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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 35:23 Awake and rise to my defense, to my cause, my God and my Lord!</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/35-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/19_Psa_035_023.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 35:23 - Contend with My Opponents" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Awake and rise to my defense, to my cause, my God and my Lord!" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/35-23.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/35-23.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/35.htm">Chapter 35</a> > Verse 23</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/35-22.htm" title="Psalm 35:22">◄</a> Psalm 35:23 <a href="/psalms/35-24.htm" title="Psalm 35:24">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/35.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/35.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Awake, and rise to my defense! Contend for me, my God and Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/35.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Wake up! Rise to my defense! Take up my case, my God and my Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/35.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Awake and rouse yourself for my vindication, for my cause, my God and my Lord!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/35.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Awake and rise to my defense, to my cause, my God and my Lord!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/35.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Stir up thyself, and awake to my judgment, <i>even</i> unto my cause, my God and my Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/35.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Stir up Yourself, and awake to my vindication, To my cause, my God and my Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/35.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Stir Yourself, and awake to my right And to my cause, my God and my Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/35.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Stir up Yourself, and awake to my right And to my cause, my God and my Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/35.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Stir up Thyself, and awake to my right, And to my cause, my God and my Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/35.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Stir up Yourself, and awake to my justice And to my cause, my God and my Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/35.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Wake Yourself up, and arise to my right And to my cause, my God and my Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/35.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Wake up and rise to my defense, to my cause, my God and my Lord!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/35.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Wake up and rise to my defense, to my cause, my God and my LORD! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/35.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Stir up thyself, and awake to the justice due unto me, Even unto my cause, my God and my Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/35.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Fight to defend me, Lord God, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/35.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Stir up thyself, and awake to my judgment, even unto my cause, my God and my Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/35.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Wake up, and rise to my defense. Plead my case, O my God and my Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/35.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Rouse yourself, O Lord, and defend me; rise up, my God, and plead my cause. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/35.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Wake up! Arouse yourself to vindicate me and argue my case, my God and my Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/35.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Awake and rise to my defense, to my cause, my God and my Lord!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/35.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Rouse yourself, wake up and vindicate me! My God and Lord, defend my just cause! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/35.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Wake up. Rise up to defend me, my God. My Lord, contend for me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/35.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Stir up thyself, and awake to my judgment, even to my cause, my God and my Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/35.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Wake up! Rise up to defend me, my God! My Lord, contend for me! <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/35.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Stir up, and wake to my judgment, "" My God, and my Lord, to my plea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/35.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Stir up, and wake to my judgment, My God, and my Lord, to my plea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/35.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Rouse up and awake to judgment, my God and my Lord, for my contention.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/35.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Arise, and be attentive to my judgment : to my cause, my God, and my Lord. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/35.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 34:23>Rise up and be attentive to my judgment, to my cause, my God and my Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/35.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Awake, be vigilant in my defense, in my cause, my God and my Lord. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/35.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Wake up! Bestir yourself for my defense, for my cause, my God and my Lord!<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/35.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />stir up thyself and awake to my judgment, see my suffering, my God and my LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/35.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Awake for my judgment, my God and my Lord, and see the defrauding of me.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/35.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Rouse Thee, and awake to my judgment, Even unto my cause, my God and my Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/35.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Awake, O Lord, and attend to my judgment, <i>even</i> to my cause, my God and my Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/35-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=3949" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/35.htm">Contend with My Opponents</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>O LORD, You have seen it; be not silent. O Lord, be not far from me. <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5782.htm" title="5782: hā·‘î·rāh (V-Hifil-Imp-ms:: 3fs) -- To rouse oneself, awake. A primitive root; to wake.">Awake</a> <a href="/hebrew/6974.htm" title="6974: wə·hā·qî·ṣāh (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-Imp-ms:: 3fs) -- Arise, be awake, watch. A primitive root (compare yaqats); to awake.">and rise</a> <a href="/hebrew/4941.htm" title="4941: lə·miš·pā·ṭî (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 1cs) -- Judgment. ">to my defense,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7379.htm" title="7379: lə·rî·ḇî (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 1cs) -- Strife, dispute. Or rib; from riyb; a contest.">to my cause,</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hay (N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">my God</a> <a href="/hebrew/136.htm" title="136: wa·ḏō·nāy (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Lord. Am emphatic form of 'adown; the Lord.">and my Lord!