◄ Psalm 35:1 ►
Contend with my opponents, O LORD; fight against those who battle me.
Study Bible
Contend, O LORD
The opening plea, "Contend, O LORD," is a call for divine intervention and advocacy. The Hebrew word used here is "רִיב" (riv), which means to strive or plead. This term is often used in legal contexts, suggesting a courtroom scenario where God is asked to act as a defender or advocate. The psalmist is invoking the Lord's justice and righteousness, seeking His active participation in the struggles faced. Historically, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of God as a divine warrior and judge who fights on behalf of His people. The plea is deeply personal and reflects a trust in God's power to intervene in human affairs.

with those who contend with me
The phrase "with those who contend with me" indicates the presence of adversaries or accusers. The repetition of the root "רִיב" (riv) emphasizes the conflict and the need for divine justice. In the historical context of Israel, this could refer to personal enemies or national foes. The psalmist is not seeking personal vengeance but rather divine justice, aligning with the broader biblical theme of leaving vengeance to God (Romans 12:19). This reflects a deep faith in God's sovereignty and His ultimate control over all situations.

fight against those who fight against me
The call to "fight against those who fight against me" uses the Hebrew word "לָחַם" (lacham), meaning to battle or wage war. This imagery of God as a warrior is prevalent in the Old Testament, where God is often depicted as fighting on behalf of Israel (Exodus 15:3). The psalmist is invoking this powerful image, seeking God's protection and deliverance from enemies. This reflects a belief in God's omnipotence and His role as a protector of His people. The historical context of Israel, often surrounded by hostile nations, underscores the need for divine intervention in battles both physical and spiritual. This plea is a reminder of the spiritual warfare believers face and the assurance that God is their ultimate defender.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The author of this psalm, David is seeking God's intervention against his adversaries. He is often seen as a type of Christ, representing the righteous sufferer.

2. Opponents/Adversaries
These are the individuals or groups who are opposing David. They symbolize the forces of evil and injustice that believers may face.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, who is called upon by David to act as a divine warrior and protector.

4. The Context of Conflict
This psalm is set in a time of personal conflict for David, possibly during his flight from Saul or other adversaries.

5. The Spiritual Battle
Beyond the immediate physical conflict, this psalm reflects the spiritual warfare that believers face against sin and evil.
Teaching Points
Divine Advocacy
Just as David called upon God to contend with his adversaries, believers today can trust God to be their advocate and defender in times of trouble.

Spiritual Warfare
Recognize that our battles are not just physical but spiritual. Equip yourself with prayer and the Word of God to stand firm against spiritual adversaries.

Trust in God's Justice
Trust that God sees the injustices you face and will act in His perfect timing. Leave room for God's justice rather than seeking personal revenge.

Prayer as a Weapon
Use prayer as a powerful tool to invite God's intervention in your life. Like David, be honest and direct in your prayers, seeking God's help against your struggles.

Faith in God's Sovereignty
Have faith that God is sovereign over all situations. Even when facing opposition, believe that God is in control and working for your good.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's approach to his adversaries in Psalm 35:1 reflect a reliance on God rather than personal strength or retaliation?

2. In what ways can Ephesians 6:10-18 help us understand the nature of the battles we face today?

3. How can Romans 12:19 guide us in responding to those who wrong us, and how does this relate to David's plea in Psalm 35:1?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure we are relying on God's strength and justice in our conflicts, as David did?

5. How does understanding the spiritual dimension of our battles change the way we pray and seek God's intervention in our lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ephesians 6:10-18
This passage discusses the armor of God, emphasizing the spiritual battle believers face and the need for divine assistance, similar to David's plea for God to fight on his behalf.

Romans 12:19
This verse advises believers to leave vengeance to God, aligning with David's request for God to contend with his enemies.

2 Chronicles 20:15
This scripture recounts God's assurance to Jehoshaphat that the battle belongs to the Lord, echoing the theme of divine intervention in battles.
Sermons
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
Cause, Contend, David, Fight, Fighters, Gt, Judging, Lt, O, Plead, Psalm, Strive, Strivers, War
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

Links
Psalm 35:1 NIV
Psalm 35:1 NLT
Psalm 35:1 ESV
Psalm 35:1 NASB
Psalm 35:1 KJV

Psalm 35:1 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Psalm 34:22
Top of Page
Top of Page