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?
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?
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?"
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?”
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?
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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.
Psalm 35:10 is a vibrant declaration of praise and trust, where King David expresses a profound, whole-being recognition of God's unique power to deliver the vulnerable from overwhelming opposition. It encapsulates a deep conviction in God's unparalleled justice and protective nature.
Context
Psalm 35 is a fervent prayer of David, appealing to God for deliverance from his unjust enemies. David is facing malicious accusations and attacks from those he had formerly shown kindness to, and he feels utterly helpless against their strength and deceit. In this psalm, he calls upon God to intervene directly as a warrior on his behalf. Verse 10 comes as a burst of faith and worship amidst his plea, declaring that if God acts, all of David's being will testify to His incomparable greatness and saving power. It follows David's lament over his adversaries' unprovoked hatred, as seen in Psalm 35:7, and his earnest desire for God's swift justice.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "bones" (`atzamoth`) signifies the very core or essence of a person, implying a deep, internal, and undeniable conviction. It's more than just words; it's a testimony from the marrow of one's being. The terms "poor" (`ani`) and "needy" (`evyon`) are often used in the Psalms not just to describe financial destitution but also those who are afflicted, humble, or oppressed by circumstances or powerful adversaries. The verb "spoileth" (`gazal`) means to rob, plunder, or tear away by violence, emphasizing the aggressive and unjust nature of the oppressor.
Practical Application
This verse offers immense encouragement for believers facing overwhelming odds or injustice. It reminds us that no matter how strong the adversary or how vulnerable we feel, God remains the incomparable Deliverer. When we are oppressed or unjustly treated, we can appeal to Him with full confidence that He sees, He cares, and He possesses the unique power to rescue. It also calls us to a deep, wholehearted trust and praise, recognizing that God's intervention will elicit a profound response from every fiber of our being. This truth empowers us to persevere in faith, knowing that our ultimate defense is in God's hands.