Awake and rise to my defense, to my cause, my God and my Lord! Awake and rise to my defenseThis phrase is a plea for God to take action on behalf of the psalmist. In the context of ancient Israel, the imagery of God "awakening" is a metaphor for divine intervention. The psalmist is calling upon God to be vigilant and active in delivering justice. This reflects a common theme in the Psalms where the writer seeks God's protection against enemies. The idea of God as a defender is echoed in other scriptures, such as Psalm 121:4, which assures that God does not slumber or sleep. The plea for defense also aligns with the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God is seen as the protector of His people. to my cause
The psalmist is asking God to take up his personal cause, indicating a deep trust in God's righteousness and justice. This reflects the legal language of the time, where a cause would be presented before a judge. The psalmist sees God as the ultimate judge who can vindicate him. This is similar to the role of a kinsman-redeemer in ancient Israel, who would defend and restore the rights of a family member. The appeal to God to take up one's cause is also seen in Psalm 43:1, where the psalmist asks God to vindicate him against an ungodly nation. my God and my Lord!
This phrase emphasizes a personal relationship with God, acknowledging His sovereignty and authority. The use of "my God" and "my Lord" signifies a deep, personal faith and reliance on God. In the Hebrew context, "Lord" (Adonai) is a title of respect and authority, often used in conjunction with God's covenant name, Yahweh. This dual acknowledgment of God as both personal and sovereign is a recurring theme in the Psalms and throughout the Old Testament. It reflects the belief in God's ultimate control over all circumstances and His intimate involvement in the lives of His people. This personal relationship is a precursor to the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as both Lord and Savior, who invites believers into a personal relationship with Him. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe author of this psalm, David is crying out to God for deliverance from his enemies. He is a central figure in the Old Testament, known for his deep relationship with God and his role as the second king of Israel. 2. GodReferred to as "my God and my Lord," highlighting a personal relationship and the sovereignty of God in David's life. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and His people. 3. EnemiesThough not named in this specific verse, the context of Psalm 35 involves adversaries who are unjustly attacking David, prompting his plea for divine intervention. Teaching Points God as DefenderTrust in God as your ultimate defender. Just as David called upon God to rise to his defense, believers today can rely on God to protect and vindicate them in times of trouble. Personal Relationship with GodCultivate a personal relationship with God. David's use of "my God and my Lord" reflects intimacy and trust. Believers are encouraged to develop a close, personal walk with God. Patience in AdversityPractice patience and faith in God's timing. David's plea for God to "awake and rise" suggests a waiting period. Believers should remain patient, trusting that God will act at the right time. Prayer as a WeaponUse prayer as a powerful tool in spiritual battles. David's cry to God is a reminder of the importance of prayer in seeking divine intervention and strength. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's plea in Psalm 35:23 reflect his understanding of God's character and role in his life? 2. In what ways can we apply David's example of seeking God's defense in our own lives when facing adversities? 3. How does the concept of God as a righteous judge in Psalm 35 connect with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament? 4. Reflect on a time when you had to wait for God's intervention. How did that experience shape your faith and understanding of God's timing? 5. How can we balance taking action in our lives with trusting God to be our defender, as seen in David's approach in Psalm 35? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 7Similar to Psalm 35, David appeals to God for justice against his enemies, emphasizing God's role as a righteous judge. 1 Samuel 24This chapter provides a account context where David spares Saul's life, demonstrating his reliance on God for justice rather than taking matters into his own hands. Romans 12:19This New Testament passage echoes the theme of leaving vengeance to God, reinforcing the idea of trusting God to defend and vindicate His people. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Awake, Bestir, Cause, Contend, Defend, Defense, Due, Judgment, Justice, Moved, O, Plea, Rise, Rouse, Stir, Thyself, WakeDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 35:23 5292 defence, divine
5534 sleep, spiritual Psalm 35:15-25 8817 ridicule, objects of Psalm 35:23-24 5360 justice, God Library Specific References to Prophecy in the Gospels
20. But, if it does not weary you, let the point out as briefly as possible, specific references to prophecy in the Gospels, that those who are being instructed in the first elements of the faith may have these testimonies written on their hearts, lest any doubt concerning the things which they believe should at any time take them by surprise. We are told in the Gospel that Judas, one of Christ's friends and associates at table, betrayed Him. Let the show you how this is foretold in the Psalms: "He …
Various—Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. Historical Summary and Chronological Tables.
