Psalms 35:1–10
Lord, fight those who fight me and be my shield, for You alone can rescue the poor from those who are too strong for them.
1 Contend, Yahweh, with those who contend with me. Fight against those who fight against me.
2 Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for my help.
3 Brandish the spear and block those who pursue me. Tell my soul, “I am your salvation.”
4 Let those who seek after my soul be disappointed and brought to dishonor. Let those who plot my ruin be turned back and confounded.
5 Let them be as chaff before the wind, Yahweh’s angel driving them on.
6 Let their way be dark and slippery, Yahweh’s angel pursuing them.
7 For without cause they have hidden their net in a pit for me. Without cause they have dug a pit for my soul.
8 Let destruction come on him unawares. Let his net that he has hidden catch himself. Let him fall into that destruction.
9 My soul shall be joyful in Yahweh. It shall rejoice in his salvation.
10 All my bones shall say, “Yahweh, who is like you, who delivers the poor from him who is too strong for him; yes, the poor and the needy from him who robs him?”
Lord, fight those who fight me and be my shield, for You alone can rescue the poor from those who are too strong for them.
To petition God to act as both a legal advocate and a military defender against unprovoked enemies, concluding with a vow of praise for God's incomparable power to rescue the weak.
The LORD Contends for His Servant Against Malicious Enemies
When the righteous servant is attacked without cause and repaid evil for good, faith brings the whole case before the LORD, trusting Him to contend, rescue, vindicate, and turn deliverance into public praise.