Psalm 35: A Prayer for Justice

Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me. Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help. —Psalm 35:1, 2

Psalm 35 is a clarion cry for help.

David implores the Lord to defend him against his accusers.

David wants God to fight on his side against those who have turned on him (v. 1).

He urges God to take up the large “shield” as well as the smaller “buckler” and act in his defense (v. 2). And not just a passive defense—an active defense is needed.

David asks God to draw His spear against those who are persecuting him (v. 3).

David would have the Lord baffle and confuse his enemies (v. 4).

He wants to have the angel of the Lord chase and persecute those who wish him harm (vv. 5, 6). He desires that they might fall into the very trap they have set for him (vv. 7, 8). If God will answer this prayer and save David, he will rejoice with his whole being (v. 10).

The first ten verses of this psalm contain David’s prayer for justice, and the middle verses detail his enemies’ actions (vv. 11–18). False witnesses have testified of untruths about David and his actions (v. 11). David has treated all with kindness and generosity, but these men have vilified him and secretly despised his acts as weakness.

Their actions have left David feeling quite alone (see Psalm 38), puzzled, and saddened (Psalm 35:12). David had mourned with these men as if they were his own family (v. 14), but when adversity struck, these same men celebrated and banded together to mock him and stop his return to power (vv. 15, 16).

David promises to praise the Lord if He delivers him from these lions who seek his destruction (vv. 17, 18). The last division of this psalm is a request for divine involvement (vv. 19–28).

David knows God has seen the truth and can make known to all that these liars have spread deceit (vv. 19–23). David pleads with God as the Righteous Judge to judge him innocent of those things ascribed to him (v. 24). Evil men think they have won (v. 25), but those who believe in righteousness will praise God for judging David innocent (vv. 27, 28).

“When Thou, my righteous Judge, shalt come, / To call Thy ransomed people home, / Shall I among them stand?”