Psalms 35:1

KJV

¶ [A Psalm] of David. Plead [my cause], O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.

KJV (with Strong's)

A Psalm of David {H1732}. Plead {H7378} my cause, O LORD {H3068}, with them that strive {H3401} with me: fight {H3898} against them that fight {H3898} against me.

Complete Jewish Bible

By David: ADONAI, oppose those who oppose me; fight against those who fight against me.

Berean Standard Bible

Contend with my opponents, O LORD; fight against those who fight against me.

American Standard Version

Strive thou, O Jehovah, with them that strive with me: Fight thou against them that fight against me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 35:1 opens with an urgent and fervent plea from David to the Lord, imploring divine intervention against his adversaries. This verse sets the tone for a psalm of lament and imprecation, where David, facing unjust persecution and betrayal, appeals to God to act as his personal advocate and warrior. It encapsulates a profound trust in God's righteousness and omnipotence, surrendering the battle for justice and vindication entirely into His sovereign hands.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 35 is a classic psalm of lament, specifically featuring strong imprecatory elements where the psalmist calls upon God to judge his enemies. It is strategically placed within the Psalter, following Psalm 34, a psalm of thanksgiving for deliverance, and preceding Psalm 36, which contrasts human wickedness with divine steadfast love. Within Psalm 35 itself, verse 1 establishes the core request for divine intervention, which is then vividly elaborated upon. The subsequent verses immediately build on this military imagery, with David asking God to "take hold of the shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help" and "draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me" in [Psalms 35:2-3](/psalms/35-2-3 "Psalms 35:2-3 - God as Warrior"). The psalm progresses through detailed descriptions of the enemies' treachery and David's own innocence and suffering, culminating in renewed pleas for vindication and promises of praise, as seen in his vow to "give thee thanks in the great congregation" and "praise thee among much people" in [Psalms 35:18](/psalms/35-18 "Psalms 35:18 - David's Vow of Praise").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical occasion for Psalm 35 is not explicitly stated, its themes of unjust persecution and betrayal align with numerous periods in David's life. These could include his relentless pursuit by King Saul, as chronicled in books like [1 Samuel 23](/1_samuel/23 "1 Samuel 23 - David's Flight from Saul"), or the painful rebellion led by his own son Absalom, detailed in [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion"). In the ancient Near East, justice was often administered by a king or a designated judge, and the concept of a divine judge or advocate was deeply ingrained in the cultural and legal fabric. When human justice failed or was corrupted, an appeal to the highest authority—God—was a natural and expected recourse. The vivid imagery of warfare and legal proceedings ("plead my cause," "fight against") reflects the harsh realities of a society where conflict was common and divine intervention was sought in both personal and national struggles.
* **Key Themes:** This opening verse introduces several pivotal themes that resonate throughout the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, the theme of **Divine Advocacy** is profoundly prominent, as David seeks God to act as his legal representative and champion against unjust accusers. This highlights God's intrinsic character as a righteous judge who actively defends the innocent and oppressed. Secondly, the theme of **God as Warrior** is powerfully invoked, portraying the Lord not merely as a passive observer but as an active participant in the battles of His people, ready to "fight against them that fight against me." This aligns with the ancient Israelite understanding of Yahweh as the "Lord of Hosts," a mighty warrior God who fights for His people, as depicted in passages like [Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "Exodus 14:14 - The Lord Will Fight For You"). Thirdly, the psalm underscores **Absolute Reliance on God**, demonstrating David's complete dependence on divine power and justice rather than personal retaliation or human strength. This surrender of the battle to God is a recurring motif throughout Scripture. Finally, the overarching theme of **Justice and Vindication** is central, as David appeals for God to right the wrongs committed against him and to expose the malice and treachery of his enemies.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Plead (Hebrew, _rîyb'_):** This verb, derived from a primitive root meaning "to toss" or "grapple," carries a strong legal connotation. It signifies "to contend, strive, dispute, or conduct a legal case." When applied to God, as here, it implies Him acting as a divine advocate or judge, taking up David's side in a dispute. It is a fervent plea for God to intervene judicially, to hear the case, and to render a righteous verdict in David's favor. It's not just a general request for help, but for a specific, righteous judgment that will vindicate the psalmist.
* **Strive (Hebrew, _yârîyb'_):** This word is an adjective derived from the same root as _rîyb_, meaning "to contend." It is used here as a noun, referring to "an adversary" or "one who contends." It describes those who are actively engaged in a dispute or conflict against David, emphasizing their antagonistic posture and the injustice of their actions. The term highlights the contentious and hostile nature of David's opponents, making his appeal for divine intervention all the more urgent.
