Psalm 35 5

Psalm 35:5 kjv

Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase them.

Psalm 35:5 nkjv

Let them be like chaff before the wind, And let the angel of the LORD chase them.

Psalm 35:5 niv

May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them away;

Psalm 35:5 esv

Let them be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them away!

Psalm 35:5 nlt

Blow them away like chaff in the wind ?
a wind sent by the angel of the LORD.

Psalm 35 verses

Psalm 35 5 Meaning

Psalm 35:5 is a fervent prayer to God, requesting divine intervention and judgment against the psalmist's unjust adversaries. It expresses the desire for God's enemies to be made insubstantial and easily scattered like chaff by the wind, and furthermore, for the Angel of the LORD to actively pursue and chase them away. This depicts a swift, overwhelming, and divinely enforced defeat of the wicked.

Psalm 35 5 Context

Psalm 35 is an imprecatory psalm, a direct plea by David for God to intercede and act against his enemies. The broader context of Psalm 35 shows David's intense distress from false accusations, unprovoked hostility, and treachery. His enemies, whom he refers to as "lying witnesses" and those who "devise deceitful matters," afflict him when he sought their well-being. He expresses their desire for his downfall and his own deep suffering as he watches their success. The psalmist appeals to God's righteousness and justice, seeking divine vindication. Verse 5 is part of a series of specific petitions for their destruction, following wishes for their way to be "dark and slippery" (v. 6). This prayer reflects David's belief in Yahweh as the righteous judge who actively defends the innocent and punishes the wicked, in contrast to any contemporary pagan belief systems that might have advocated for human retaliation or relied on indifferent deities.

Psalm 35 5 Word analysis

• Let them be (יִהְיוּ, yihyu): This Hebrew imperfect verb in a jussive sense expresses a strong plea or command to God, essentially saying, "May they be" or "I pray they become." It is an appeal for a desired outcome, indicative of the psalmist's deep yearning for divine action and a recognition that only God can bring this about.

• as chaff (כְּמֹץ, kemoṭs): The word mots refers to the lightweight, worthless husks separated from grain during winnowing. This agricultural metaphor powerfully conveys worthlessness, insubstantiality, and utter lack of resistance. Chaff is easily dispersed and possesses no intrinsic value or stability. It contrasts sharply with valuable grain, representing the spiritual distinction between the wicked and the righteous (e.g., Ps 1).

• before the wind (לִפְנֵי־רוּחַ, liphnê-ruach): Ruach can mean "wind," "spirit," or "breath." Here, combined with "chaff," it denotes a swift, uncontrollable, and irresistible force of dispersal. The wind emphasizes the enemies' helplessness; they are swept away by an unseen, powerful force, representing God's active power in judgment. It suggests complete inability to withstand divine judgment.

• and let the angel (וּמַלְאַךְ, u-mal'akh): Mal'akh signifies a "messenger" or "angel." In the Old Testament, the "Angel of the LORD" (with the definite article) is often depicted as a unique divine representative, sometimes even identified with Yahweh Himself, executing His will, protecting His people, or delivering judgment. This indicates active, conscious, and powerful divine intervention, not merely a passive natural process.

• of the LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): The tetragrammaton, the personal, covenant name of God. This specifies that the Angel is acting with the ultimate authority and power of the Sovereign God. It underscores that the impending pursuit and judgment are from Yahweh Himself, demonstrating His character as a just and active Ruler in the affairs of humanity.

• chase them (יִרְדְּפֵם, yir'd'fem): The verb radaph means "to pursue," "chase," or even "persecute." Here, it depicts a relentless and active pursuit by the Angel. This is more than mere dispersal; it's a dynamic, targeted act of divine agency to drive away, overthrow, or bring about the ruin of the adversaries. It highlights a purposeful, decisive intervention.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Let them be as chaff before the wind": This phrase encapsulates a vivid image of total powerlessness, instability, and inevitable scattering. It conveys the idea that the wicked will possess no substance or defense when confronted by God's judgment, rendering them utterly insignificant and easily disposed of by an invisible, powerful force.
  • "and let the angel of the LORD chase them": This segment adds a layer of purposeful, active, and authoritative divine agency to the previous image of passive dispersal. It is not just natural forces at work, but God's direct, personal messenger vigorously pursuing and compelling their retreat or destruction. This underlines the certainty and deliberateness of divine judgment, executed by an authorized divine agent.

Psalm 35 5 Bonus section

The imprecatory nature of this verse and the entire Psalm 35 has been a subject of theological discussion. From a Christian perspective, while these prayers for judgment appear stark, they are understood not as expressions of personal vengeance for believers to mimic but as a surrender to God's ultimate justice and righteousness. They affirm faith that God will intervene against evil and wrong, and they uphold the truth that His judgments are perfect and just. The "Angel of the LORD" mentioned in this verse is a significant Old Testament figure. Many biblical scholars believe that this figure is often a pre-incarnate manifestation of Christ, underscoring the divine authority and redemptive nature behind God's acts of judgment and deliverance. Thus, this verse implies not just a powerful heavenly messenger, but possibly the very Son of God executing divine judgment.

Psalm 35 5 Commentary

Psalm 35:5 serves as a profound expression of a believer's faith in God's active justice. The initial imagery of "chaff before the wind" vividly portrays the absolute weakness and insubstantiality of the ungodly in the face of divine power. It underscores their spiritual emptiness and eventual fate: being scattered, weightless, and discarded. This is a common biblical metaphor emphasizing complete worthlessness and utter vulnerability to judgment, reflecting an agricultural process where the useless chaff is separated and blown away while the valuable grain remains.

The subsequent invocation, "and let the Angel of the LORD chase them," moves beyond passive dispersal to active, decisive, and relentless divine intervention. The Angel of the LORD is often depicted in scripture as God's personal emissary, imbued with His authority to protect, lead, and, crucially here, to execute judgment. This active "chasing" or "pursuit" indicates that God's justice is not a mere natural consequence but a direct, purposeful act by His divine representative. It reassures the righteous that God will not merely allow the wicked to dissipate, but will actively drive them away, vindicating His servants and demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over all adversaries. This verse crystallizes the psalmist's trust that God is the ultimate avenger and defender of the oppressed, and He acts through His chosen means to establish justice on the earth.