Psalms 35:3

KJV

Draw out also the spear, and stop [the way] against them that persecute me: say unto my soul, I [am] thy salvation.

KJV (with Strong's)

Draw out {H7324} also the spear {H2595}, and stop {H5462}{H8798)} the way against {H7125}{H8800)} them that persecute {H7291}{H8802)} me: say {H559}{H8798)} unto my soul {H5315}, I am thy salvation {H3444}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Brandish spear and battle-axe against my pursuers; let me hear you say, "I am your salvation."

Berean Standard Bible

Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers; say to my soul: “I am your salvation.”

American Standard Version

Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that pursue me: Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 35:3 presents a profound and urgent dual plea from David to God, encapsulating both a desperate cry for divine military intervention against his relentless persecutors and a deep, intimate longing for God's personal assurance of salvation. This verse articulates a fervent desire for the Lord to act as a formidable warrior on his behalf, physically thwarting his enemies' advances, while simultaneously seeking a direct, comforting declaration from God that He Himself is David's ultimate deliverer and the source of his profound well-being, bringing peace and certainty to his troubled soul amidst intense adversity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 35 is a fervent lament and imprecatory psalm, a passionate appeal to God for justice and deliverance from malicious adversaries. The psalm opens with David's direct petition to God to "[Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me!](/psalms/35-1 "Psalm 35:1 - David's Plea for Justice")". He immediately invokes vivid military imagery, urging God to "[Take hold of shield and buckler, and rise for my help!](/psalms/35-2 "Psalm 35:2 - God as Warrior")". Verse 3 continues this martial theme, with David asking God to "Draw out also the spear, and stop [the way] against them that persecute me." However, it then pivots dramatically from external conflict to an internal, spiritual yearning: "say unto my soul, I [am] thy salvation." This transition highlights that David's distress is not merely physical but deeply spiritual, requiring both outward protection and inward peace from God. The subsequent verses detail the enemies' treachery and David's righteous indignation, reinforcing the context of unjust suffering and the psalmist's absolute reliance on divine vindication.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical occasion for Psalm 35 is not explicitly stated, it is widely attributed to David and aligns powerfully with periods of intense persecution he faced, such as those from King Saul (e.g., during his flight in [1 Samuel 23](/1_samuel/23 "1 Samuel 23 - David Flees Saul")) or during Absalom's rebellion (e.g., [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion")). In ancient Near Eastern cultures, kings were often seen as divine representatives and supreme warriors, and their pleas for divine aid against enemies were common and expected. The imagery of God taking up arms (spear, shield, buckler) resonates deeply with the concept of Yahweh as the Divine Warrior, a prevalent motif in Israel's history, seen powerfully in events like the Exodus where the Lord fought for Israel (as declared in [Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "Exodus 14:14 - The Lord Fights for You")). The cultural expectation was that God would actively intervene in the affairs of His people, especially when they were unjustly attacked, providing both physical defense and a profound sense of security and well-being.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 35:3 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **God as the Divine Warrior and Protector**, actively engaged in the defense of His righteous ones. David's plea for God to "draw out the spear" and "stop the way" against his persecutors vividly portrays God not as a distant or passive deity, but as a personal, formidable defender who confronts and thwarts the wicked. This theme is foundational to understanding God's covenant faithfulness and His unwavering commitment to justice, echoing the Lord's promise to be a shield to Abraham ([Genesis 15:1](/genesis/15-1 "Genesis 15:1 - God's Promise to Abram")). Secondly, the verse highlights the profound theme of **Personal Assurance and Divine Intimacy**. David's request, "say unto my soul, I [am] thy salvation," reveals a yearning for an intimate, verbal affirmation from God that transcends mere physical safety. It speaks to the deep human need for spiritual peace and confidence derived from God's direct declaration of His saving presence. This desire for inner peace and divine comfort is a recurring motif throughout the Psalms, where the psalmist often seeks God's face and voice amidst turmoil, as seen in [Psalm 27:1](/psalms/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is My Light and My Salvation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spear (Hebrew, _chănîyth'_):** This term (H2595) refers to a specific type of long, thrusting weapon, often used by infantry. Its mention here emphasizes God's readiness for direct, decisive combat. It is not merely a defensive weapon but an offensive one, indicating that David desires God to actively engage and defeat his enemies, not just passively protect him. The imagery conveys God's immense power and His willingness to use it on behalf of His servant.
