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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 35:1 Contend with my opponents, O LORD; fight against those who battle me.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/35-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/19_Psa_035_001.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 35:1 - Contend with My Opponents" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Contend with my opponents, O LORD; fight against those who battle me." /><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/35-1.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/35-1.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 1</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="/ad1.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/34-22.htm" title="Psalm 34:22">◄</a> Psalm 35:1 <a href="/psalms/35-2.htm" title="Psalm 35:2">►</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 />Of David. Contend, LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/35.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />O LORD, oppose those who oppose me. Fight those who fight against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/35.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/35.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Of David. Contend with my opponents, O LORD; fight against those who fight against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/35.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br /><i>A Psalm</i> of David. Plead <i>my cause</i>, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/35.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br /><i>A Psalm</i> of David. Plead <i>my cause,</i> O LORD, with those who strive with me; Fight against those who fight against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/35.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br /><i>A Psalm</i> of David. Contend, LORD, with those who contend with me; Fight against those who fight against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/35.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A Psalm of David. Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; Fight against those who fight against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/35.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; Fight against those who fight against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/35.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Of David. Contend, O Yahweh, with those who contend with me; Fight against those who fight against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/35.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br /><i>A Psalm</i> of David. Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; Fight against those who fight against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/35.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Of David. Oppose my opponents, LORD; fight those who fight me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/35.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Davidic. Oppose my opponents, LORD; fight those who fight me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/35.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A Psalm of David. Strive thou, O Jehovah, with them that strive with me: Fight thou against them that fight against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/35.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Fight my enemies, LORD! Attack my attackers! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/35.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A Psalm of David. Strive thou, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight thou against them that fight against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/35.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />[By David.] O LORD, attack those who attack me. Fight against those who fight against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/35.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Oppose those who oppose me, LORD, and fight those who fight against me! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/35.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Argue my case, LORD, against those who argue against me. Fight against those who fight against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/35.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Of David. Contend with my opponents, O LORD; fight against those who fight against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/35.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />By David. O LORD, fight those who fight with me! Attack those who attack me! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/35.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />[By David.] Contend, LORD, with those who contend with me. Fight against those who fight against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/35.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A Psalm of David. Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/35.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />By David. Contend, Yahweh, with those who contend with me. Fight against those who fight against me. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/35.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />BY DAVID. Strive, YHWH, with my strivers, fight with my fighters,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/35.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> By David. Strive, Jehovah, with my strivers, fight with my fighters,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/35.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />To David. Contend, O Jehovah, with them contending with me: fight with those fighting with me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/35.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For David himself. Judge thou, O Lord, them that wrong me : overthrow them that fight against me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/35.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 34:1>Of David himself. O Lord, judge those who harm me; assail those who attack me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/35.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Of David. Oppose, O LORD, those who oppose me; war upon those who make war upon me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/35.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me!<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/35.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />PLEAD my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me; fight against them that fight against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/35.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Judge my case, LORD JEHOVAH, and fight against those who fight against me.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/35.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />[A Psalm] of David. Strive, O LORD, with them that strive with me; Fight against them that fight against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/35.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br /><i>A Psalm</i> of David. Judge thou, O Lord, them that injure me, fight against them that fight against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/35-1.