Psalms 35:23
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 35:23
23 Stir up thyself, and awake to my judgment, even unto my cause, my God and my Lord.
Chapter Context
Psalms 35 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of fellowship, worship, salvation. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-28: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 35:23
23 Stir up thyself, and awake to my judgment, even unto my cause, my God and my Lord.
Analysis
The military language 'stir up' and 'awake' anthropomorphically pictures God rousing for battle like a warrior rising from rest. This doesn't imply divine inactivity but uses human metaphor to express the psalmist's urgent desire for manifest intervention. 'My judgment' and 'my cause' are David's because they're entrusted to God as righteous judge, modeling the New Testament teaching to commit judgment to Him who judges righteously (1 Peter 2:23).
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern warfare included trumpet calls awakening armies to action. David applies this to spiritual warfare, calling on the Divine Warrior to engage on his behalf.
Reflection
- How do you 'awaken' your own faith to expect God's action?
- What does it mean to entrust your cause to God rather than self-vindication?
Word Studies
- Judgment: מִשְׁפָּט (Mishpat) H4941 - Judgment, justice
Cross-References
- Judgment: Psalms 7:6
- References Lord: Psalms 44:23, 142:5, Isaiah 51:9
- References God: Psalms 89:26, John 20:28
- Parallel theme: Psalms 59:4, 80:2