* **Stop (Hebrew, _çâgar'_):** This verb (H5462) means to shut up, close, or block. When applied to "the way" of the persecutors, it vividly portrays God's action in cutting off their pursuit, hindering their progress, and rendering their malicious plans ineffective. It implies a complete cessation of their hostile advance, a divine barrier that prevents them from reaching or harming David. This action is definitive and absolute, demonstrating God's sovereign control over even the movements and intentions of the wicked.
* **Salvation (Hebrew, _yᵉshûwʻâh'_):** This comprehensive term (H3444) signifies deliverance, rescue, safety, and well-being. It encompasses not only freedom from danger and oppression but also the positive state of wholeness, prosperity, and peace that God provides. David's request for God to "say unto my soul, I am thy salvation" moves beyond a mere physical rescue; it is a plea for an inner, spiritual assurance that God Himself is the source of his ultimate security, peace, and flourishing. It is a profound declaration of God's identity as his rescuer and sustainer in every dimension of his being.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Draw out also the spear":** This is a powerful imperative, a direct command or fervent plea to God. The imagery of God drawing out a spear portrays Him as a warrior preparing for battle. It signifies an active, aggressive posture against David's enemies, rather than a passive defense. David desires God to be fully armed and ready to engage in combat on his behalf, demonstrating divine intervention that is both immediate and decisive.
* **"and stop [the way] against them that persecute me":** This clause continues the military metaphor, specifying the desired action of God as the Divine Warrior. To "stop the way" means to block, hinder, or cut off the path of the adversaries. David is asking God to erect an insurmountable barrier against his persecutors, preventing them from advancing their malicious intentions or inflicting harm. This highlights God's protective power and His ability to thwart the plans of the wicked, ensuring their defeat.
* **"say unto my soul, I [am] thy salvation":** This is the profound spiritual core of the verse, a pivot from external conflict to internal peace. David's request for God to "say unto my soul" indicates a deep yearning for a personal, intimate, and verbal assurance from God Himself. He doesn't just want salvation to *happen*; he wants God to *declare* it to his innermost being. The declaration "I am thy salvation" is an affirmation of God's identity as David's ultimate rescuer, deliverer, and source of well-being, bringing solace and certainty to his spirit amidst turmoil and doubt.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 35:3 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey David's fervent prayer and the multifaceted nature of divine deliverance. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, where God is described with human characteristics and actions, such as "drawing out the spear" and "stopping the way." This vivid imagery makes God's intervention relatable and underscores His active engagement in human affairs. The military language throughout the first part of the verse ("spear," "stop the way," "persecute") forms a strong **Metaphor** of God as a Divine Warrior, actively fighting on behalf of His servant. This martial imagery is then contrasted with a deeply personal and spiritual plea, creating a powerful **Juxtaposition** between physical deliverance and spiritual assurance. Furthermore, the direct address to God, "Draw out... stop... say," is an example of **Apostrophe**, emphasizing the intimate and direct nature of David's prayer. The request for God to "say unto my soul" also contains a subtle **Personification** of the soul, implying it can receive and be comforted by divine speech, highlighting its capacity for deep spiritual reception.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 35:3 beautifully illustrates the multifaceted nature of God's deliverance, encompassing both physical protection from external threats and profound spiritual assurance for the inner being. Theologically, it affirms God's character as both a mighty warrior who actively intervenes on behalf of His people and a tender comforter who speaks peace to the troubled soul. This duality reflects the comprehensive scope of divine salvation, which addresses every dimension of human need—body, soul, and spirit. It teaches us that true security is not merely the absence of danger, but the active presence and direct affirmation of God Himself as our ultimate source of safety and well-being. David's prayer models a faith that boldly asks God for concrete action against adversaries while simultaneously seeking intimate communion and a direct word of comfort from the Divine.

