Psalms 35:9

KJV

And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation.

KJV (with Strong's)

And my soul {H5315} shall be joyful {H1523} in the LORD {H3068}: it shall rejoice {H7797}{H8799)} in his salvation {H3444}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then I will be joyful in ADONAI, I will rejoice in his salvation.

Berean Standard Bible

Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and exult in His salvation.

American Standard Version

And my soul shall be joyful in Jehovah: It shall rejoice in his salvation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 35:9 is a profound declaration of anticipatory joy and unwavering confidence in the LORD's character and future deliverance, even amidst present distress. It marks a pivotal shift within Psalm 35 from fervent lament and petition to a triumphant expression of faith, where the psalmist's entire being finds its delight and exultation in God's promised salvation and vindication. This verse encapsulates a deep spiritual truth: true joy is rooted not in the absence of trouble, but in the steadfast presence and redemptive power of the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 35 is a deeply personal and impassioned lament psalm attributed to David, characterized by his fervent pleas for divine intervention against unjust enemies and false accusers. The preceding verses (Psalms 35:1-8) are filled with vivid imagery of David's adversaries seeking his ruin, his cries for God to "contend" (rib) with those who contend with him, and his desire for their swift downfall. This section establishes a profound sense of betrayal, helplessness, and the urgent need for God's justice. Verse 9, however, introduces a dramatic shift in tone and focus. It moves from a desperate plea to a confident declaration of future praise, revealing David's unwavering faith that his prayers will indeed be answered. This anticipatory praise functions as a spiritual anchor, demonstrating a heart that trusts God's faithfulness even before the full manifestation of His deliverance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical circumstances prompting Psalm 35 are not explicitly stated, it is widely believed to reflect periods of intense persecution in David's life, such as his flight from King Saul (e.g., [1 Samuel 23](/1-samuel/23 "1 Samuel 23 - David Flees Saul")) or betrayal by Absalom and Ahithophel (e.g., [2 Samuel 15](/2-samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion")). In ancient Israel, "salvation" (יְשׁוּעָה, _yᵊšûʿâ_) often carried immediate, tangible connotations of deliverance from physical enemies, vindication in legal disputes, and restoration of well-being. The psalmist's enemies were not merely personal adversaries but were often seen as opposing God's chosen king and, by extension, God's purposes. Thus, God's intervention was a matter of divine justice and the upholding of His covenant. The cultural practice of public lament and subsequent praise, often accompanied by physical expressions of joy, was integral to Israelite worship and communal life.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Joy in the LORD**, asserting that the ultimate source of profound and lasting joy is not found in favorable circumstances or the absence of trouble, but in the very person and character of God Himself. This spiritual exultation transcends external conditions, as seen in [Habakkuk 3:17-19](/habakkuk/3-17 "Habakkuk 3:17-19 - Rejoicing in God Amidst Hardship"). Secondly, it highlights **Rejoicing in Salvation**, where "salvation" encompasses God's active deliverance, rescue, and vindication. David anticipates God's mighty acts of saving him, which will prompt a celebratory response, echoing the truth that the joy of the LORD is our strength, as declared in [Nehemiah 8:10](/nehemiah/8-10 "Nehemiah 8:10 - The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength"). Finally, the verse exemplifies **Anticipatory Praise**, a common pattern in the Psalms where the psalmist moves from deep lament to confident expectation, culminating in a promise of praise. David is not merely waiting for salvation; he is already declaring his joyful response to it, a testament to his profound faith that God will act, much like God's ability to turn mourning into dancing in [Psalms 30:11](/psalms/30-11 "Psalms 30:11 - God Turns Mourning into Dancing").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Joyful (Hebrew, גיל, _gîl_):** This verb denotes a strong, exuberant, and often physical expression of joy, such as leaping, spinning, or shouting with gladness. It's not a quiet contentment but an overflowing, almost uncontrollable delight. When applied to the soul, it signifies a deep, inner exultation that wells up and expresses itself outwardly.
* **Rejoice (Hebrew, שׂוּשׂ, _sûs_):** Similar to _gîl_, this verb also conveys a sense of intense gladness, cheerfulness, and exultation, often implying a vibrant, lively joy. The pairing of _gîl_ and _sûs_ in synonymous parallelism emphasizes the depth and fervor of David's anticipated delight.
* **Salvation (Hebrew, יְשׁוּעָה, _yᵊšûʿâ_):** This noun is rich in meaning, encompassing deliverance, rescue, victory, welfare, and well-being. It speaks to God's active intervention to bring about a state of safety and flourishing. Crucially, it is the same Hebrew root from which the name "Jesus" (Yeshua) is derived, pointing to the ultimate deliverer and the complete work of redemption.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD:"** The conjunction "And" connects this declaration to the preceding petitions, indicating a confident outcome. "My soul" (נֶפֶשׁ, _nephesh_) refers to the whole person, the innermost being, the seat of emotions, will, and life itself. It is the core of David's identity that will experience this profound joy. The object of this joy is "the LORD" (יְהוָה, Yahweh), the covenant-keeping God of Israel. This emphasizes that the joy is not merely in the *act* of deliverance but in the *person* of the Deliverer Himself, His character, faithfulness, and power.
* **"it shall rejoice in his salvation."** This clause functions in synonymous parallelism with the first, reiterating and intensifying the theme. "It" refers back to "my soul." The specific cause for this rejoicing is "his salvation"—God's active, personal, and decisive intervention to rescue David from his adversaries. The future tense verbs ("shall be," "shall rejoice") are not expressions of wishful thinking but declarations of confident faith, anticipating a certain future reality based on God's character and promises.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 35:9 employs several powerful **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second half of the verse ("it shall rejoice in his salvation") echoes and reinforces the meaning of the first half ("And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD"). This repetition serves to intensify the declaration of joy and confidence, ensuring the reader grasps the profound nature of David's anticipated exultation. The use of "my soul" is a form of **Synecdoche**, where a part (the soul) represents the whole person, emphasizing that David's entire being is engaged in this joyful anticipation. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Anticipatory Language** through its future tense verbs ("shall be," "shall rejoice"). This is not merely a prediction but a declaration of faith, a commitment to praise God for a deliverance that is yet to fully manifest, showcasing a deep trust in divine faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 35:9 stands as a powerful testament to the nature of true spiritual joy, which is not contingent on circumstances but rooted in the unchangeable character and redemptive power of God. It teaches that even in the midst of profound distress and unfulfilled petitions, a believer can anchor their hope in the certainty of God's future salvation. This anticipatory praise is an act of profound faith, acknowledging God as the ultimate source of deliverance and vindication. The psalmist's joy is not merely *about* salvation, but *in* the LORD Himself, whose very being is the fount of all true delight. This theological truth liberates believers from circumstantial happiness, inviting them into a deeper, more resilient joy found in communion with the Almighty.

