Psalm 35 (NKJV)
A Psalm of David.
1 Plead my cause, O Lord, with those who strive with me;
Fight against those who fight against me.
2 Take hold of shield and buckler,
And stand up for my help.
3 Also draw out the spear,
And stop those who pursue me.
Say to my soul,
“I am your salvation.”
4 Let those be put to shame and brought to dishonor
Who seek after my life;
Let those be turned back and brought to confusion
Who plot my hurt.
5 Let them be like chaff before the wind,
And let the angel of the Lord chase them.
6 Let their way be dark and slippery,
And let the angel of the Lord pursue them.
7 For without cause they have hidden their net for me in a pit,
Which they have dug without cause for my life.
8 Let destruction come upon him unexpectedly,
And let his net that he has hidden catch himself;
Into that very destruction let him fall.
9 And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord;
It shall rejoice in His salvation.
10 All my bones shall say,
“Lord, who is like You,
Delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him,
Yes, the poor and the needy from him who plunders him?”
11 Fierce witnesses rise up;
They ask me things that I do not know.
12 They reward me evil for good,
To the sorrow of my soul.
13 But as for me, when they were sick,
My clothing was sackcloth;
I humbled myself with fasting,
And my prayer would return to my own heart.
14 I paced about as though he were my friend or brother;
I bowed down heavily, as one who mourns for his mother.
15 But in my adversity they rejoiced
And gathered together;
Attackers gathered against me,
And I did not know it;
They tore at me and did not cease;
16 With ungodly mockers at feasts
They gnashed at me with their teeth.
17 Lord, how long will You look on?
Rescue me from their destructions,
My precious life from the lions.
18 I will give You thanks in the great assembly;
I will praise You among many people.
19 Let them not rejoice over me who are wrongfully my enemies;
Nor let them wink with the eye who hate me without a cause.
20 For they do not speak peace,
But they devise deceitful matters
Against the quiet ones in the land.
21 They also opened their mouth wide against me,
And said, “Aha, aha!
Our eyes have seen it.”
22 This You have seen, O Lord;
Do not keep silence.
O Lord, do not be far from me.
23 Stir up Yourself, and awake to my vindication,
To my cause, my God and my Lord.
24 Vindicate me, O Lord my God, according to Your righteousness;
And let them not rejoice over me.
25 Let them not say in their hearts, “Ah, so we would have it!”
Let them not say, “We have swallowed him up.”
26 Let them be ashamed and brought to mutual confusion
Who rejoice at my hurt;
Let them be clothed with shame and dishonor
Who exalt themselves against me.
27 Let them shout for joy and be glad,
Who favor my righteous cause;
And let them say continually,
“Let the Lord be magnified,
Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.”
28 And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness
And of Your praise all the day long.
Psalm 35, stands as a passionate plea for God’s intervention, a heartfelt cry for divine help amidst opposition and persecution. The psalmist, traditionally understood to be David or another righteous figure in ancient Israel, seeks refuge, strength, and protection from those who unjustly seek his harm. This psalm serves as a timeless testament to the human experience of turning to God in adversity, offering hope in His unfailing love and faithfulness even when life feels overwhelmingly dark and challenging.
Historical Context and Reliance on God
Historically, psalms like Psalm 35 emerged from the lived experiences of Israel’s faithful during times of distress and persecution. Written by individuals deeply rooted in their covenant relationship with God, these cries reflect an unwavering trust in His promises and a steadfast belief in His ability to deliver them from their enemies. Beyond the individual, this psalm resonates with the broader community of faith, emphasizing the collective strength found in standing united against oppression and relying on God as the ultimate source of deliverance.
Universal Truths and the Longing for Justice
The deeper wisdom of Psalm 35 transcends its historical setting, speaking to a universal longing for justice and righteousness in a world often marred by evil and inequity. The psalmist’s pleas underscore the transformative power of prayer and the solace found in trusting God as our refuge and strength. This timeless message reminds us that, even in our darkest moments, there is always light and hope when we place our faith in Him.
Jesus as the Fulfillment of the Psalm
In the life of Jesus, we see the embodiment of Psalm 35’s cry for deliverance. Like the psalmist, Jesus faced persecution, misunderstanding, and betrayal, yet He remained resolute in His faith, entrusting Himself fully to the Father’s will. His teachings, including parables like the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), echo the psalm’s call for compassion and justice. In this parable, a despised Samaritan shows mercy to a wounded traveler ignored by religious leaders, illustrating the radical love and righteousness that Jesus championed—a direct reflection of the psalmist’s plea for God’s intervention against injustice.
Truth Versus Deception
Psalm 35 vividly contrasts God’s truth with the deceit of the psalmist’s enemies, who seek to harm without cause. God emerges as the ultimate source of truth, while those who oppose Him are steeped in lies and darkness. This dichotomy challenges us as Christians to be children of light—bearers of God’s wisdom and truth in a world often clouded by confusion and deception. Jesus reinforces this in John 8:32, declaring, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free,” highlighting the liberating power of embracing His teachings and rejecting falsehood.
A Call to Action
In embracing the truths of Psalm 35, we are invited to become active participants in God’s redemptive work. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His wisdom and love, shining brightly to illuminate the path for those still wandering in darkness. This psalm urges us to extend the transformative power of Christ’s love to all, praying for those yet to see the truth and working to bring them into the freedom found in Him. Let us commit to being children of truth, living out God’s will and ensuring that His light reaches every corner of a world in need.
In conclusion, Psalm 35 is a powerful reminder that hope persists even in life’s most challenging moments when we trust in God’s deliverance. It calls us to stand firm in faith, embody Christ’s compassion and justice, and shine as beacons of truth in a deceived world, offering the promise of freedom and love to all who seek it.