Battle and victory.
The psalmist complains of unbelievers, ungodly enemies, prays for deliverance, giving promise of thanksgiving if his prayer is granted. The psalm falls into three divisions, in each of which the three elements of complaint, prayer, and thanksgiving are contained. The divisions are Psalms 35:1-10; Psalms 35:11-18; Psalms 35:19-28. Take first division and its suggestions (Psalms 35:1-10).
I. EVERY MAN HAS A SPIRITUAL BATTLE TO FIGHT, We have to contend against:
1. Enemies that threaten the destruction of the soul. (Psalms 35:4.) Our temptations, from within and from without, are our dangerous foes, who will conquer and destroy us if we do not conquer and destroy them. We know what unresisted sin leads to.
2. They are crafty and insidious foes. (Psalms 35:7, Psalms 35:8.) They use smiles and sophistries to conceal their real nature and designs. Evil men lay plots to ensnare the young and unwary. Hence the need of watchfulness and circumspection.
3. They are cruel, unrelenting foes. (Psalms 35:4.) They devise our hurt and follow us continually. There can be no compromise with them.
II. WE MUST SEEK THE HELP OF GOD TO GIVE US THE VICTORY IN THIS BATTLE.
1. We must fight with Divine weapons. The sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, and the helmet of salvation, etc.
2. Under the Divine inspiration. Filled with the trust, and love, and courage, and hope of those who catch their inspiration from Christ. Christ is the Captain of our salvation. The true soldier will follow the great General everywhere.
3. God helping us, we are stronger than all our foes, and are sure of victory at last.
III. WHEN THE BATTLE HAS BEEN FINALLY WON WE SHALL BE FILLED WITH GRATITUDE TO GOD. (Psalms 35:9, Psalms 35:10.) For all the grace and help we have received in every stage of the conflict. And for the eternal value of the victory we have gained. This cannot be fully known here.—S.