* **Fight (Hebrew, _lâcham'_):** This primitive root means "to feed on," but figuratively, "to consume," and by implication, "to battle (as destruction)." Its usage here means "to wage war, battle, or contend in combat." Its repetition in the verse ("fight against them that fight against me") intensifies the military imagery and underscores David's desire for God to actively and forcefully engage his adversaries. It portrays God as a divine warrior who takes up arms on behalf of His servant, acting not merely as a judge but as a protector and defender in physical conflict.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[A Psalm] of David. Plead [my cause], O LORD, with them that strive with me":** The opening phrase, "[A Psalm] of David," identifies the author and sets the stage for a personal, heartfelt prayer. David then directly addresses God using the covenant name "LORD" (Yᵉhôvâh), indicating a deep, personal, and relational appeal rooted in Israel's covenant with God. The core request, "Plead [my cause]," is a desperate cry for divine advocacy. David sees himself caught in a legal or existential dispute, unfairly accused or attacked, and he asks God to step in as his defender and judge. He is not seeking to argue his own case before men, but to present it before the ultimate arbiter of justice. The "them that strive with me" refers to his adversaries who are actively contending against him, likely through false accusations, plots, or direct aggression, emphasizing the injustice of their opposition.
* **"fight against them that fight against me":** This second clause intensifies the plea, shifting from legal advocacy to direct military engagement. David asks God to become his personal warrior. The repetition of the verb "fight" (lâcham) emphasizes the direct, active, and confrontational role David desires God to take. It is a request for God to engage in battle on his behalf, to overcome his enemies with divine power, and to ensure his victory and safety. This reflects a profound trust in God's omnipotence and His willingness to defend His faithful servants against all who oppose them.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 35:1 employs several powerful literary devices to convey David's fervent plea. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **synonymous parallelism**, where the second half of the verse reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first. "Plead [my cause]... with them that strive with me" is echoed and amplified by "fight against them that fight against me," moving from a legal appeal to a military one, thereby demonstrating the comprehensive nature of David's request for God's intervention. **Personification** is evident in the portrayal of God as both a divine advocate (a legal figure who argues a case) and a mighty warrior (a military figure who engages in combat), attributing human-like roles and actions to the divine. The strategic use of **Repetition** in "fight against them that fight against me" serves to emphasize the earnestness of David's plea and the active, confrontational role he desires God to take. This repetition creates a sense of urgency and highlights the direct opposition David faces, mirroring it with the direct opposition he desires from God against his enemies.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 35:1 encapsulates the profound biblical truth that God is the ultimate defender of the righteous and the avenger of injustice. It reflects a deep faith in God's active involvement in the affairs of humanity, particularly in the face of oppression and unrighteous opposition. David's plea is not for personal vengeance, but for divine justice, acknowledging God's sovereignty over all conflicts, whether legal or military. This concept of God as a divine warrior and advocate is woven throughout the Old Testament, demonstrating His covenant faithfulness to protect His people and uphold righteousness. It reminds us that our battles, both seen and unseen, are ultimately God's, and our trust should be placed in His power and perfect timing for vindication.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine, and Recompense")
* [Isaiah 59:16](/isaiah/59-16 "Isaiah 59:16 - God's Arm Brings Salvation")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Do Not Avenge Yourselves")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 35:1 offers profound comfort and guidance for believers navigating periods of injustice, betrayal, or opposition. Like David, we are called to bring our struggles directly to God, not as a last resort, but as our first and primary recourse. This verse encourages us to relinquish the burden of self-defense and personal retaliation, trusting that God sees our plight, hears our cries, and is perfectly capable of defending our cause. It invites us to surrender our desire for immediate vindication into His hands, knowing that He is a righteous judge and a powerful warrior who will act in His perfect timing and according to His perfect will. This surrender fosters a deep peace, freeing us from the consuming desire for revenge and allowing us to focus on living righteously, even amidst adversity. It cultivates a posture of humility and dependence, reminding us that true victory comes not from our own strength or cunning, but from the Lord who fights for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What is your first instinct when you feel unjustly attacked or betrayed? How does David's prayer challenge that instinct?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage you to trust God as your advocate and warrior in your current struggles, whether spiritual, relational, or professional?**
* **How can surrendering your battles to God lead to greater peace and freedom from anxiety and bitterness in your life?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "plead your cause" before the Lord rather than seeking personal retribution or trying to control the outcome yourself?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for God to "plead my cause"?**

