“A psalm of David

Contend!

Yahweh!

With those who contend with me!

Fight against those

Who fight against me!

Take hold of shield and buckler!

Rise up to help me!

Draw the spear and the javelin

Against my pursuers!

Say to my soul.

‘I am your deliverance!’”

Once again, Psalm 35 is a lamentation asking for help, much like Psalm 22 and 31. There are no indications of any incident in the life of David, but there is only the simple reference to David in the title. David wanted Yahweh to fight on his side against his pursuers. He wanted Yahweh to protect him with a shield, a buckler, a spear, and a javelin. This was no pure spiritual aid. David wanted military aid. He wanted Yahweh to be his deliverer and his savior in the times of battle.