</a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>Vindicate me by Your righteousness, O LORD my God, and do not let them gloat over me.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/7-6.htm">Psalm 7:6</a></span><br />Arise, O LORD, in Your anger; rise up against the fury of my enemies. Awake, my God, and ordain judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/44-23.htm">Psalm 44:23</a></span><br />Wake up, O Lord! Why are You sleeping? Arise! Do not reject us forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/59-4.htm">Psalm 59:4</a></span><br />For no fault of my own, they move swiftly to attack me. Arise to help me, and take notice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/82-8.htm">Psalm 82:8</a></span><br />Arise, O God, judge the earth, for all the nations are Your inheritance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/94-2.htm">Psalm 94:2</a></span><br />Rise up, O Judge of the earth; render a reward to the proud.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/51-9.htm">Isaiah 51:9</a></span><br />Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD. Wake up as in days past, as in generations of old. Was it not You who cut Rahab to pieces, who pierced through the dragon?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-59.htm">Lamentations 3:59-60</a></span><br />You have seen, O LORD, the wrong done to me; vindicate my cause! / You have seen all their malice, all their plots against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/19-25.htm">Job 19:25</a></span><br />But I know that my Redeemer lives, and in the end He will stand upon the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/11-20.htm">Jeremiah 11:20</a></span><br />O LORD of Hosts, who judges righteously, who examines the heart and mind, let me see Your vengeance upon them, for to You I have committed my cause.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-12.htm">1 Samuel 24:12</a></span><br />May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD take vengeance on you, but my hand will never be against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-12.htm">2 Chronicles 20:12</a></span><br />Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast army that comes against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19</a></span><br />Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/1-6.htm">2 Thessalonians 1:6</a></span><br />After all, it is only right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/6-10.htm">Revelation 6:10</a></span><br />And they cried out in a loud voice, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge those who dwell upon the earth and avenge our blood?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-7.htm">Luke 18:7-8</a></span><br />Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay in helping them? / I tell you, He will promptly carry out justice on their behalf. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Stir up yourself, and awake to my judgment, even to my cause, my God and my Lord.</p><p class="hdg">Stir</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/7-6.htm">Psalm 7:6</a></b></br> Arise, O LORD, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me <i>to</i> the judgment <i>that</i> thou hast commanded.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/44-23.htm">Psalm 44:23</a></b></br> Awake, why sleepest thou, O Lord? arise, cast <i>us</i> not off for ever.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/80-2.htm">Psalm 80:2</a></b></br> Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh stir up thy strength, and come <i>and</i> save us.</p><p class="hdg">my God</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/89-26.htm">Psalm 89:26</a></b></br> He shall cry unto me, Thou <i>art</i> my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/142-5.htm">Psalm 142:5</a></b></br> I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou <i>art</i> my refuge <i>and</i> my portion in the land of the living.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/20-28.htm">John 20:28</a></b></br> And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/17-15.htm">Awake</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-24.htm">Bestir</a> <a href="/psalms/35-19.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/psalms/35-1.htm">Contend</a> <a href="/psalms/20-1.htm">Defend</a> <a href="/psalms/31-2.htm">Defense</a> <a href="/psalms/29-2.htm">Due</a> <a href="/psalms/33-5.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/psalms/33-5.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/psalms/30-6.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/psalms/17-1.htm">Plea</a> <a href="/psalms/33-4.htm">Right</a> <a href="/psalms/35-11.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/job/41-10.htm">Rouse</a> <a href="/job/41-10.htm">Stir</a> <a href="/psalms/22-8.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/psalms/3-5.htm">Wake</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/44-23.htm">Awake</a> <a href="/ezekiel/38-14.htm">Bestir</a> <a href="/psalms/35-27.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/psalms/103-9.htm">Contend</a> <a href="/psalms/43-1.htm">Defend</a> <a href="/psalms/48-3.htm">Defense</a> <a href="/psalms/65-1.htm">Due</a> <a href="/psalms/37-6.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/psalms/36-6.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/psalms/38-16.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/psalms/55-1.htm">Plea</a> <a href="/psalms/37-6.htm">Right</a> <a href="/psalms/36-12.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/psalms/44-23.htm">Rouse</a> <a href="/psalms/44-23.htm">Stir</a> <a href="/psalms/37-1.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/psalms/44-23.htm">Wake</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 35</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/35-1.htm">David prays for his own safety, and his enemies' confusion</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/35-11.htm">He complains of their wrongful dealing</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/35-22.htm">Thereby he incites God against them</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/35.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/35.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Awake and rise to my defense</b><br>This phrase is a plea for God to take action on behalf of the psalmist. In the context of ancient Israel, the imagery of God "awakening" is a metaphor for divine intervention. The psalmist is calling upon God to be vigilant and active in delivering justice. This reflects a common theme in the Psalms where the writer seeks God's protection against enemies. The idea of God as a defender is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/psalms/121-4.htm">Psalm 121:4</a>, which assures that God does not slumber or sleep. The plea for defense also aligns with the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God is seen as the protector of His people.