Psalm 35:9

Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and exult in His salvation.

Study Bible

Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD
This phrase reflects a deep, personal response to God's deliverance and protection. The soul, representing the innermost being, finds joy in the LORD, indicating a relationship that is both intimate and reliant on divine intervention. In the context of Psalm 35, David is seeking deliverance from his enemies, and this rejoicing is a response to anticipated victory. The concept of rejoicing in the LORD is echoed throughout the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 33:21) and is a common theme in the Old Testament, where joy is often linked to God's acts of salvation and faithfulness. This joy is not merely emotional but is rooted in the recognition of God's sovereignty and goodness.

and exult in His salvation.
Exultation here implies a triumphant and exuberant expression of joy. Salvation in the Old Testament context often refers to deliverance from physical danger or enemies, as seen in the life of David. However, it also points to a broader spiritual salvation that is fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ. The salvation mentioned here can be seen as a type of the ultimate salvation offered through Christ, who delivers believers from sin and eternal separation from God. This phrase connects to other scriptures that speak of God's saving power, such as Isaiah 12:2, and foreshadows the New Testament's emphasis on salvation through faith in Christ (e.g., Ephesians 2:8-9). The exultation in salvation is a theme that resonates with the Christian experience of joy in the assurance of eternal life.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The author of Psalm 35, David is expressing his trust and joy in the Lord's deliverance. He often faced adversaries and sought God's intervention.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal presence and faithfulness to His people. David's joy is rooted in the LORD's salvation.

3. Salvation
In the context of this Psalm, salvation refers to deliverance from enemies and adversities, a recurring theme in David's life.

Teaching Points

Joy in Deliverance
Our joy should be rooted in the Lord's salvation, recognizing His hand in our deliverance from life's trials.

Trust in God's Timing
David's expression of joy comes after deliverance, reminding us to trust in God's timing and faithfulness.

Spiritual Salvation
While David speaks of physical deliverance, Christians can also apply this to the spiritual salvation found in Jesus Christ.

Praise as a Response
Rejoicing and exulting in the Lord should be our natural response to His work in our lives.

Soul's Rejoicing
The Hebrew word for "soul" (nephesh) indicates the depth of our being, suggesting that our entire being should rejoice in God's salvation.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding David's context enhance our appreciation of his joy in the Lord's salvation?

2. In what ways can we cultivate a heart that rejoices in God's deliverance, both physically and spiritually?

3. How does the theme of rejoicing in salvation in Psalm 35:9 connect with the New Testament teachings on joy?

4. What are some practical ways we can remind ourselves of God's past deliverances to encourage our faith in current trials?

5. How can we ensure that our rejoicing in the Lord is a reflection of our entire being, as suggested by the Hebrew understanding of "soul"?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 13:5
This verse also speaks of rejoicing in God's salvation, highlighting a consistent theme of trust and joy in God's deliverance throughout the Psalms.

Isaiah 61:10
This passage echoes the theme of rejoicing in the Lord, as it describes being clothed with garments of salvation and righteousness.

Philippians 4:4
The New Testament call to rejoice in the Lord always connects with the joy expressed in Psalm 35:9, showing the continuity of this theme in both Testaments.