Verse
A Psalm of David. Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me. – Psalm 35:1
Meaning of Psalm 35:1
The verse “Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me” is taken from the Book of Psalms in the Old Testament. Psalm 35:1 means God must fight against the enemy of His children or followers. In other words, the psalmist is crying out to God for help and protection against adversaries who seek to harm or oppose them. The word ‘fight’ on their behalf means the believer has their desire for divine intervention in their struggles. This verse mirrors the psalmist’s trust in God’s justice and power to deliver them from their enemies. It also highlights the psalmist’s plea for God’s involvement in their situation, seeking divine intervention to confront and defeat those who seek to harm them unjustly. In simple terms, Psalm 35:1 is a reminder to all the believers that they can turn to God in times of distress. They must also rely on God’s strength and protection.
Interpretations of Psalm 35:1
Interpretations of Psalm 35:1 vary depending on the theological and cultural beliefs of Christian teachings. The following are the few interpretations of the Psalm 35:1.
Interpretation #1 The Christians have a personal connection for deliverance
In this interpretation of Psalm 35:1, the reader believes that the psalmist is pleading for God’s intervention out of desperation, asking for deliverance from danger. It is meant to be a reminder of the believer’s deep desire for divine protection and justice in the face of potential harm and injustice. The verse ‘Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me’ is a heartfelt prayer, seeking God’s active involvement in their situation. Psalm 35:1 also emphasizes the importance of trust in God’s power to keep them from harm and provide deliverance. The personal plea for deliverance echoes is relatable as Christians facing adversity can have hope, as they can turn to God for help and assurance in times of trouble.
Interpretation #2 Christian face Spiritual warfare many times.
According to this version, the verse Psalm 35:1 is meant to be significant, showing spiritual warfare in a Christian’s life. The verse ‘Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me’ is a prayer for protection against evil spiritual forces or entities. The verse also means that he or she understands the struggle between good and evil. The author of the psalm earnestly seeking God’s intervention in their spiritual battle. By asking for God’s presence and strength, the reader can face the forces of darkness and secure victory. This interpretation also encourages the reader to have faith in God’s supremacy and rely on His protection, as God can send aid in the ongoing spiritual conflicts of life.
Interpretation #3 The author is hinting Messianic foreshadowing
As per this version, the reader believes that Psalm 35:1 is about the Messianic prophecy, which is a foreshadowing of the challenges faced by Jesus Christ. The verse ‘Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me’ reflects a sincere request for God’s assistance during Jesus’ time on earth. Jesus encountered opposition from religious authorities and is preparing Himself to be sacrificed on the Cross. Hence, the author of the psalm is crying for divine intervention, which is also parallel to Jesus’ reliance on God’s strength during His mission. This interpretation predicts Christ’s ultimate triumph over spiritual opposition. Thus, the reader considers the even as the victory achieved through His sacrificial death and resurrection.
Interpretation #4 The Verse Is a Call for Collective Prayer
This interpretation of Psalm 35:1 means that the verse is a call for a corporate prayer. It also means extending prayer for a community or nation who are facing external threats or adversaries. A collective prayer is a powerful way to ask for God’s involvement in safeguarding the entire group from harm, injustice, or persecution. Here the reader believes that the verse reminds them to seek divine protection and deliverance in times of distress or danger. When he or she calls God to contend with their foes with their the community, it shows their reliance on God’s power and justice to ensure their safety and well-being. Hence, communal trust in God’s providence and highlights the significance of collective prayers in times of challenges.
Interpretation #5 Christians must have personal introspection
In this interpretation, the verse Psalm 35:1 means a believer must have personal introspection that allows him or her to transcend their faith. Thus, he or she can face external adversaries as they face internal battles. Within this interpretation, the verse ‘Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me’ signifies a heartfelt plea for divine assistance in conquering personal challenges such as doubt, fear, or temptation. The verse also reflects the psalmist’s desire to seek God’s intervention in their inner struggles, acknowledging their need for divine strength and guidance. This version also highlights the universal human experience of struggling with internal conflicts. Hence, Psalm 35:1 becomes a prayer for inner revival and spiritual victory in the face of personal hardships.
Historical background of Psalm 35:1
The Book of Psalms, from the Old Testament, is the most read books. Most of the psalms were written by and during King David’s reign, around 1010-970 BCE. Psalm 35 might have been written when Saul was king of Israel before David. Also, Absalom, David’s son, who wanted to be king in David’s place. As there was one conflict after the other, David asks God to fight for him. He asks God to take Saul or Absalom away from the earth. Psalm 35 remains a timeless expression of human emotion, faith, and the desire for divine intervention in times of trouble. Additionally, through Psalm 35, the author emphasizes the importance for fervent prayer and faith.
Literary Devices of Psalm 35:1
The verse Psalm 35:1 has rich literary devices with slight poetic expression and emotional impact. A few literary devices in Psalm 35:1 are given below.
Alliteration – The verse has one repeated consonant sound at the start of the word in quick succession. For example, the sound of /th/ in ‘with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me’.
Consonance – The verse also has consonant sounds in repetition and few are in quick succession. For example, the sound of /t/ and the sound of /d/ in ‘Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me’.
Assonance – The verse also has vowel sounds in repetition and few are in quick succession. For example, the sound of /aw/, the sound of /i/, and the sound of /e/ in ‘Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me’.
Parallelism – The verse Psalm 35:1 has used parallelism, a common feature in Hebrew poetry, where similar thoughts are restated in successive lines for emphasis. For example, ‘Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me’.
Imagery – The verse is a good example of imagery as the psalmist is depicting a battle scenario with God contending and fighting on their side to convey the intensity ask for divine intervention.
Anthropomorphism – Giving God human-like actions is anthropomorphism. For example, God is contending and fighting like humans to protect them.
Repetition – The repetition of the word ‘me’ in the verse ‘Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me’ emphasizes the personal nature of the psalmist’s prayer, expressing people’s need for their individual need for God’s help.
Metaphor – The phrase ‘contend’ and ‘fight’ as metaphors implies a spiritual or metaphorical battle against evil forces.