Psalms 35:1

1 Harass these hecklers, God, punch these bullies in the nose.

Psalms 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.

Psalms 35:1 In-Context

1 Harass these hecklers, God, punch these bullies in the nose.
2 Grab a weapon, anything at hand; stand up for me!
3 Get ready to throw the spear, aim the javelin, at the people who are out to get me. Reassure me; let me hear you say, "I'll save you."
4 When those thugs try to knife me in the back, make them look foolish. Frustrate all those who are plotting my downfall.
5 Make them like cinders in a high wind, with God's angel working the bellows.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.