"Contend, O Lord: A Cry for Divine Justice and Deliverance from Psalm 35"

When the battle is beyond you!!

 When the Battle Isn’t Yours

There comes a time in every life when the walls seem to close in,when enemies rise, not because of wrongs we've done, but because darkness opposes light. In such times, the human soul cries out, not to man, but to God. Psalm 35:1–10 is a powerful example of this cry,a psalm of David, raw with emotion, yet rich with trust. It is the voice of someone under attack, yet unwavering in faith that God will show up as Defender, Judge, and Savior.

This story is more than an exposition. It’s a journey. A walk alongside David as he faces betrayal, injustice, and life-threatening opposition. It’s a mirror for those of us who have been falsely accused, sabotaged, or overwhelmed. And it’s a reminder that when we can’t fight for ourselves, God still fights for us.

 Psalm 35: A Song of Battle and Trust

David begins this psalm with a bold appeal:

"Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me." (Psalm 35:1)

A cry for justice 

It’s not a cry for vengeance, but for divine justice. David knows he’s not fighting flesh and blood alone,he’s up against spiritual, political, and personal enemies. So he calls on the One who never loses a battle.

He doesn’t just ask for support,l,he asks God to arise, to take up shield and armor, to brandish spear and javelin. These are military terms, not poetic fluff. David is invoking the God of Heaven’s Armies to enter the fray. And then, he requests something personal and powerful:

"Say to me, 'I am your salvation.'" (Psalm 35:3)

In the chaos of the fight, David wants more than God’s intervention,he wants His voice. He longs to hear that divine whisper confirming, “You’re not alone. I will save you.”

Divine Reversal: Let the Enemy’s Trap Catch Them

As the psalm progresses, David describes the schemes set against him:

"They hid their net for me without cause and without cause dug a pit for me."(Psalm 35:7)

Have you ever been misunderstood or mistreated for no good reason? Have people set you up to fail,digging metaphorical pits, speaking ill of you behind your back, manipulating events to destroy your reputation or career?

David knows this pain. He prays:

"May ruin overtake them by surprise,may the net they hid entangle them." (Psalm 35:8)

This is divine justice at work. The same traps set for the righteous will be the downfall of the wicked. It echoes Proverbs 26:27:

"Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them."

When evil men conspire in secret, God responds in power. He does not forget. He does not sleep. The wicked may advance, but their steps are numbered.

 The Angel of the Lord in Battle

Angel of the Lord 

Twice in Psalm 35, David invokes the angel of the Lord:

"May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them away."

"May their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the Lord pursuing them."

This is not poetic flair,it’s divine assurance. The angel of the Lord is a powerful, visible manifestation of God’s presence. In Exodus 14:19, the angel of the Lord stood between the Israelites and the pursuing Egyptians, guarding them through the night. David knew this history and clung to it.

When your enemies are too strong for you, remember,God’s angels still work in your defense. They drive out fear, scatter wickedness, and pursue those who seek to harm God’s children.

 A Heart Set to Rejoice

Rejoice in Gods salvation 

David’s lament is not just a complaint; it’s an invitation for God to act so that praise might erupt:

"Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord and delight in his salvation."(Psalm 35:9)

True deliverance always results in worship. It shifts your sorrow into singing and your pain into praise.

The psalmist envisions a complete, embodied response:

"My whole being will exclaim, 'Who is like you, Lord?'"(Psalm 35:10)

This isn’t silent gratitude. It’s vocal, passionate, whole-body worship. When you’ve been pulled from a pit, when justice has triumphed, when the lies fall flat and God lifts your head,there’s nothing left to say but: “Who is like You, Lord?”

Rejoice in the lord 

The God Who Rescues the Poor and Needy

Psalm 35 ends this section with a divine declaration:

"You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them."(Psalm 35:10)

This is the gospel in one verse. God rescues the weak, the voiceless, the forgotten. If you’ve been overpowered, if you’ve been robbed of joy, peace, or provision—God is your Rescuer.

This echoes throughout Scripture:

Psalm 72:4;“He will defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; he will crush the oppressor.”

Proverbs 22:22-23;“Do not exploit the poor because they are poor... for the Lord will take up their case.”

Luke 4:18;“He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor... to set the oppressed free.”

From Old to New Testament, God is consistent: He is on the side of the oppressed. He is the strength of the powerless. And He doesn't just feel compassion.He acts.

When You Need God to Fight for You

You might be walking through your own Psalm 35 moment. Maybe people have betrayed your trust. Maybe you’ve worked hard, only to be sabotaged. Maybe you’ve prayed and fasted, yet the battle rages on.

Let this psalm be your prayer.

“Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me.”

God is not indifferent. He sees what others cannot. He knows what’s being said behind closed doors. And in His time, He will act.

 Justice Belongs to God

David’s cry in Psalm 35 is not a permission slip for personal vengeance. It’s a declaration of divine trust. Rather than take matters into his own hands, David turns to the God who rules over heaven and earth.

"Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord."(Romans 12:19)

This is the way of the kingdom,relinquishing control, trusting in God’s justice, and waiting for His salvation.

If you’ve been hurt, keep praying. If the lies keep circling, keep believing. If the pit feels deep, keep looking up. The God who fought for David still fights for you.

And when He moves, may your whole being exclaim:

“Who is like You, Lord?”

Has Psalm 35 spoken to your current situation? Share your thoughts or testimony in the comments. And if you’re praying for God to contend on your behalf, know that you're not alone.God sees, and He will act.

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