Psalm 35:1

Great Is the Lord

1 Contend, O Lord, with those who ¹contend with me; ²fight against those who fight against me!

Psalm 35:1 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 35:1

Plead [my cause], O Lord, with them that strive with me
Meaning Saul and his courtiers; concerning whom he elsewhere desires that the Lord would judge between them, plead his cause, and deliver him; as he accordingly did, and maintained it, and the righteousness of it, ( 1 Samuel 24:12-15 ) ( Psalms 9:4 ) . So Christ pleaded not his own cause as man, but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously; and his people leave their cause with him, who is their advocate, and is able to plead it thoroughly; and does plead it against wicked and ungodly men, who unrighteously charge them; against. Satan the accuser of the brethren, who stands at their right hand to resist them; and against their own hearts, and the sins of them, which lust and war against them, and condemn them;

fight against them that fight against me:
so the Lord is sometimes represented as a man of war, and Christ as a warrior fighting for the saints; and safe are they on whose side he is; but miserable all such who are found fighters against him and his; for none ever opposed him and prospered.

Psalm 35:1 In-Context

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

2 Take hold of shield and buckler and rise for my help!

3 Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers! Say to my soul, “I am your salvation! ”

4 Let them be put to shame and dishonor who seek after my life! Let them be turned back and disappointed who devise evil against me!

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

Cross References

• 1. 35:1 Isa. 49:25
• 2. 35:1 [Ex. 14:25; Isa. 42:13]