Salmos 35
Theodoret of Cyrus · Comentário Patrístico (catena)
Salmos 35:6
Put them to flight, entrusting the pursuit to the unseen angels. This is the way we also find the Assyrians exterminated by an angel and the way the exterminator destroyed the firstborn of the Egyptians. — COMMENTARY ON THE PSALMS 35:3
Salmos 35:11
When Saul under the influence of envy, remember, suspected him of plotting a coup and for that reason maintained a state of war, the slanderers (whom he calls false "witnesses") took occasion not to desist from spreading calumny against him. Some of these were Doeg, the Ziphites, and many others in addition to them. — COMMENTARY ON THE PSALMS 35:6
Salmos 35:17
Now, he says this not by way of accusation but out of a longing for help. When will you appear, he is saying, and assist the wronged?… Render my soul proof against their machinations. — COMMENTARY ON THE PSALMS 35:9
Salmos 35:26
Shame is fitting for those who mock their neighbor; thus the inspired author calls it down on their arrogance and boasting. — COMMENTARY ON THE PSALMS 35:12
Salmos 35:28
While the psalm had this ending, therefore, I beseech those reading it not to incur even the slightest harm from the prayer of the righteous person or make it the occasion for curses against one's enemies. Instead, realize that the inspired author was adopting the way of life sanctioned by the Law, not by the Gospels. Now, the Law speaks plainly of loving the neighbor and hating the enemy. By contrast, Christ the Lord, to show virtue in its perfection, said, "It was said to those of old, you shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy, but I say to you. Love your enemies and bless those who persecute you." The divine apostle also said something in harmony with this, "Bless and do not curse." Looking at this difference, therefore, realize what is in keeping with the Law and what with grace. In particular, it was not to deliver a curse that David said this; rather, in inspired fashion he foretold what would clearly come to be. Now, for proof that in keeping with the gospel requirements even he did not take vengeance on those who wronged him, listen to him saying, "If I repaid in like fashion those rendering me evil, let me then end up empty-handed before my foes. Let my foe then hunt my soul down, apprehend it, trample my life in the ground and bury my glory in the dust." And he did not say this without doing it: he put his words into practice, and the actions are clearer than the words. Twice when he had his enemy in his hands, remember, he not only did not do away with him; … when he fell in battle, he wept bitterly over him, and the one who brought word of his death he dispatched for exulting and boasting of the execution. Now, I was obliged to recount these events because of those who boast and quote the case of the divine David so that they may have the best values of David as a beneficial model. — COMMENTARY ON THE PSALMS 35:13