Psalms 35
BSB1 Contend with my opponents, O LORD; fight against those who fight against me. 2 Take up Your shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid. 3 Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers; say to my soul: “I am your salvation." 4 May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plan to harm me be driven back and confounded. 5 May they be like chaff in the wind, as the angel of the LORD drives them away. 6 May their path be dark and slick, as the angel of the LORD pursues. 7 For without cause they laid their net for me; without reason they dug a pit for my soul. 8 May ruin befall them by surprise; may the net they hid ensnare them; may they fall into the hazard they created. 9 Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and exult in His salvation. 10 All my bones will exclaim, “Who is like You, O LORD, who delivers the afflicted from the aggressor, the poor and needy from the robber?" 11 Hostile witnesses come forward; they make charges I know nothing about. 12 They repay me evil for good, to the bereavement of my soul. 13 Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting, but my prayers returned unanswered. 14 I paced about as for my friend or brother; I was bowed down with grief, like one mourning for his mother. 15 But when I stumbled, they assembled in glee; they gathered together against me. Assailants I did not know slandered me without ceasing. 16 Like godless jesters at a feast, they gnashed their teeth at me. 17 How long, O Lord, will You look on? Rescue my soul from their ravages, my precious life from these lions. 18 Then I will give You thanks in the great assembly; I will praise You among many people. 19 Let not my enemies gloat over me without cause, nor those who hate me without reason wink in malice. 20 For they do not speak peace, but they devise deceitful schemes against those who live quietly in the land. 21 They gape at me and say, “Aha, aha! Our eyes have seen!" 22 O LORD, You have seen it; be not silent. O Lord, be not far from me. 23 Awake and rise to my defense, to my cause, my God and my Lord! 24 Vindicate me by Your righteousness, O LORD my God, and do not let them gloat over me. 25 Let them not say in their hearts, “Aha, just what we wanted!” Let them not say, “We have swallowed him up!" 26 May those who gloat in my distress be ashamed and confounded; may those who exalt themselves over me be clothed in shame and reproach. 27 May those who favor my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, “Exalted be the LORD who delights in His servant’s well-being." 28 Then my tongue will proclaim Your righteousness and Your praises all day long.
Study Notes — Psalms 35
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Psalms 35
- Themes from Psalms 35
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Psalms 35
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Psalms 35 is a psalm of lament, where David cries out to God for help against his enemies. He asks God to contend with those who contend with him, and to save him from those who seek to destroy him (Psalms 35:1-3). David also expresses his trust in God's justice and sovereignty, knowing that God will ultimately vindicate his cause (Psalms 35:11-16). The chapter concludes with David's expression of praise and thanksgiving, anticipating God's deliverance and salvation (Psalms 35:27-28). Throughout the chapter, David's prayer is marked by a deep sense of trust and confidence in God's power and goodness.
Context for the Chapter
Psalms 35 is part of the larger collection of psalms that express David's trust in God's sovereignty and justice. The chapter is likely set in the context of David's experiences as king, where he faced opposition and persecution from his enemies. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which emphasizes God's justice and righteousness, and the ultimate deliverance and salvation that comes through Christ. As such, the chapter is connected to other passages that emphasize God's sovereignty and justice, such as Isaiah 40:10-31 and Romans 8:31-39.
Heart Application
This chapter encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and justice, even in the midst of trouble and persecution. It reminds us that God is our defender and deliverer, and that He will ultimately vindicate our cause. As we face our own challenges and conflicts, we can cry out to God in prayer, trusting in His power and justice, and anticipating His deliverance and salvation.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Psalms 35 is a prayer of David, where he asks God to deliver him from his enemies and vindicate his cause. David trusts in God's power and justice, and expresses his confidence in God's ability to defend his cause. As we read this chapter, we can learn to trust in God's sovereignty and justice, and cry out to Him in prayer, anticipating His deliverance and salvation (Psalms 35:1-3, 11-16).
Voices from the Church
“The Lord is our shield, our buckler, and our deliverer; He is our refuge and our stronghold. Let us trust in Him, and He will contend with those who contend with us.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“David's prayer is a model for us, demonstrating how to cry out to God in times of trouble and trust in His deliverance. Let us follow his example, and trust in God's sovereignty and justice.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction: David's Cry for Help (Psalms 35:1-3) — David asks God to contend with his enemies and defend his cause, demonstrating his trust in God's power and justice.
- The Intensity of the Conflict (Psalms 35:4-8) — David's enemies seek to destroy him, but he trusts in God's deliverance and salvation.
- David's Trust in God's Justice (Psalms 35:11-16) — David expresses his trust in God's justice and sovereignty, knowing that God will ultimately vindicate his cause.
- David's Expression of Praise and Thanksgiving (Psalms 35:27-28) — David concludes the chapter with an expression of praise and thanksgiving, anticipating God's deliverance and salvation.