Answer: For God to "plead my cause" (Hebrew: _rîyb'_) means for Him to act as a divine advocate, judge, or legal representative on your behalf. In ancient legal contexts, a "pleader" would present a case, argue for the innocent party, and seek a just verdict. David is asking God to step into his situation, hear the evidence, and render a righteous judgment against his adversaries. It's a plea for divine intervention in a legal or relational dispute, where God is expected to defend David's innocence and bring justice against those who wrongly accuse or attack him. This concept underscores God's active involvement in the lives of His people, particularly in defending the oppressed.

**Is it appropriate for Christians to pray imprecatory prayers like this?**

Answer: While the New Testament emphasizes love for enemies and turning the other cheek, as taught by Jesus in [Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies"), imprecatory psalms like Psalm 35 serve several important functions and can be understood in a Christ-centered way. Firstly, they express raw human emotion and pain, validating the psalmist's suffering and allowing believers to bring their honest feelings before God. Secondly, they are appeals for divine justice, recognizing that ultimate vengeance belongs to God alone, as highlighted in [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine"). They are not calls for personal revenge but for God, the righteous judge, to act. Thirdly, they often anticipate the final judgment of God against all evil and injustice, aligning with the ultimate triumph of Christ over all unrighteousness. For believers today, such prayers can be transformed into prayers for God's righteousness to prevail, for the repentance of those who do wrong, and for the ultimate defeat of spiritual evil and injustice in the world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 35:1, with its urgent cry for divine advocacy and intervention against adversaries, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David's plea for God to "plead my cause" and "fight against them that fight against me" powerfully foreshadows the multifaceted role of Christ as our supreme Advocate and the victorious Warrior against all spiritual evil. When we are accused by the "accuser of our brethren" ([Revelation 12:10](/revelation/12-10 "Revelation 12:10 - The Accuser of the Brethren")), Jesus stands as our righteous defense, interceding for us before the Father, perpetually living to make intercession for those who draw near to God through Him ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our Intercessor")). He is the one who took our cause upon Himself, enduring the ultimate injustice on the cross, thereby disarming the principalities and powers that strove against humanity and triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Furthermore, the imagery of God fighting on behalf of His people culminates in Christ's decisive triumph over sin, death, and the devil. He is the Lamb who was slain, yet also the Lion of the tribe of Judah who conquers all His enemies ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of the Tribe of Judah")). Believers are now called to stand firm, knowing that the battle belongs to the Lord, and that in Christ, we are more than conquerors, having been delivered from the dominion of darkness into His marvelous light ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors"); [Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 43:1

¶ Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.

Jeremiah 51:36

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will plead thy cause, and take vengeance for thee; and I will dry up her sea, and make her springs dry.

Psalms 119:154

Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.

Isaiah 49:25

But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.

Proverbs 23:11

For their redeemer [is] mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.

Lamentations 3:58

O Lord, thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; thou hast redeemed my life.

Proverbs 22:23

For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.