Psalm 35:13
13 But as for me, when they were sick [chalah], my clothing [l@buwsh] was
sackcloth [saq]: I humbled [`anah] my soul [nephesh] with
fasting [tsowm]; and my prayer [t@phillah] returned [shuwb] into mine
own bosom [cheyq]. KJV-Interlinear
13
But I, when they were sick— I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting; I
prayed with head bowed on my chest. ESV
The speaker now contrasts
his attitude and behavior, with that of the general public. Jesus Christ is the speaker, speaking through
the symbolic type, which is David, who wrote this psalm.
But the sentiments are
those of Christ. And of Christ not just
when He was here in this world as a man. But as Christ, since eternity past and
throughout history.
Whereas, people have a
negative attitude, and a, me first, attitude, God does not. God has a caring attitude, and never abandons
anyone.
While people have
harbored bitterness and negative thoughts, selfishness, and arrogance to name
just a few attitudes, God has demonstrated deep feelings of grief and compassion,
and grace, for those who not only suffer, but for all who suffer because of
their own short-comings.
Sackcloth is the dress of
mourning and grief. The bowed head is
the posture of humility and courtesy.
And even when Jesus was
being tormented and tortured and punished beyond reason, He still had the
peoples best interests in mind and felt poorly for all, and never Himself.