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=3777" 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">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: lə·ḏā·wiḏ (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">Of David.</a> <a href="/hebrew/7378.htm" title="7378: rî·ḇāh (V-Qal-Imp-ms:: 3fs) -- Or ruwb; a primitive root; properly, to toss, i.e. Grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e. Hold a controversy; to defend."> Contend</a> <a href="/hebrew/3401.htm" title="3401: yə·rî·ḇay (N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Opponent, adversary. From riyb; literally, he will contend; properly, adjective, contentious; used as noun, an adversary.">with my opponents,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">O LORD;</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3898.htm" title="3898: lə·ḥam (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To feed on, to consume, to battle. A primitive root; to feed on; figuratively, to consume; by implication, to battle.">fight against those</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3898.htm" title="3898: lō·ḥă·māy (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc:: 1cs) -- To feed on, to consume, to battle. A primitive root; to feed on; figuratively, to consume; by implication, to battle.">who fight against me.</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>Take up Your shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid.…<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="/exodus/14-14.htm">Exodus 14:14</a></span><br />The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/49-25.htm">Isaiah 49:25</a></span><br />Indeed, this is what the LORD says: “Even the captives of the mighty will be taken away, and the plunder of the tyrant will be retrieved; I will contend with those who contend with you, and I will save your children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-31.htm">Romans 8:31</a></span><br />What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-17.htm">2 Chronicles 20:17</a></span><br />You need not fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-11.htm">Isaiah 41:11-12</a></span><br />Behold, all who rage against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will be reduced to nothing and will perish. / You will seek them but will not find them. Those who wage war against you will come to nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/1-19.htm">Jeremiah 1:19</a></span><br />They will fight against you but will never overcome you, since I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-15.htm">1 Samuel 24:15</a></span><br />May the LORD be our judge and decide between you and me. May He take notice and plead my case and deliver me from your hand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/4-18.htm">2 Timothy 4:18</a></span><br />And the Lord will rescue me from every evil action and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-4.htm">Deuteronomy 20:4</a></span><br />For the LORD your God goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/54-17.htm">Isaiah 54:17</a></span><br />No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-12.htm">1 Peter 3:12</a></span><br />For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”<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="/proverbs/22-23.htm">Proverbs 22:23</a></span><br />for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-7.htm">Luke 18:7</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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-1.htm">1 John 2:1</a></span><br />My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate before the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.</p><p class="hdg">A.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/43-1.htm">Psalm 43:1</a></b></br> Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-154.htm">Psalm 119:154</a></b></br> Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/24-15.htm">1 Samuel 24:15</a></b></br> The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand.</p><p class="hdg">fight</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/14-25.htm">Exodus 14:25</a></b></br> And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/10-42.htm">Joshua 10:42</a></b></br> And all these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/4-20.htm">Nehemiah 4:20</a></b></br> In what place <i>therefore</i> ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: our God shall fight for us.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/32-8.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/psalms/18-26.htm">Contend</a> <a href="/psalms/34-22.htm">David</a> <a href="/psalms/18-39.htm">Fight</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-12.htm">Fighters</a> <a href="/psalms/26-10.htm">Judging</a> <a href="/job/35-9.htm">Plead</a> <a href="/psalms/34-22.htm">Psalm</a> <a href="/psalms/31-13.htm">Side</a> <a href="/job/33-13.htm">Strive</a> <a href="/psalms/33-17.htm">War</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/35-7.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/psalms/35-23.htm">Contend</a> <a href="/psalms/35-28.htm">David</a> <a href="/psalms/56-2.htm">Fight</a> <a href="/jeremiah/48-14.htm">Fighters</a> <a href="/psalms/36-6.htm">Judging</a> <a href="/psalms/43-1.htm">Plead</a> <a href="/psalms/35-28.htm">Psalm</a> <a href="/psalms/35-27.htm">Side</a> <a href="/psalms/55-18.htm">Strive</a> <a href="/psalms/53-5.htm">War</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>Of David.</b><br>This psalm is attributed to David, the second king of Israel, who is known for his deep relationship with God and his role in establishing Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel. David's life was marked by numerous conflicts, both personal and national, which often drove him to seek God's intervention. The historical context of David's reign, including his battles with surrounding nations and internal strife, provides a backdrop for understanding his plea for divine assistance.<p><b>Contend with my opponents, O LORD;</b><br>The term "contend" suggests a legal or judicial battle, invoking the image of God as a divine advocate or judge. In ancient Israel, legal disputes were often settled at the city gates, where elders would hear cases. David's request for God to contend on his behalf reflects his reliance on divine justice over human judgment. This plea is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/isaiah/49-25.htm">Isaiah 49:25</a>, where God promises to contend with those who contend with His people, highlighting God's role as a defender of the righteous.<p><b>fight against those who fight against me.</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the military aspect of David's request, calling upon God to actively engage in battle against his enemies. Throughout the Old Testament, God is depicted as a warrior who fights for Israel, as seen in <a href="/exodus/15-3.htm">Exodus 15:3</a>, where He is described as "a man of war." David's appeal for divine intervention in battle reflects the cultural understanding of God as a protector and deliverer. This also foreshadows the ultimate victory of Christ over spiritual enemies, as seen in <a href="/revelation/19-11.htm">Revelation 19:11-16</a>, where Jesus is portrayed as a conquering king.