Psalm 35:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me!

NIV: Of David. Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me.

NASB: Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me; Fight against those who fight against me.

CSB: Of David. Oppose my opponents, Lord; fight those who fight me.

NLT: O Lord, oppose those who oppose me. Fight those who fight against me.

KJV: Psalm of David. Plead my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.

NKJV: {A Psalm of David.} Plead my cause, O Lord, with those who strive with me; Fight against those who fight against me.

The exact inspiration for this psalm is unknown. However, Saul and his men were major antagonists in David's early life (1 Samuel 19:1–2). David asks the Lord to act in his behalf, using the Hebrew root word rib. This implies conflict or opposition, but can also be used in legal settings, such as an attorney in court. Isaiah 49:25 contains a promise from God that He will "contend" with those who "contend" against Israel.

The Hebrew word lacham more literally refers to a physical fight, leading into the next several verses of warlike imagery. David knew the Lord had fought in the past on behalf of His people. When Gideon and his men attacked the Midianites, they cried out, "A sword for the LORD and for Gideon" (Judges 7:20). Psalm 24:8 depicts the Lord as "strong and mighty … mighty in battle." In his song of praise for the Lord's victory over Pharaoh's cavalry, Moses depicted the Lord as "a man of war" (Exodus 15:3).

Believers today are linked by faith to the Lord Jesus Christ as their advocate (1 John 2:1) and defender (Romans 8:37). They are also equipped with the armor of God and called upon to stand firm in Him (Ephesians 6:10–18).

Psalm 35:1–10 is the first of three echoes in this psalm, each using the same basic themes. David asks the Lord for defense against enemies. He asks God to stand as his champion, fully armed and in opposition to David's foes. He asks the Lord to vindicate him and destroy the enemy. Each request is accompanied by praise. This segment compares to other "imprecatory psalms" written by David (Psalm 69:22–25; Psalm 109:8–15).

This is one of the "imprecatory psalms," which call on God to immediately judge or destroy His enemies. David echoes the same ideas in three phases. Each segment includes a plea for rescue, a request for God to conquer David's foes, and a promise to praise the Lord. David makes a point of noting that his enemies have no good reason for their hatred, since he was kind to them. With faith, David looks ahead, trusting he will have the opportunity to worship the Lord for His rescue and vindication.

David pleads with the Lord to destroy his enemies and vindicate him. As such, Psalm 35 is labeled an "imprecatory psalm." Other examples include psalms 5, 69, 109, and 140. This song might have been written when King Saul was seeking David's life (1 Samuel 19:1–2), or when Absalom was spreading rebellion in Israel (2 Samuel 15:13–14). David' notes three basic ideas in this psalm: vindication, defeat of enemies, and praise of God. Each is repeated in a series of three variations.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.