Psalm 35:1–3: Plead my cause, O Lord, with those who strive with me; Fight against those who fight against me. Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for my help. Also draw out the spear, and stop those who pursue me. Say to my soul, “I am your salvation.”
Experiencing Jesus in the Psalms
When David wrote this psalm, he was in trouble. He was running away from Saul. Yet when David had an opportunity to kill Saul, he refused to do it. Saul knew that David had spared his life, and in Saul even said to him that he knew God had given the kingdom to David and admitted that David was more righteous than he was. Yet he continued to treat David as an enemy instead of bringing him home in peace. David’s imprecatory prayer is not only personal but prophetic. David’s persecution pictures the remnant of Israel during the Tribulation period. The cry for righteous judgment will be answered when the Lord Jesus Christ comes the second time. 1
Living the Transformed Life
And He took off their chariot wheels, so that they drove them with difficulty; and the Egyptians said, “Let us flee from the face of Israel, for the Lord fights for them against the Egyptians.” Exodus 14:25
- Let Him fight for you. Leave the matters in His hands. Release them from your hands.
- Let Him fight for you. Pray more and worry less. Trust Him to deal with it in His time.
- Let Him fight for you. Nothing will ever seem fair on earth. But we do not live for earth. We live for heaven, and for His glory.
He will take up your cause, once you surrender it to Him.
Praise and Prayer
Thank You, Father, for defending me before Your throne of grace. Dear Jesus, please teach me to walk behind You with faith and courage.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: Poetry (Psalms 1-41) (electronic ed., Vol. 17, pp. 193–194). Nashville.
