Psalms 35:10

KJV

All my bones shall say, LORD, who [is] like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?

KJV (with Strong's)

All my bones {H6106} shall say {H559}, LORD {H3068}, who is like unto thee, which deliverest {H5337}{H8688)} the poor {H6041} from him that is too strong {H2389} for him, yea, the poor {H6041} and the needy {H34} from him that spoileth {H1497}{H8802)} him?

Complete Jewish Bible

All my bones will say, "Who is like you? Who can rescue the weak from those stronger than they, the poor and needy from those who exploit them?"

Berean Standard Bible

All my bones will exclaim, “Who is like You, O LORD, who delivers the afflicted from the aggressor, the poor and needy from the robber?”

American Standard Version

All my bones shall say, Jehovah, who is like unto thee, Who deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, Yea, the poor and the needy from him that robbeth him?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 35:10 is a profound declaration of King David's unshakeable faith and a visceral cry of praise, asserting God's unparalleled uniqueness as the deliverer of the vulnerable. It encapsulates a deep, whole-being conviction that only the LORD possesses the power to rescue the weak and oppressed from those who are overwhelmingly strong and unjustly predatory, thereby testifying to His singular justice, protective nature, and incomparable might.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 35 is a fervent and often imprecatory prayer of David, appealing to God for deliverance from his unjust enemies. The psalm opens with David's desperate plea for God to act as a divine warrior on his behalf, taking up shield and buckler against those who maliciously pursue him (e.g., [Psalms 35:1-3](/psalms/35-1 "Psalms 35:1-3 - David's Prayer for Deliverance")). He laments the unprovoked hatred and deceit of his adversaries, who repay good with evil and plot against his life, despite his past kindness towards them (e.g., [Psalms 35:7](/psalms/35-7 "Psalms 35:7 - Enemies Set a Net") and [Psalms 35:12](/psalms/35-12 "Psalms 35:12 - Repaying Evil for Good")). Amidst this lament and desperate appeal for justice, verse 10 emerges as a powerful burst of faith and worship. It functions as a vow of praise, a declaration of what David's entire being will proclaim *when* God intervenes and delivers him, showcasing a confident anticipation of God's righteous judgment and redemptive action. This expression of anticipated praise serves as a pivot, strengthening David's resolve and trust in the midst of intense suffering and opposition.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's life was frequently marked by intense opposition, from King Saul's relentless pursuit (e.g., [1 Samuel 23](/1-samuel/23 "1 Samuel 23 - David Flees Saul")) to the rebellion of his own son Absalom (e.g., [2 Samuel 15](/2-samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion")). This psalm likely reflects a period where David faced powerful, influential enemies who sought to undermine him through false accusations and violence, possibly even those he had previously considered friends or allies. In ancient Israel, justice was ideally administered by the king and the elders, but the vulnerable—the poor, the needy, the widow, the orphan—were often susceptible to exploitation by the powerful. The concept of "delivery" (יָשַׁע, *yasha'*) was not merely physical rescue but also vindication and the restoration of justice in a societal context where the strong often preyed upon the weak. David's appeal to God as the ultimate deliverer resonates with the broader covenantal understanding that Yahweh is the defender of the defenseless, a foundational aspect of Israelite law and prophetic teaching (e.g., [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God's Justice for the Vulnerable")).

* **Key Themes:** The verse centrally contributes to several major themes within Psalm 35 and the Psalter as a whole. Firstly, it underscores **God's Incomparable Deliverance**. The rhetorical question "who is like unto thee?" highlights God's absolute uniqueness and singular power to save, especially in situations where human strength is utterly insufficient. This theme echoes throughout Scripture, emphasizing God's unmatched sovereignty and might (e.g., [Exodus 15:11](/exodus/15-11 "Exodus 15:11 - Who is Like You, O Lord?")). Secondly, it powerfully portrays **God as the Protector of the Vulnerable**. The specific mention of "the poor" and "the needy" being delivered from those "too strong" or who "spoileth him" emphasizes God's unwavering character as a champion of the oppressed and a righteous defender of those who cannot defend themselves. This divine attribute is a consistent thread in biblical theology, revealing God's heart for justice and compassion (e.g., [Psalms 68:5](/psalms/68-5 "Psalms 68:5 - God, Father of the Fatherless")). Finally, the phrase "All my bones shall say" conveys the theme of **Whole-Being Praise and Testimony**. It signifies a profound, visceral, and undeniable acknowledgment of God's saving acts, indicating that the praise is not merely intellectual or verbal, but emanates from the deepest, most essential core of one's being, a total surrender and recognition of divine truth (e.g., [Psalms 103:1](/psalms/103-1 "Psalms 103:1 - Bless the Lord, O My Soul")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bones (Hebrew, _atzamoth_):** This word refers to the skeletal structure, the very framework and core of the human body. In biblical Hebrew, "bones" often symbolize the innermost being, the essence of a person, or the seat of deep emotion and conviction. When David declares, "All my bones shall say," it signifies a profound, visceral, and undeniable testimony that emanates from the deepest part of his being, beyond mere intellectual assent or verbal declaration. It implies a total, physical, and spiritual acknowledgment of God's incomparable nature and saving power.
* **Poor (Hebrew, _ani_), Needy (Hebrew, _evyon_):** These two terms are often used in parallel in the Psalms and prophetic literature. While they can denote financial destitution, their primary meaning in this context extends to those who are afflicted, humble, oppressed, or vulnerable, often lacking power or resources to defend themselves against stronger adversaries. The use of both terms emphasizes the complete helplessness and dependency of the individual, making God's intervention all the more striking and necessary.
* **Spoileth (Hebrew, _gazal_):** This verb means to rob, plunder, tear away by violence, or extort. It conveys the aggressive, unjust, and predatory nature of the oppressor. The action described is not merely taking something, but doing so with force and without right, highlighting the victim's powerlessness and the oppressor's malicious intent. God's act of deliverance is thus a righteous intervention against violent injustice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All my bones shall say":** This powerful personification expresses a deep, internal, and undeniable conviction. It signifies that David's praise and acknowledgment of God's unique power will not be a superficial utterance but will resonate from the very core of his being, a testimony that is felt in every fiber of his existence as a result of God's saving act.
* **"LORD, who [is] like unto thee":** This is a rhetorical question that functions as a declaration of God's absolute incomparability. It asserts that there is no one—no deity, no human, no power—who can rival Yahweh in His attributes, particularly in His ability to deliver and save. It is an exclamation of awe and wonder at God's singular greatness and unique capacity.
* **"which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him":** This clause specifies God's unique role as a rescuer. It highlights His character as the champion of the vulnerable, those who are utterly powerless against an overwhelmingly superior foe. The "too strong" indicates an insurmountable human obstacle, making divine intervention the only hope.
* **"yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?":** This final clause provides a parallel and emphatic restatement of the previous one, reinforcing the specific nature of God's deliverance. It reiterates the vulnerability of the oppressed ("the poor and the needy") and the violent, unjust nature of their adversary ("him that spoileth him"). The repetition underscores the depth of the need and the completeness of God's protective rescue.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 35:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Personification** is prominently featured in "All my bones shall say," attributing the human capacity for speech and declaration to the inanimate parts of the body, vividly illustrating a deep, internal, and holistic response to God's deliverance. The phrase "LORD, who [is] like unto thee" is a classic example of a **Rhetorical Question**, which, rather than seeking an answer, serves to emphasize the unparalleled and incomparable nature of God. It functions as a powerful affirmation that no one can stand beside Him in power and saving ability. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, in its latter half: "the poor from him that is too strong for him" is echoed and intensified by "the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him." This repetition with slight variation serves to reinforce the message, highlighting both the vulnerability of the oppressed and the aggressive injustice of their tormentors, while also emphasizing the completeness of God's protective action. There is also an element of **Hyperbole** in "All my bones shall say," which exaggerates the extent of David's praise to convey its profound depth and sincerity, suggesting a testimony that permeates every fiber of his being.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 35:10 profoundly articulates a core theological truth: God's incomparability is most vividly demonstrated in His active and compassionate intervention on behalf of the helpless. This verse positions God not merely as a distant sovereign but as an engaged Deliverer who actively champions the cause of the oppressed against overwhelming odds. It highlights His unique justice, which is not abstract but manifests in concrete acts of rescue for those who are marginalized and exploited. The psalmist's declaration that "all my bones shall say" underscores that true faith involves a deep, existential recognition of God's character, a praise that arises from the very essence of one's being in response to His salvific work. This truth resonates throughout the biblical narrative, affirming God's consistent commitment to justice and His special care for the vulnerable members of society, revealing a divine nature that is utterly unlike any earthly power or false god.