<p><b>to my cause</b><br>The psalmist is asking God to take up his personal cause, indicating a deep trust in God's righteousness and justice. This reflects the legal language of the time, where a cause would be presented before a judge. The psalmist sees God as the ultimate judge who can vindicate him. This is similar to the role of a kinsman-redeemer in ancient Israel, who would defend and restore the rights of a family member. The appeal to God to take up one's cause is also seen in <a href="/psalms/43.htm">Psalm 43:1</a>, where the psalmist asks God to vindicate him against an ungodly nation.<p><b>my God and my Lord!</b><br>This phrase emphasizes a personal relationship with God, acknowledging His sovereignty and authority. The use of "my God" and "my Lord" signifies a deep, personal faith and reliance on God. In the Hebrew context, "Lord" (Adonai) is a title of respect and authority, often used in conjunction with God's covenant name, Yahweh. This dual acknowledgment of God as both personal and sovereign is a recurring theme in the Psalms and throughout the Old Testament. It reflects the belief in God's ultimate control over all circumstances and His intimate involvement in the lives of His people. This personal relationship is a precursor to the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as both Lord and Savior, who invites believers into a personal relationship with Him.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The author of this psalm, David is crying out to God for deliverance from his enemies. He is a central figure in the Old Testament, known for his deep relationship with God and his role as the second king of Israel.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>Referred to as "my God and my Lord," highlighting a personal relationship and the sovereignty of God in David's life. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and His people.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/enemies.htm">Enemies</a></b><br>Though not named in this specific verse, the context of <a href="/bsb/psalms/35.htm">Psalm 35</a> involves adversaries who are unjustly attacking David, prompting his plea for divine intervention.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god_as_defender.htm">God as Defender</a></b><br>Trust in God as your ultimate defender. Just as David called upon God to rise to his defense, believers today can rely on God to protect and vindicate them in times of trouble.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/personal_relationship_with_god.htm">Personal Relationship with God</a></b><br>Cultivate a personal relationship with God. David's use of "my God and my Lord" reflects intimacy and trust. Believers are encouraged to develop a close, personal walk with God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/patience_in_adversity.htm">Patience in Adversity</a></b><br>Practice patience and faith in God's timing. David's plea for God to "awake and rise" suggests a waiting period. Believers should remain patient, trusting that God will act at the right time.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/prayer_as_a_weapon.htm">Prayer as a Weapon</a></b><br>Use prayer as a powerful tool in spiritual battles. David's cry to God is a reminder of the importance of prayer in seeking divine intervention and strength.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_35.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 35</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_we_unknowingly_entertain_angels.htm">What does Psalm 37:23 mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_essence_of_the_most_holy_faith.htm">What is the meaning of Psalm 46:5?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_84_11_align_with_no_sun_worship.htm">If the Lord is described as 'a sun' in Psalm 84:11, how does this symbolism align with the biblical prohibition against sun worship?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/are_you_ready_to_face_death.htm">What does 'your rod and staff comfort me' mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/35.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">Stir up thyself.</span>--Comp. <a href="/psalms/7-6.htm" title="Arise, O LORD, in your anger, lift up yourself because of the rage of my enemies: and awake for me to the judgment that you have commanded.">Psalm 7:6</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/35.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Stir up thyself, and awake to my judgment</span> (camp. <a href="/psalms/80-2.htm">Psalm 80:2</a>; <a href="/psalms/44-23.htm">Psalm 44:23</a>; <a href="/psalms/78-65.htm">Psalm 78:65</a>). The psalmists call on God to awake, not as though he were really asleep, but as a sort of stirring appeal to him to arise and manifest himself. <span class="cmt_word">Even unto</span> <span class="cmt_word">my cause, my God and my Lord.</span> "Awake," <span class="accented">i.e.</span>, "to judge my cause - to acquit me, and condemn my enemies" (camp. <a href="/psalms/9-4.htm">Psalm 9:4</a>; <a href="/psalms/35-1.htm">Psalm 35:1</a>; <a href="/psalms/43-1.htm">Psalm 43:1</a>, etc.). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/35-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Awake</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעִ֣ירָה</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘î·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5782.htm">Strong's 5782: </a> </span><span class="str2">To rouse oneself, awake</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and rise</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֭הָקִיצָה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hā·qî·ṣāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6974.htm">Strong's 6974: </a> </span><span class="str2">Arise, be awake, watch </span><br /><br /><span class="word">to my defense,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמִשְׁפָּטִ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(lə·miš·pā·ṭî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4941.htm">Strong's 4941: </a> </span><span class="str2">A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to my cause,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְרִיבִֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·rî·ḇî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7379.htm">Strong's 7379: </a> </span><span class="str2">Strife, dispute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהַ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and my Lord!</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽאדֹנָ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(wa·ḏō·nāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_136.htm">Strong's 136: </a> </span><span class="str2">The Lord</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/35-23.htm">Psalm 35:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/35-23.htm">Psalm 35:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/35-23.htm">Psalm 35:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/35-23.htm">Psalm 35:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/35-23.htm">Psalm 35:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/35-23.htm">Psalm 35:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/35-23.htm">Psalm 35:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/35-23.htm">Psalm 35:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/35-23.htm">Psalm 35:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/35-23.htm">Psalm 35:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/35-23.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 35:23 Wake up! (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/35-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 35:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 35:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/35-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 35:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 35:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>