Psalm 35 3

Psalm 35:3 kjv

Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me: say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.

Psalm 35:3 nkjv

Also draw out the spear, And stop those who pursue me. Say to my soul, "I am your salvation."

Psalm 35:3 niv

Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to me, "I am your salvation."

Psalm 35:3 esv

Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers! Say to my soul, "I am your salvation!"

Psalm 35:3 nlt

Lift up your spear and javelin
against those who pursue me.
Let me hear you say,
"I will give you victory!"

Psalm 35 verses

Psalm 35 3 Meaning

Psalm 35:3 is a fervent prayer from the Psalmist to God, seeking immediate and profound divine intervention. It encapsulates a twofold plea: first, for God to actively engage as a warrior to neutralize the external threats posed by his relentless pursuers; second, for God to provide a deep, personal, and verbal assurance to the Psalmist's inner being that He Himself is the source of ultimate salvation and deliverance. This verse highlights the need for both external protection and internal peace directly from God.

Psalm 35 3 Context

Psalm 35 is a powerful lament psalm by David, a direct and desperate appeal for divine judgment and intervention against his accusers and enemies. It follows themes prevalent in David's life, such as wrongful accusation, betrayal by those he helped, and relentless pursuit by those seeking his downfall (e.g., King Saul, Absalom, or those in positions of false witness). The psalm moves from fervent imprecation against enemies (vv. 1-8) to expressions of personal vindication and gratitude (vv. 9-18), then back to renewed pleas for justice and deliverance (vv. 19-28). Verse 3 fits squarely within the initial prayer for God to rise up as a divine warrior, not just generically, but specifically on behalf of the beleaguered Psalmist. The context emphasizes David’s vulnerable position and his complete reliance on God's active involvement to resolve both his external conflicts and his internal anxieties. This isn't just a physical battle; it's also a fight for reputation and psychological peace against slander and hatred.

Psalm 35 3 Word analysis

• "Also draw out" (וְהָקֵק - vəhāqēq): The verb haqeq means "to make bare," "to unsheathe," or "to prepare/sharpen." In this context, it implies an active, deliberate act of preparation for battle by God. It signifies God becoming actively engaged in conflict, not passively observing.

• "the spear" (חֲנִית - ḥănîṯ): Refers to a "lance" or "spear," a formidable weapon for close combat or throwing. When God is asked to "draw out the spear," it paints a vivid picture of the Divine Warrior equipping Himself for direct intervention, fighting on behalf of the Psalmist. It represents God's might and readiness to protect.

• "and stop" (וּסְגֹר - ûsəḡōr): From the root sāḡar, meaning "to shut," "to close," "to block," or "to imprison." Here, it carries the sense of cutting off access, blocking the way, or making the path impassable for the enemies. It means to effectively halt their progress and neutralize their pursuit.

• "those who pursue me" (רֹדְפַי - rodfay): Literally "my pursuers" (plural possessive of rāḏap̄, "to pursue," "to chase"). This refers to relentless, hostile adversaries who are actively seeking to harm or destroy the Psalmist. It highlights the direct, personal nature of the threat.

• "Say to my soul" (וֶאֱמֹר לְנַפְשִׁי - ve’ĕmōr lənap̄šî): ’Āmar means "to say" or "to speak." Nepshef refers to the "soul," "life," "inner self," or "person" – the deepest part of one's being. This phrase signifies a direct, personal, and internal communication from God to the core of the Psalmist’s identity. It implies seeking comfort, reassurance, and validation that transcends outward circumstances.

• "‘I am your salvation.’" (אֲנִי יְשׁוּעָתֶךָ - ’anî yəšûʿāṯekā): This is a powerful divine self-declaration. ’Anî is the emphatic "I," reinforcing God’s personal identity. Yəšûʿāh means "salvation," "deliverance," "rescue," or "victory." The suffix ‑ṯekā means "your" (feminine singular, though referring to nephesh, the soul). This declaration signifies that God Himself, in His very being, is the comprehensive source of deliverance from all threats, both external and internal. It's a promise of complete divine provision for safety and well-being.

• "Also draw out the spear and stop those who pursue me": This phrase portrays God as a warrior, not merely observing, but actively engaging in the battle on behalf of His servant. It's a prayer for literal, physical intervention and defense, turning the tide of the conflict by obstructing the enemy's progress. The request for divine weaponry indicates an extreme and immediate need for protection.

• "Say to my soul, ‘I am your salvation.’": This is an incredibly intimate and vital part of the prayer. Beyond external deliverance, the Psalmist seeks internal assurance. His soul needs to hear this truth directly from God, providing comfort and strength amidst despair and fear. It emphasizes that ultimate security is not in circumstance, but in a personal revelation of God's character as the Deliverer. This declaration from God's own mouth would instill unwavering faith and peace.

Psalm 35 3 Bonus section

The request for God to "draw out the spear" aligns with the biblical theme of God as ’Ish Milḥamah (אִישׁ מִלְחָמָה), "a Man of War" (Exo 15:3). This theological understanding emphasizes God’s sovereignty not just in creation but also in justice and defense of His people against evil. The imagery used throughout the Old Testament portrays God using divine weapons—sword, spear, arrows—to defeat His enemies and save the righteous. This isn't a call for human violence, but an appeal for God's divine justice and protection.

Furthermore, the declaration "I am your salvation" (אֲנִי יְשׁוּעָתֶךָ) is a unique, direct divine utterance requested by the Psalmist. It transcends merely asking for a salvation or an act of salvation; it seeks God Himself to be the salvation. This points towards the profound truth that ultimately, salvation is found not in a concept or event, but in the person of God (and subsequently, in Christ, whose very name Yeshua means "The LORD is salvation"). This intimate identification of God with salvation is foundational to understanding the New Testament's proclamation of Jesus Christ as our ultimate salvation and Lord. It suggests a complete, personal dependency where God is not just the giver of gifts but the gift itself.

Psalm 35 3 Commentary

Psalm 35:3 captures a profound duality in the Psalmist’s desperate plea to God. Firstly, it reveals a human understanding of God as the ultimate Divine Warrior, capable of active, forceful intervention. The image of God unsheathing His spear and blocking the pursuers paints a vivid picture of divine readiness and strength to protect His own from immediate physical and strategic threats. This is a request for God to manifest His power externally, disrupting the schemes and progress of adversaries.

Secondly, and perhaps even more poignantly, the verse includes a deeply personal and intimate petition: "Say to my soul, ‘I am your salvation.’" This isn't just about deliverance from external foes; it's about the internal, emotional, and spiritual well-being of the Psalmist. In times of intense persecution, fear and despair can settle deeply within the heart. The Psalmist yearns for a direct, unequivocal affirmation from God Himself—a truth spoken into the very core of his being that assures him of divine rescue and eternal security. This personal declaration from God transforms fear into faith and despair into hope, reminding the soul where true and lasting salvation originates. It highlights that God's deliverance encompasses not just outward circumstances but also inward peace and assurance.

• Example: In times of legal battles or false accusations, this verse reflects a prayer for both a favorable external outcome and an inner peace that calms the storm of anxiety and fear.
• Example: When feeling overwhelmed by relentless opposition, one can pray for God to directly thwart adversaries while also asking for the internal comfort that He alone provides security.