시편 Chapter 35

Translation: ESV

1

Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me!

Key Message

When suffering unjust treatment, the path of faith is not self-revenge but entrusting the defense to God.

▸A petition psalm from David appealing to God when unjustly attacked by enemies.

A petition psalm from David appealing to God when unjustly attacked by enemies. 'Contend (riv)' is a legal term — an appeal for God to become David's advocate. It shows the trust of not personally taking revenge but entrusting one's case to God.

Related Verses

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'
3

Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers! Say to my soul, 'I am your salvation!'

Key Message

God's direct intervention and the assurance of his word are the soul's deepest need.

▸God's intervention is sought with military imagery.

9

Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD, exulting in his salvation.

Key Message

True joy comes not from circumstances but from God himself and his salvation.

▸The moment of transition from petition to praise.

10

All my bones shall say, 'O LORD, who is like you, delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, the poor and needy from him who robs him?'

Key Message

The LORD is the incomparable God who delivers the powerless weak before the strong.

▸'All my bones' — the whole being, the entire body proclaims the incomparability of the LORD.

18

I will thank you in the great congregation; in the mighty throng I will praise you.

Key Message

The personal experience of salvation must be publicly proclaimed before the community.

▸A vow to offer public thanksgiving to God in communal worship after being saved.

27

Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad and say evermore, 'Great is the LORD, who delights in the welfare of his servant!'

Key Message

God delights in the welfare and prosperity of his servants.

▸A prayer that those who support David's cause might rejoice.