* [Nehemiah 8:10](/nehemiah/8-10 "Nehemiah 8:10 - The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength")
* [Psalms 30:11](/psalms/30-11 "Psalms 30:11 - God Turns Mourning into Dancing")
* [Isaiah 12:2-3](/isaiah/12-2 "Isaiah 12:2-3 - God is My Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 35:9 offers a profound model for believers navigating the trials and injustices of life. It challenges us to cultivate a joy that transcends our immediate circumstances, a joy deeply rooted in the unchanging character and promised deliverance of God Himself. In a world where happiness is often fleeting and dependent on external conditions, David's declaration calls us to fix our gaze on the LORD, recognizing Him as the ultimate source of our delight and salvation. This verse encourages us to move beyond mere lament and to embrace anticipatory praise, declaring our confidence in God's faithfulness even before we see the full manifestation of His intervention. It's an invitation to trust that God will contend for us, vindicate us, and ultimately bring about His salvation, transforming our present distress into future exultation. This active, faith-filled posture not only strengthens our spirit but also serves as a powerful testimony to God's sovereignty and goodness in the face of adversity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my current experience of joy compare to the "exuberant" and "leaping" joy described in this verse?**
* **In what specific ways can I shift my focus from my present difficulties to the unchanging character of the LORD as the source of my joy?**
* **What does it mean to offer "anticipatory praise" for God's salvation in my own life, even when I am still waiting for deliverance?**
* **How does understanding "salvation" as both physical deliverance and spiritual redemption deepen my appreciation for God's work?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean for my "soul" to be joyful in the LORD?**

