Psalms 35
1Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me;fight against those who fight against me. 2Take up shield and armor;arise and come to my aid. 3Brandish spear and javelinagainst those who pursue me.Say to me,“I am your salvation.” 4May those who seek my lifebe disgraced and put to shame;may those who plot my ruinbe turned back in dismay. 5May they be like chaff before the wind,with the angel of the Lord driving them away; 6may their path be dark and slippery,with the angel of the Lord pursuing them. 7Since they hid their net for me without causeand without cause dug a pit for me, 8may ruin overtake them by surprise—may the net they hid entangle them,may they fall into the pit, to their ruin. 9Then my soul will rejoice in the Lordand delight in his salvation. 10My whole being will exclaim,“Who is like you, Lord?You rescue the poor from those too strong for them,the poor and needy from those who rob them.” 11Ruthless witnesses come forward;they question me on things I know nothing about. 12They repay me evil for goodand leave me like one bereaved. 13Yet when they were ill, I put on sackclothand humbled myself with fasting.When my prayers returned to me unanswered, 14I went about mourningas though for my friend or brother.I bowed my head in griefas though weeping for my mother. 15But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee;assailants gathered against me without my knowledge.They slandered me without ceasing. 16Like the ungodly they maliciously mocked;they gnashed their teeth at me. 17How long, Lord, will you look on?Rescue me from their ravages,my precious life from these lions. 18I will give you thanks in the great assembly;among the throngs I will praise you. 19Do not let those gloat over mewho are my enemies without cause;do not let those who hate me without reasonmaliciously wink the eye. 20They do not speak peaceably,but devise false accusationsagainst those who live quietly in the land. 21They sneer at me and say, “Aha! Aha!With our own eyes we have seen it.” 22Lord, you have seen this; do not be silent.Do not be far from me, Lord. 23Awake, and rise to my defense!Contend for me, my God and Lord. 24Vindicate me in your righteousness, Lord my God;do not let them gloat over me. 25Do not let them think, “Aha, just what we wanted!”or say, “We have swallowed him up.” 26May all who gloat over my distressbe put to shame and confusion;may all who exalt themselves over mebe clothed with shame and disgrace. 27May those who delight in my vindicationshout for joy and gladness;may they always say, “The Lord be exalted,who delights in the well-being of his servant.” 28My tongue will proclaim your righteousness,your praises all day long.
Study Context for Psalms 35
As you study Psalms 35, keep in mind the overarching themes of this old testament book: Worship, Lament, Praise. Observe how the specific events or teachings in this chapter contribute to the book's broader message.
WorshipLamentPraise
Observation: What does Psalms 35 reveal about the character and nature of God? What does it reveal about humanity?
Application: How does the truth presented in this chapter change how you should live, think, or pray today?
Study introductions and prompts are supplementary aids, not Scripture. They do not replace prayerful reading, the authority of Scripture, a faithful local church, or pastoral care.
Study Psalms 35 more deeply
Ask Matthew for a Scripture-grounded explanation using this reference, not the copyrighted NIV wording. AI explanations remain separate from Scripture.
New International Version (NIV)
The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture provided through API.Bible