a.d. 340. Birth of St. Ambrose (probably at Trèves), youngest son of Ambrose, Prefect of the Gauls. Constantine II. killed at Aquileia. Death of Eusebius. 341. Seventh Council of Antioch. Second exile of St. Athanasius. 343. Photinus begins teaching his heresy. 347. Birth of St. John Chrysostom. Council of Sardica. St. Athanasius restored. 348. Birth of Prudentius the Christian poet. 349. Synod of Sirmium against Photinus. 350. Death of the Emperor Constans. St. Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers. …
St. Ambrose—Works and Letters of St. Ambrose The Sixth Commandment
Thou shalt not kill.' Exod 20: 13. In this commandment is a sin forbidden, which is murder, Thou shalt not kill,' and a duty implied, which is, to preserve our own life, and the life of others. The sin forbidden is murder: Thou shalt not kill.' Here two things are to be understood, the not injuring another, nor ourselves. I. The not injuring another. [1] We must not injure another in his name. A good name is a precious balsam.' It is a great cruelty to murder a man in his name. We injure others in …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Ninth Commandment
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.' Exod 20: 16. THE tongue which at first was made to be an organ of God's praise, is now become an instrument of unrighteousness. This commandment binds the tongue to its good behaviour. God has set two natural fences to keep in the tongue, the teeth and lips; and this commandment is a third fence set about it, that it should not break forth into evil. It has a prohibitory and a mandatory part: the first is set down in plain words, the other …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Question of the Comparison Between the Active and the Contemplative Life
I. Is the Active Life preferable to the Contemplative? Cardinal Cajetan, On Preparation for the Contemplative Life S. Augustine, Confessions, X., xliii. 70 " On Psalm xxvi. II. Is the Active Life more Meritorious than the Contemplative? III. Is the Active Life a Hindrance to the Contemplative Life? Cardinal Cajetan, On the True Interior Life S. Augustine, Sermon, CCLVI., v. 6 IV. Does the Active Life precede the Contemplative? I Is the Active Life preferable to the Contemplative? The Lord …
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life After the Scripture.
"In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God created He him."--Gen. v. 1. In the preceding pages we have shown that the translation, "in Our image," actually means, "after Our image." To make anything in an image is no language; it is unthinkable, logically untrue. We now proceed to show how it should be translated, and give our reason for it. We begin with citing some passages from the Old Testament in which occurs the preposition "B" which, in Gen. i. 27, stands before image, where …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit Opposition to Messiah Unreasonable
Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD , and against His Anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. I t is generally admitted, that the institutes of Christianity, as contained in the New Testament, do at least exhibit a beautiful and salutary system of morals; and that a sincere compliance with the precepts of our Lord and His apostles, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Notes on the Third Century
Page 161. Line 1. He must be born again, &c. This is a compound citation from John iii. 3, and Mark x. 15, in the order named. Page 182. Line 17. For all things should work together, &c. See Romans viii. 28. Page 184. Lines 10-11. Being Satan is able, &c. 2 Corinthians xi. 14. Page 184. Last line. Like a sparrow, &c. Psalm cii. Page 187. Line 1. Mechanisms. This word is, in the original MS., mechanicismes.' Page 187. Line 7. Like the King's daughter, &c. Psalm xlv. 14. Page 188. Med. 39. The best …
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations Concerning Persecution
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 We are now come to the last beatitude: Blessed are they which are persecuted . . '. Our Lord Christ would have us reckon the cost. Which of you intending to build a tower sitteth not down first and counteth the cost, whether he have enough to finish it?' (Luke 14:28). Religion will cost us the tears of repentance and the blood of persecution. But we see here a great encouragement that may …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 35:23 NIVPsalm 35:23 NLTPsalm 35:23 ESVPsalm 35:23 NASBPsalm 35:23 KJV
Psalm 35:23 Commentaries
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