Answer: When the psalmist speaks of "my soul" (Hebrew: _nephesh_), he is referring to his entire inner being—his mind, will, emotions, and very life force. So, for the soul to be joyful in the LORD means that David's deepest core, his whole person, finds its ultimate delight, satisfaction, and exultation not in external circumstances or human achievements, but in the person, character, and faithfulness of Yahweh Himself. It's a holistic, spiritual joy that transcends the fleeting nature of worldly happiness, rooted in a personal relationship with the covenant-keeping God. This joy is not merely intellectual assent but a profound, experiential gladness that permeates one's entire existence, even amidst adversity.

**How can I rejoice in God's salvation when I'm still experiencing trouble or waiting for deliverance?**

Answer: Psalms 35:9 exemplifies anticipatory praise, a powerful act of faith. It's not about denying your present pain but about declaring a future reality based on God's proven character and promises. You can rejoice in God's salvation in several ways:
* **Remember Past Deliverances:** Recall times God has saved or helped you before, building confidence for the present (e.g., [Psalms 77:11](/psalms/77-11 "Psalms 77:11 - I Will Remember the Deeds of the Lord")).
* **Trust in God's Nature:** Rejoice in who God is—His goodness, faithfulness, power, and love—knowing He is sovereign over all circumstances (e.g., [Psalms 145:3](/psalms/145-3 "Psalms 145:3 - Great is the Lord")).
* **Embrace Promised Deliverance:** Cultivate a confident expectation that God will indeed act on your behalf, even if the timing or method is not yet clear. This is the essence of faith, as described in [Hebrews 11:1](/hebrews/11-1 "Hebrews 11:1 - Faith is the Assurance of Things Hoped For")).
* **Focus on Ultimate Salvation:** For the Christian, our greatest salvation is already accomplished in Christ, providing a foundational and eternal joy that no earthly trial can diminish (e.g., [1 Peter 1:8-9](/1-peter/1-8 "1 Peter 1:8-9 - Rejoicing with Inexpressible Joy")). This ultimate victory allows us to view present troubles through the lens of God's overarching redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's anticipatory joy in God's "salvation" in Psalms 35:9 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Hebrew word for "salvation" (יְשׁוּעָה, _yᵊšûʿâ_) is the very root from which the name "Jesus" (Yeshua) is derived, signifying that He is the embodiment of God's saving power. While David longed for deliverance from earthly enemies and vindication, the New Testament reveals that true and eternal salvation is deliverance from sin, death, and the power of evil through Christ's atoning sacrifice and glorious resurrection. The joy David anticipated in a future, earthly deliverance is fully realized for believers in the finished work of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Our souls are now truly "joyful in the LORD" because we have been reconciled to God through Christ (e.g., [Romans 5:11](/romans/5-11 "Romans 5:11 - Rejoice in God Through Christ")). The Christian's joy is not merely a hope for future rescue, but a present reality rooted in the accomplished fact of Christ's victory, enabling us to "rejoice in the Lord always" (e.g., [Philippians 4:4](/philippians/4-4 "Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord Always")). This deep, abiding joy is a fruit of the Spirit (e.g., [Galatians 5:22](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22 - Fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy")), a divine gift that transcends all earthly circumstances because our ultimate salvation is secured in Christ, the one who brings eternal joy and deliverance from all spiritual adversaries (e.g., [John 16:22](/john/16-22 "John 16:22 - Your Joy No One Will Take From You")).

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

Isaiah 61:10

¶ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth [herself] with her jewels.

Psalms 58:10

The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.

Psalms 58:11

So that a man shall say, Verily [there is] a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.

Psalms 21:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Habakkuk 3:18

Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

Psalms 68:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm [or] Song of David. Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.