Psalm 35:3
Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers; say to my soul: "I am your salvation."
Draw the spear
The phrase "Draw the spear" in Psalm 35:3 evokes a vivid image of God as a divine warrior, ready to defend His people. The Hebrew word for "spear" is "ḥănîṯ," which is often associated with warfare and protection. In ancient times, a spear was a primary weapon used in battle, symbolizing strength and readiness. This imagery reassures believers of God's active involvement in their struggles, emphasizing His role as a protector who is prepared to intervene on behalf of His faithful.

and javelin
The addition of "and javelin" further intensifies the image of God as a mighty defender. The Hebrew term "sāgôr" can be translated as "javelin" or "weapon," underscoring the completeness of God's armory. Historically, a javelin was a versatile weapon, used both for throwing and close combat, indicating God's ability to address threats from any distance. This phrase assures believers that God is fully equipped to handle any adversary, providing comprehensive protection.

against my pursuers
The phrase "against my pursuers" identifies the adversaries as those who relentlessly chase or seek harm. The Hebrew root "rāḏap" conveys the idea of pursuit with hostile intent. In the historical context of David's life, he often faced enemies who sought his life, making this plea for divine intervention deeply personal. For contemporary believers, this phrase serves as a reminder that God is aware of those who pursue us with ill intent, and He stands ready to confront them on our behalf.

Say to my soul
"Say to my soul" reflects a deep, personal communication between God and the psalmist. The Hebrew word "nep̄eš," translated as "soul," encompasses the entirety of one's being—mind, will, and emotions. This phrase highlights the intimate relationship between the believer and God, where God speaks directly to the innermost part of a person. It emphasizes the importance of divine reassurance and the peace that comes from hearing God's voice in times of distress.

I am your salvation
The declaration "I am your salvation" is a profound affirmation of God's role as the ultimate deliverer. The Hebrew word "yēšaʿ" means "salvation" or "deliverance," and it is often used in the context of God rescuing His people from danger. This statement is not just a promise of physical rescue but also a spiritual assurance of God's saving power. For believers, it is a reminder that salvation is found in God alone, and He is both willing and able to save us from all forms of peril. This phrase encapsulates the essence of faith, trusting in God's promise to be our refuge and strength.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The author of this Psalm, David is seeking God's intervention against his enemies. He is a central figure in the Old Testament, known for his deep relationship with God and his role as the King of Israel.

2. God
The ultimate protector and deliverer, whom David calls upon for salvation and defense against his adversaries.

3. Enemies/Pursuers
The unspecified adversaries of David, representing those who seek to harm or destroy him. They symbolize the broader concept of opposition faced by believers.

4. Battle Imagery
The use of spear and javelin signifies warfare, highlighting the spiritual and physical battles believers face.

5. Salvation
A key theme in this verse, representing deliverance and protection provided by God.
Teaching Points
God as Our Defender
Just as David calls upon God to draw the spear and javelin, believers can trust God to be their defender in times of trouble. We are encouraged to rely on His strength rather than our own.

Spiritual Warfare
The imagery of battle in this verse reminds us of the spiritual warfare we face. We must be vigilant and equipped with the spiritual armor God provides.

Assurance of Salvation
David's plea for God to affirm His salvation to his soul is a reminder for us to seek assurance in God's promises. Our salvation is secure in Christ, and we can find peace in that truth.

Prayer in Times of Distress
David's example teaches us to turn to God in prayer when facing adversaries. We should be honest about our fears and ask God for His intervention and peace.

Trust in God's Timing
While David asks for immediate action, he also trusts in God's timing and sovereignty. We are called to have patience and faith, knowing that God works all things for our good.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's request for God to draw the spear and javelin against his pursuers reflect his understanding of God's role in his life?

2. In what ways can the imagery of battle in Psalm 35:3 be applied to the spiritual battles we face today?

3. How can we find assurance in God's salvation during times of distress, as David sought in this verse?

4. What are some practical ways we can equip ourselves for spiritual warfare, as suggested by the connections to Ephesians 6:10-18?

5. How can we balance the urgency of our prayers with trust in God's timing and sovereignty, as demonstrated by David in this Psalm?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ephesians 6:10-18
This passage discusses the armor of God, which believers are encouraged to put on to stand against spiritual battles, similar to the battle imagery in Psalm 35:3.

Exodus 14:13-14
Moses tells the Israelites to stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord, paralleling David's request for God to declare His salvation to his soul.

