He is a central figure in the Old Testament, known for his deep relationship with God and his role as the second king of Israel.

2. Enemies of David
The unspecified adversaries who are unjustly attacking David. They represent those who oppose God's anointed and, by extension, God's purposes.

3. Angel of the LORD
A divine messenger often seen as a representation of God's presence and action. In this context, the angel is an agent of divine justice against David's enemies.

4. Dark and Slippery Path
A metaphor for the confusion and instability that David wishes upon his enemies. It symbolizes the divine retribution and the difficulties they will face.

5. Pursuit
The act of the angel of the LORD chasing David's enemies, indicating relentless divine justice and the certainty of God's intervention.Divine Justice
God is just and will ultimately bring justice to those who oppose His people. Believers can trust in God's timing and methods.

The Role of the Angel of the LORD
The angel of the LORD acts as an agent of God's will, demonstrating that God is actively involved in the lives of His people, both in protection and in judgment.

Metaphors of Darkness and Slipperiness
These metaphors illustrate the instability and danger of living in opposition to God. They serve as a warning to avoid paths that lead away from righteousness.

Prayer for Deliverance
Like David, believers can pray for God's intervention in times of unjust persecution, trusting that God hears and acts on behalf of His people.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Even when facing adversaries, believers are encouraged to trust in God's sovereign plan and His ability to turn situations around for His glory and their good.(6) Dark and slippery.--See margin. Delitzsch supposes an allusion to the passage of the Red Sea, but the picture suggests rather the passage of some dangerous mountain pass in a raging storm. "The tracks in the limestone hills of Palestine are often worn as smooth as marble; comp. Psalm 73:18" (quoted from Kay, in the Speaker's Commentary).

Verse 6. - Let their way be dark and slippery; literally, darkness and slipperiness; i.e. let them fly along dark and slippery paths, where they cannot see their way, and will be sure to stumble and fall. And let the angel of the Lord persecute them; rather, pursue after them.

Parallel Commentaries ...


May their path
דַרְכָּ֗ם (ḏar·kām)
Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

be
יְֽהִי־ (yə·hî-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

dark
חֹ֥שֶׁךְ (ḥō·šeḵ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2822: The dark, darkness, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness

and slick,
וַחֲלַקְלַקּ֑וֹת (wa·ḥă·laq·laq·qō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 2519: Something very smooth, a treacherous spot, blandishment

as the angel
וּמַלְאַ֥ךְ (ū·mal·’aḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4397: A messenger, of God, an angel

of the LORD
יְ֝הוָ֗ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

pursues.
רֹדְפָֽם׃ (rō·ḏə·p̄ām)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7291: To pursue, chase, persecute


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OT Poetry: Psalm 35:6 Let their way be dark and slippery (Psalm Ps Psa.)