- Conclusion: Trusting in God's Sovereignty (Psalms 35:1-28) — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and justice, and crying out to Him in prayer, anticipating His deliverance and salvation.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- This chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and justice, demonstrating that He is the ultimate authority and ruler of the universe (Psalms 35:1, 11).
- The Importance of Prayer
- The chapter highlights the importance of prayer, demonstrating how believers can cry out to God in times of trouble and trust in His deliverance (Psalms 35:1-3, 11-16).
- The Justice of God
- The chapter emphasizes God's justice and righteousness, demonstrating that He will ultimately vindicate the cause of His people (Psalms 35:11-16, 24).
- The Deliverance and Salvation of God
- The chapter concludes with David's expression of praise and thanksgiving, anticipating God's deliverance and salvation (Psalms 35:27-28).
Lessons from Psalms 35
- Trusting in God's Sovereignty — This chapter teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and justice, even in the midst of trouble and persecution (Psalms 35:1-3, 11-16).
- The Importance of Prayer — The chapter highlights the importance of prayer, demonstrating how believers can cry out to God in times of trouble and trust in His deliverance (Psalms 35:1-3, 11-16).
- The Justice of God — The chapter emphasizes God's justice and righteousness, demonstrating that He will ultimately vindicate the cause of His people (Psalms 35:11-16, 24).
- The Deliverance and Salvation of God — The chapter concludes with David's expression of praise and thanksgiving, anticipating God's deliverance and salvation (Psalms 35:27-28).
- Applying the Lessons of the Chapter — As we read this chapter, we can learn to trust in God's sovereignty and justice, and cry out to Him in prayer, anticipating His deliverance and salvation.
Themes from Psalms 35
- Trust in God's Sovereignty — This chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and justice, even in the midst of trouble and persecution.
- The Importance of Prayer — The chapter highlights the importance of prayer, demonstrating how believers can cry out to God in times of trouble and trust in His deliverance.
- The Justice of God — The chapter emphasizes God's justice and righteousness, demonstrating that He will ultimately vindicate the cause of His people.
- The Deliverance and Salvation of God — The chapter concludes with David's expression of praise and thanksgiving, anticipating God's deliverance and salvation.
- Worship and Adoration — The chapter emphasizes the importance of worship and adoration, even in the midst of trouble and persecution.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways that you can trust in God's sovereignty and justice, even in the midst of trouble and persecution?
- How does David's prayer in this chapter model for us how to cry out to God in times of trouble?
- What are some ways that you can express praise and thanksgiving to God, even in the midst of trouble and persecution?
- How does the chapter's emphasis on God's justice and sovereignty encourage you to trust in His deliverance and salvation?
- What are some ways that you can apply the lessons of this chapter to your own life and circumstances?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction: David's Cry for Help (Psalms 35:1-3)
| 35:1 | David asks God to contend with his enemies and defend his cause, demonstrating his trust in God's power and justice. |
| 35:2 | David asks God to take hold of his shield and buckler, and to stand up for his help, emphasizing his need for God's protection and defense. |
2. The Intensity of the Conflict (Psalms 35:4-8)
| 35:4 | David's enemies seek to destroy him, but he trusts in God's deliverance and salvation. |
| 35:5 | David asks God to let his enemies be like chaff before the wind, emphasizing his desire for God to defeat and humiliate them. |
3. David's Trust in God's Justice (Psalms 35:11-16)
| 35:11 | David expresses his trust in God's justice and sovereignty, knowing that God will ultimately vindicate his cause. |
| 35:12 | David asks God to let his enemies be clothed with shame, emphasizing his desire for God to bring them to justice and humiliation. |
4. David's Expression of Praise and Thanksgiving (Psalms 35:27-28)
| 35:27 | David concludes the chapter with an expression of praise and thanksgiving, anticipating God's deliverance and salvation. |
| 35:28 | David asks God to let his tongue sing of God's righteousness, emphasizing his desire to worship and adore God for His deliverance and salvation. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Psalms 35?
The main theme of Psalms 35 is David's trust in God's sovereignty and justice, and his cry for help and deliverance from his enemies (Psalms 35:1-3, 11-16).
How does David's prayer in this chapter model for us how to cry out to God in times of trouble?
David's prayer in this chapter models for us how to cry out to God in times of trouble, demonstrating how to trust in God's power and justice, and express our confidence in His deliverance and salvation (Psalms 35:1-3, 11-16).
What are some ways that we can apply the lessons of this chapter to our own lives and circumstances?