<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 seeking God's intervention against his adversaries. He is often seen as a type of Christ, representing the righteous sufferer.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/o/opponents/adversaries.htm">Opponents/Adversaries</a></b><br>These are the individuals or groups who are opposing David. They symbolize the forces of evil and injustice that believers may face.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant name of God, who is called upon by David to act as a divine warrior and protector.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_context_of_conflict.htm">The Context of Conflict</a></b><br>This psalm is set in a time of personal conflict for David, possibly during his flight from Saul or other adversaries.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_spiritual_battle.htm">The Spiritual Battle</a></b><br>Beyond the immediate physical conflict, this psalm reflects the spiritual warfare that believers face against sin and evil.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_advocacy.htm">Divine Advocacy</a></b><br>Just as David called upon God to contend with his adversaries, believers today can trust God to be their advocate and defender in times of trouble.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_warfare.htm">Spiritual Warfare</a></b><br>Recognize that our battles are not just physical but spiritual. Equip yourself with prayer and the Word of God to stand firm against spiritual adversaries.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_justice.htm">Trust in God's Justice</a></b><br>Trust that God sees the injustices you face and will act in His perfect timing. Leave room for God's justice rather than seeking personal revenge.<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 to invite God's intervention in your life. Like David, be honest and direct in your prayers, seeking God's help against your struggles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Faith in God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Have faith that God is sovereign over all situations. Even when facing opposition, believe that God is in control and working for your good.<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/how_does_psalm_35_1_align_with_love.htm">Psalm 35:1 – How can God’s call to “contend” against enemies align with a supposed universal message of love? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/psalm_35__question_its_historical_credibility.htm">Psalm 35 – If there’s limited external evidence confirming these events, should we question the account’s historical credibility?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_psalm_35_conflict_with_nt_forgiveness.htm">Psalm 35 - Does the Psalm's tone of retribution conflict with New Testament teachings about forgiveness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_david_mourn_and_curse_foes.htm">Psalm 35:13–14 – How can David both mourn for his foes and call down curses on them without contradiction? </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>(1) <span class= "bld">Plead my cause.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">Strive, O Jehovah, with them that strive with me. </span>The construction requires this, and the parallelism suggests recourse to arms rather than to the law.<p><span class= "bld">Fight.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">devour. </span>(Comp. <a href="/numbers/24-8.htm" title="God brought him forth out of Egypt; he has as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.">Numbers 24:8</a>.<p>"He shall eat up the nations." So a Latin author--<p>"Qua medius pugnae vorat agmina vortex."<p>SILIUS: <span class= "ital">Punic, </span>4:230.<p>Comp. Shakespeare--<p>"If the wars eat us not up.'--<span class= "ital">Coriolanus, </span>Acts 1, sc. 1)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/35.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Plead my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me</span> (comp. <a href="/1_samuel/24-15.htm">1 Samuel 24:15</a>, "The Lord therefore be Judge, and judge between me and thee; and see, and <span class="accented">plead my cause</span>, and deliver me out of thine hand." The word translated "plead" is a judicial term; but the context shows that it was in the battle-field, rather than in the law-courts, that David's cause was to be pleaded. The second hemistich is therefore added to explain and correct the first; it is fighting, not pleading, that is needed under the circumstances. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/35-1.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">Of David.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְדָוִ֨ד ׀</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḏā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Contend</span><br /><span class="heb">רִיבָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(rî·ḇāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7378.htm">Strong's 7378: </a> </span><span class="str2">To toss, grapple, to wrangle, controversy, to defend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with my opponents,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְרִיבַ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(yə·rî·ḇay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3401.htm">Strong's 3401: </a> </span><span class="str2">He will contend, adjective, contentious, an adversary</span><br /><br /><span class="word">O LORD;</span><br /><span class="heb">יְ֭הוָה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">fight against</span><br /><span class="heb">לְ֝חַ֗ם</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḥam)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3898.htm">Strong's 3898: </a> </span><span class="str2">To feed on, to consume, to battle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">those who battle me.</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹֽחֲמָֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(lō·ḥă·māy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3898.htm">Strong's 3898: </a> </span><span class="str2">To feed on, to consume, to battle</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/35-1.htm">Psalm 35:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/35-1.htm">Psalm 35:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/35-1.htm">Psalm 35:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/35-1.htm">Psalm 35:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/35-1.htm">Psalm 35:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/35-1.htm">Psalm 35:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/35-1.htm">Psalm 35:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/35-1.htm">Psalm 35:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/35-1.htm">Psalm 35:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/35-1.htm">Psalm 35:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/35-1.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 35:1 By David (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/34-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 34:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 34:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/35-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 35:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 35:2" /></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>