Romans 8:31
This verse speaks to the assurance that if God is for us, no one can be against us, echoing the confidence David seeks in God's protection.
Battle and VictoryC. Short Psalm 35:1-10
A Hard Case - a Very Hard One - Laid Before GodC. Clemance Psalm 35:1-28
The Flesh and the SpiritW. Forsyth Psalm 35:1-28
People
David, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Attackers, Battle-axe, Block, Brandish, Deliverance, Draw, Javelin, Lance, Meet, Persecute, Pursue, Pursuers, Salvation, Soul, Spear, Stop
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 34:22

     1315   God, as redeemer

Library
Specific References to Prophecy in the Gospels
20. But, if it does not weary you, let the point out as briefly as possible, specific references to prophecy in the Gospels, that those who are being instructed in the first elements of the faith may have these testimonies written on their hearts, lest any doubt concerning the things which they believe should at any time take them by surprise. We are told in the Gospel that Judas, one of Christ's friends and associates at table, betrayed Him. Let the show you how this is foretold in the Psalms: "He
Various—Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.

Historical Summary and Chronological Tables.
a.d. 340. Birth of St. Ambrose (probably at Trèves), youngest son of Ambrose, Prefect of the Gauls. Constantine II. killed at Aquileia. Death of Eusebius. 341. Seventh Council of Antioch. Second exile of St. Athanasius. 343. Photinus begins teaching his heresy. 347. Birth of St. John Chrysostom. Council of Sardica. St. Athanasius restored. 348. Birth of Prudentius the Christian poet. 349. Synod of Sirmium against Photinus. 350. Death of the Emperor Constans. St. Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers.
St. Ambrose—Works and Letters of St. Ambrose

The Sixth Commandment
Thou shalt not kill.' Exod 20: 13. In this commandment is a sin forbidden, which is murder, Thou shalt not kill,' and a duty implied, which is, to preserve our own life, and the life of others. The sin forbidden is murder: Thou shalt not kill.' Here two things are to be understood, the not injuring another, nor ourselves. I. The not injuring another. [1] We must not injure another in his name. A good name is a precious balsam.' It is a great cruelty to murder a man in his name. We injure others in
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

The Ninth Commandment
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.' Exod 20: 16. THE tongue which at first was made to be an organ of God's praise, is now become an instrument of unrighteousness. This commandment binds the tongue to its good behaviour. God has set two natural fences to keep in the tongue, the teeth and lips; and this commandment is a third fence set about it, that it should not break forth into evil. It has a prohibitory and a mandatory part: the first is set down in plain words, the other
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Question of the Comparison Between the Active and the Contemplative Life
I. Is the Active Life preferable to the Contemplative? Cardinal Cajetan, On Preparation for the Contemplative Life S. Augustine, Confessions, X., xliii. 70 " On Psalm xxvi. II. Is the Active Life more Meritorious than the Contemplative? III. Is the Active Life a Hindrance to the Contemplative Life? Cardinal Cajetan, On the True Interior Life S. Augustine, Sermon, CCLVI., v. 6 IV. Does the Active Life precede the Contemplative? I Is the Active Life preferable to the Contemplative? The Lord
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

After the Scripture.
"In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God created He him."--Gen. v. 1. In the preceding pages we have shown that the translation, "in Our image," actually means, "after Our image." To make anything in an image is no language; it is unthinkable, logically untrue. We now proceed to show how it should be translated, and give our reason for it. We begin with citing some passages from the Old Testament in which occurs the preposition "B" which, in Gen. i. 27, stands before image, where
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Opposition to Messiah Unreasonable
Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD , and against His Anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. I t is generally admitted, that the institutes of Christianity, as contained in the New Testament, do at least exhibit a beautiful and salutary system of morals; and that a sincere compliance with the precepts of our Lord and His apostles,
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Notes on the Third Century
Page 161. Line 1. He must be born again, &c. This is a compound citation from John iii. 3, and Mark x. 15, in the order named. Page 182. Line 17. For all things should work together, &c. See Romans viii. 28. Page 184. Lines 10-11. Being Satan is able, &c. 2 Corinthians xi. 14. Page 184. Last line. Like a sparrow, &c. Psalm cii. Page 187. Line 1. Mechanisms. This word is, in the original MS., mechanicismes.' Page 187. Line 7. Like the King's daughter, &c. Psalm xlv. 14. Page 188. Med. 39. The best
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations

Concerning Persecution
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 We are now come to the last beatitude: Blessed are they which are persecuted . . '. Our Lord Christ would have us reckon the cost. Which of you intending to build a tower sitteth not down first and counteth the cost, whether he have enough to finish it?' (Luke 14:28). Religion will cost us the tears of repentance and the blood of persecution. But we see here a great encouragement that may
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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