* [Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "Exodus 14:14 - The Lord Fights for You")
* [Psalm 27:1](/psalms/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is My Light and My Salvation")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 35:3 offers a timeless blueprint for believers navigating adversity. In a world often marked by injustice, opposition, and spiritual warfare, David's prayer reminds us that our recourse is always to a God who is both mighty to save and intimately concerned with our inner peace. When we face persecutors, whether literal enemies, systemic injustices, or spiritual attacks, we are invited to boldly petition God to "draw out the spear" – to actively intervene, thwarting the plans of those who seek our harm and defending our cause. Yet, even more profoundly, this verse calls us to seek that deeper, soul-level assurance: to ask God to "say unto my soul, I am thy salvation." This is a prayer for inner peace, for the calming voice of God to quiet our fears, doubts, and anxieties, reminding us that our ultimate security rests not in circumstances but in His unchanging character and constant presence. It encourages us to cultivate a faith that trusts God not only for external deliverance but also for the profound, personal comfort that only His direct affirmation can provide, knowing that He is our ultimate refuge and strength in every season of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel "persecuted" or opposed, and how might you pray for God to "draw out the spear" on your behalf, trusting in His active intervention?**
* **What does it mean for God to "say unto your soul, I am your salvation" in your current circumstances? How might you actively listen for and receive His voice of assurance amidst your challenges?**
* **How does seeking both physical deliverance and spiritual assurance from God demonstrate a holistic and mature trust in His character and comprehensive provision?**
* **When you are troubled or under pressure, do you tend to prioritize external solutions or internal peace from God? How can this verse help re-orient your focus towards a more balanced reliance on Him?**

### FAQ

**Why does David ask for both physical protection and spiritual assurance in the same verse?**

Answer: David's dual request in Psalm 35:3 reflects the comprehensive nature of human suffering and God's holistic salvation. He is facing very real, external threats from persecutors who seek his harm, necessitating a plea for physical intervention ("Draw out also the spear, and stop [the way] against them that persecute me"). This acknowledges God as the Divine Warrior who actively defends His people. However, David understands that true peace and security are not merely the absence of external danger. The turmoil of persecution also profoundly affects his inner being, his "soul," often leading to fear, doubt, and despair. Therefore, he also seeks an intimate, verbal declaration from God ("say unto my soul, I [am] thy salvation") to calm his spirit and affirm God's unwavering presence and saving power. This demonstrates David's mature faith; he recognizes that God's deliverance encompasses both outward circumstances and inward peace, addressing the whole person. It highlights that even when God is actively fighting for us externally, we still deeply need His comforting voice to bring assurance and steadfast peace to our hearts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 35:3 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David's plea for God to "draw out the spear" and "stop the way" against his enemies foreshadows Christ as the ultimate Divine Warrior who decisively defeated sin, death, and the powers of darkness on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). He is the one who truly "stops the way" of our spiritual adversaries, rendering them powerless over those who believe in Him. More significantly, David's yearning for God to "say unto my soul, I am thy salvation" is perfectly realized in Jesus, who is not merely a deliverer but is, in His very person, our salvation. His name, Jesus (Yeshua), means "The Lord saves," and He is indeed the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus declares to our souls, "I am your salvation," offering not just rescue from danger but eternal life, profound peace, and complete reconciliation with God. He is the one who speaks peace to our troubled hearts, saying, "[My peace I give you](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - My Peace I Give You")", and who assures us of His constant presence, "[I am with you always, to the end of the age](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - I Am With You Always")". In Christ, both the physical and spiritual dimensions of salvation are fully secured, and His voice truly brings ultimate comfort and unwavering assurance to our souls.

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 27:2

When the wicked, [even] mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

Isaiah 12:2

Behold, God [is] my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH [is] my strength and [my] song; he also is become my salvation.

Isaiah 8:9

¶ Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces.

Isaiah 8:10

Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God [is] with us.

Psalms 51:12

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me [with thy] free spirit.

Psalms 91:16

With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Genesis 49:18

I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD.