Day 71

Psalm 35 part 2

v:1 Many adversaries fought against David (and lost), and many were the times he prayed, “fight against those who fight against me.” He could rightly pray this prayer because he generally lived in God’s will, and those who fought against him were also opposed to God. The word ‘contend’ is a legal term – more literally, ‘litigate.’ He who would contend with me must stand against my advocate. God is my salvation(RSV; deliverance.)

With vivid images, David called upon God to put on His armour and fight on his behalf v2-3. We often don’t think of God having armour, but He does. Isa 59:17 says of Yahweh: ‘For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head; He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak.’ God is likened as a warrior for His people. Using metaphors and similes we see this armed Yahweh, grasping the defensive shields and drawing His spear to keep the enemies at bay, He utters no battle shout but whispers consolation to the trembling man crouching behind his shield. The outward side of Divine activity, turned to the foe, is military and menacing; the inner side is full of tender, secret breathings of comfort and love. David was not his own salvation; God reminded him, “I am your salvation.”v3. In trying circumstances, where the pain is often poignant, we are in danger of losing our assurance in God. Hence the plea that God would give him the inward sense of certainty: ‘Say to my soul – I am your salvation.’ It was a request for the renewing or strengthening of the inner communion with God, which is ever the secret of strength in days of turmoil and sorrow. There is nothing more powerful than a full assurance that God is your God, and your salvation.

This statement suggests many aspects of David’s assurance. While he may have had doubts that rattled his contentment, he knew where to obtain full assurance; he had a divine source that made his assurance deep and personal in the present.