We can apply the lessons of this chapter by trusting in God's sovereignty and justice, crying out to Him in prayer, and anticipating His deliverance and salvation, even in the midst of trouble and persecution (Psalms 35:1-3, 11-16).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 35:1 → Isaiah 40:10-31 | Isaiah 40:10-31 emphasizes God's sovereignty and justice, demonstrating that He is the ultimate authority and ruler of the universe. |
| 2 | Psalms 35:11 → Romans 8:31-39 | Romans 8:31-39 emphasizes God's justice and righteousness, demonstrating that He will ultimately vindicate the cause of His people. |
| 3 | Psalms 35:24 → Deuteronomy 32:4 | Deuteronomy 32:4 emphasizes God's justice and righteousness, demonstrating that He is a God of justice and righteousness. |
| 4 | Psalms 35:27 → Isaiah 61:10 | Isaiah 61:10 emphasizes God's deliverance and salvation, demonstrating that He will ultimately bring joy and gladness to His people. |
| 5 | Psalms 35:28 → Hebrews 13:15 | Hebrews 13:15 emphasizes the importance of worship and adoration, demonstrating that believers should continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God. |
| 6 | Psalms 35:1-3 → Psalms 27:1-3 | Psalms 27:1-3 emphasizes David's trust in God's power and justice, demonstrating how believers can cry out to God in times of trouble and trust in His deliverance. |
| 7 | Psalms 35:11-16 → Psalms 37:1-7 | Psalms 37:1-7 emphasizes God's justice and righteousness, demonstrating that He will ultimately vindicate the cause of His people. |
| 8 | Psalms 35:24 → Psalms 119:137-144 | Psalms 119:137-144 emphasizes God's justice and righteousness, demonstrating that He is a God of justice and righteousness. |
| 9 | Psalms 35:27-28 → Psalms 100:1-5 | Psalms 100:1-5 emphasizes the importance of worship and adoration, demonstrating that believers should continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God. |
| 10 | Psalms 35:1-28 → John 1:1-14 | John 1:1-14 emphasizes God's deliverance and salvation, demonstrating that He will ultimately bring joy and gladness to His people through the person and work of Christ. |
Sermons on Psalms 35
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Hatching Snake Eggs by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of putting off seeking deliverance from sin and turning back to God. He calls on those who have been injured or run away from God t |
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The Snare of the Satisfied by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker begins by asking God to give them His Word and for it to burn within them. They ask God to keep them from laziness and the snares of victory. The speake |
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(The Life of David) 03 Friends and Foes in David's Life by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of spending time in fellowship with God in order to overcome the giants in our lives. He uses the example of David, who spent |
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Debate: Protestant Antidote to Modern Disunity (4/5) Protestant Fundamentals of Separation and Unity by Greg Barrow | The video is a chapter from Greg Barrow's book, "The Covenanted Reformation Defended Against Contemporary Schismatics." It discusses the importance of accepting and understanding t |
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Great Faith Over Great Fear - Psalm 46 by Michael Flowers | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power and victory found in the word of God. They highlight the importance of understanding the prophetic message of Jesus and the impact |
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The Lord, Avenger of His People by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the theme of God as the avenger of His people in his sermon based on Psalms 35, addressing the current societal challenges and moral decline. He highlights |
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Growth by J.C. Ryle | J.C. Ryle emphasizes the necessity of spiritual growth in the life of a true Christian, urging believers to examine their progress in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. He highli |
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Transfiguration in the Holy Spirit by St. Seraphim of Sarov | St. Seraphim of Sarov explains to a seeker how to know if one is in the grace of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the importance of seeking divine knowledge filled with love for God an |
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The End Time by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee emphasizes the urgency of prayer in the end times, highlighting that as the return of the Son of Man approaches, faith and prayer will be in short supply among believe |
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Rev. 6:10. How Long? by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar explores the profound question 'How long?' as expressed in Revelation 6:10, emphasizing its significance in human experience and divine communication. He categorizes |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 35
Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 35 emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and justice, even in the midst of trouble and persecution. Henry notes that David's prayer in this chapter is a model for believers, demonstrating how to cry out to God in times of trouble and trust in His deliverance. Henry also emphasizes the importance of worship and adoration, noting that believers should continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, even in the midst of trouble and persecution. Ultimately, Henry concludes that the chapter teaches us to trust in God's power and justice, and to anticipate His deliverance and salvation, which is fulfilled in the person and work of Christ. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
David's Trust in God
Throughout the chapter, David expresses his trust in God's power and justice, demonstrating a deep sense of confidence in God's ability to deliver him. This is evident in verses such as Psalms 35:1-3, where David asks God to contend with his enemies, and in verses such as Psalms 35:11-16, where David expresses his trust in God's justice and sovereignty.
The Intensity of the Conflict
The chapter highlights the intensity of the conflict that David is facing, with his enemies seeking to destroy him (Psalms 35:4-8). This intensity is matched by David's cry for help and his trust in God's power and justice.
The Importance of Praise and Thanksgiving
The chapter concludes with David's expression of praise and thanksgiving, anticipating God's deliverance and salvation (Psalms 35:27-28). This emphasizes the importance of worship and adoration, even in the midst of trouble and persecution.