* [Exodus 15:11](/exodus/15-11 "Exodus 15:11 - Who is Like You, O Lord, among the gods?")
* [Psalms 146:7-9](/psalms/146-7 "Psalms 146:7-9 - God Executes Justice for the Oppressed")
* [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God Loves the Sojourner, Gives Justice to the Orphan and Widow")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 35:10 offers immense encouragement and a powerful framework for believers navigating personal struggles or observing widespread injustice. It calls us to remember that no matter how overwhelming the opposition, how powerful the oppressor, or how vulnerable we feel, God remains the incomparable, active Deliverer. This verse invites us to a profound, wholehearted trust, recognizing that our ultimate defense and vindication rest solely in His hands. When we are afflicted, unjustly treated, or witness the suffering of the "poor and needy," this psalm empowers us to cry out to God with full confidence, knowing that He sees, He cares, and He possesses the unique power to rescue. Our response to His intervention, whether anticipated or realized, should be one of deep, visceral praise that emanates from our very core, a testimony that acknowledges His singular greatness and unwavering commitment to justice. It reminds us that our faith is not merely intellectual assent but a lived reality, prompting a deep-seated worship that recognizes God's unparalleled ability to turn helplessness into deliverance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for "all my bones" to praise God, and how can I cultivate such a deep, holistic expression of faith in my own life?**
* **In what specific situations do I feel "too strong" an adversary is against me, and how does this verse encourage me to turn to God as my deliverer?**
* **How does God's character as the protector of "the poor and the needy" challenge my own actions and priorities towards the vulnerable in my community?**
* **What contemporary injustices or oppressions does this verse compel me to pray against, trusting in God's unique power to bring deliverance?**

### FAQ
**What does "All my bones shall say" truly mean in a practical sense for believers today?**

Answer: "All my bones shall say" is a powerful Hebrew idiom signifying a profound, holistic, and undeniable conviction that emanates from the very core of one's being. It's not just a verbal declaration or an intellectual acknowledgment, but a deep, visceral response that permeates every fiber of one's existence. For believers today, it means that our praise and trust in God should be so deeply ingrained that it affects our entire person—our thoughts, emotions, and even physical reactions. When God delivers us or reveals His incomparable nature, our response should be an overflowing, undeniable testimony that comes from the "marrow of our bones," reflecting a faith that is not superficial but rooted in the deepest parts of who we are. It calls for a worship that is authentic, heartfelt, and all-encompassing, a recognition of God's character that shapes our entire outlook and behavior, similar to how [Psalms 103:1](/psalms/103-1 "Psalms 103:1 - Bless the Lord, O My Soul") calls us to bless the Lord with all that is within us.

**Why does David emphasize "the poor and the needy" in this verse?**

Answer: David emphasizes "the poor and the needy" because these terms represent the most vulnerable and powerless members of society in ancient Israel, those who were most susceptible to exploitation and oppression by the powerful. By highlighting God's deliverance of such individuals, David underscores a fundamental aspect of God's character: His unwavering justice and compassion for the marginalized. God is consistently portrayed in Scripture as the defender of the defenseless, the one who hears the cry of the oppressed and intervenes on their behalf (e.g., [Psalms 68:5](/psalms/68-5 "Psalms 68:5 - God, Father of the Fatherless") and [Proverbs 22:22-23](/proverbs/22-22 "Proverbs 22:22-23 - Do Not Rob the Poor")). This emphasis serves to magnify God's power and righteousness, as it is precisely in rescuing those who cannot help themselves from those who are "too strong" or "spoileth them" that His unique and incomparable nature is most clearly demonstrated. It also implies that David, though a king, identifies with the vulnerable in his own experience of being unjustly persecuted.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 35:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent "Deliverer" (יָשַׁע, *yasha'*) whom David anticipated, not merely from earthly oppressors but from the spiritual forces of sin, death, and the devil that truly hold humanity captive. The rhetorical question, "LORD, who is like unto thee?" is answered definitively in Christ, for in Him, the incomparable nature of God is fully revealed in human form (e.g., [Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Image of the Invisible God")). Jesus perfectly embodies God's character as the one who "delivers the poor from him that is too strong for him." He identified with the poor and needy, not only ministering to their physical needs but also declaring a spiritual blessedness upon them (e.g., [Matthew 5:3](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - Blessed are the Poor in Spirit")). More significantly, Christ, through His crucifixion and resurrection, delivered humanity from the ultimate oppressor—Satan, who "spoileth" and enslaves with sin (e.g., [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Deliverance from Death")). His victory over the grave demonstrates an unparalleled power that no earthly or spiritual foe can match, eliciting a "whole-being" praise from all who believe, a praise that resonates from the deepest parts of their redeemed spirits (e.g., [Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9-10 - Worthy is the Lamb")). In Christ, David's cry for deliverance and his vow of incomparable praise are perfectly and eternally realized.

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 140:12

I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, [and] the right of the poor.

Exodus 15:11

Who [is] like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who [is] like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful [in] praises, doing wonders?

Psalms 71:19

Thy righteousness also, O God, [is] very high, who hast done great things: O God, who [is] like unto thee!

Psalms 51:8

Make me to hear joy and gladness; [that] the bones [which] thou hast broken may rejoice.

Psalms 109:31

For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save [him] from those that condemn his soul.

Psalms 86:8

¶ Among the gods [there is] none like unto thee, O Lord; neither [are there any works] like unto thy works.

Psalms 18:17

He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me.