Prayer for Rescue from Enemies - Psalm 35

 

Psalm 35 – A Psalm of David, with commentaries by Dennis Edwards.

35:1-2 Plead my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me. Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for my help.

Jesus said that without Him we could do nothing, John 15:5b, but with Him we can do all things because He strengthens us, Philippians 4:13.  Apostle Paul tells us we are fighting spiritual powers in celestial places. Therefore, we need to put on the whole armour of God to be able to stand against the wiles of the devil, and having done all to stand, Ephesians 6:11-13.

Paul tells us to have our loins girded with the truth. Walking in truth, being honest, truthful, speaking the truth in love is part of the armour that God has given us. In Proverbs we read, “Let not mercy and truth forsake you: bind them about your neck; write them upon the table of your heart: So, shall you find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man,” Proverbs 3:3-4.

Jesus said that He was the way, the truth, and the life, and that the Father wanted us to worship Him in spirit and in truth. Apostle John tells us, “The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ,” John 1:17. Apostle Paul reveals that in Jesus is hidden all the treasure of wisdom and knowledge, Colossians 2:3, in other words, all truth is found in Jesus. He Himself said that if we obeyed His word, we would know the truth, and the truth would make us free, John 8:32. Truth, in all its aspects, is therefore an important part of our spiritual armour.

Apostle Paul also tells us above all to take “the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked,” Ephesians 6:16. In Hebrews, we learn, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him; for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him,” Hebrews 11:6.

David in the present psalm is praying and asking the Lord to take up shield and buckler in his defence. Apostle Paul is telling us to take up the armour of God which includes the shield of faith. Abraham became the friend of God and the father of faith, because he believed God, and “staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God,” Romans 4:20.

We, too, must have faith. Our faith is encouraged by reading God’s word and following through on what He shows us to do. Faith is the hand of the spirit that reaches out and receives from God. It is our spiritual effort. Without faith we cannot please God. Lord, I believe, help put away my lack of faith.

Psalm 35: 3 Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me: say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.

In the armour of God that Apostle Paul describes, the only offensive weapon is the sword. What is the sword representative of? The sword is the word of God. Again, in Hebrews we read, “The word of God is quick (alive) and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart,” Hebrew 4:12.

We need to pick up the sword of the spirit which is God’s word and cut the devil and all his doubts and lies to the heart. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Read the word, quote the word, sing the word, memorize the word, believe the word, and act on the word. It is through believing and obeying the word that you receive power, for God gives His Holy Spirit to them that obey Him.

Psalm 35:4-6 Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt. Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the Lord chase them. Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the Lord persecute them.

David is asking the Lord to deal with his enemies for him.

In Psalm 1:4-6, we see that the ungodly are like the chaff which the wind drives away. They shall not have a place in the judgment, in other words, their lives will not be extended in the after-life, but rather they shall perish. 

At the Great White Throne Judgment Seat of God, after the 1,000-year millennium and the final battle of Gog and Magog, all the souls of the unbelievers who didn’t come to faith in Christ will be raised and brought before God for the final judgment. They will all be judged according to their works, whether they were good, or whether they were evil. Those not found written in the book of life shall be cast into the lake of fire which is the second death, see Revelation 20:11-15. 

Psalm 35:7-8 For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit, which without cause they have digged for my soul. Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he has hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.

Which is what eventually happened to King Saul who had sought David’s life for many years. King Saul and his sons died in battle against the Philistines, 1 Samuel 31.

Psalm 35:9-10 And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord: it shall rejoice in his salvation. All my bones shall say, Lord, who is like unto You, which delivers the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoils him?

The day is coming when the rich and powerful will be judged. In Revelation we read, “And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains. And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: for the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand,” Revelation 6:15-17.

The meek shall inherit the earth and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace, Psalm 37:11.

Until that day, we need to fight discouragement. We need to fight for joy, for it is the joy of the Lord which is our strength. "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice," Philippians 4:4. Don't let a cloud of sadness linger over you. "In everything give thanks," 1 Thessalonians 5:18. "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name." Psalm 100:4. 

Psalm 35:11-12 False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not. They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul.

Like David, and Jesus, and other men and women of God, the enemy of our soul will anoint those who he will use to rise up against the godly. Jesus said, “If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you,” John 15:20. Apostle Paul wrote similarly, “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution,” 2 Timothy 3:12. We will be falsely accused by our enemies of things we are not guilty of.

Psalm 35:13-14 But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into my own bosom. I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourns for his mother.

Like Jesus mourning over Jerusalem when he was about to enter it before His passion, Luke 19:41, we see David treating his enemies with love and compassion. Jesus went further and forgave the Roman soldiers who had crucified Him. “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do,” Luke 23:34.

Psalm 35:15-16 But in my adversity, they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea, the abjects (assailants or persecutors) gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not: With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth.

We see Jesus under Annas and Caiaphas getting stricken in the face and spit upon. “Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted Him; and others smote Him with the palms of their hands,” Matthew 26:67.

Psalm 35:17-18 Lord, how long wilt You look on? Rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling from the lions. I will give You thanks in the great congregation: I will praise You among much people.

Praise is the victory. Apostle Paul advises us to give thanks in every situation. When he and Silas were imprisoned for witnessing, it says that at midnight they “prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them,” Acts 16:25. Paul and Silas served the Lord with gladness: they came into God’s presence with singing. They were able to make a joyful noise in spite of the seemingly difficult situation. God miraculously intercedes for them and frees them. Their praying, praising, and singing were the vehicle that helped bring their deliverance.

Psalm 35:19-21 Let not them that are my enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause. For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land. Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, and said, Aha, aha, our eye has seen it.

It hurts when we are being wrongly accused and slandered. All we can do is to cry out to the Lord to rise up in our defence and leave it in His hands.

Psalm 35:22-23 This You have seen, O Lord: keep not silence: O Lord, be not far from me. Stir up Yourself, and awake to my judgment, even unto my cause, my God and my Lord.

God will respond when we call and send help of some kind. "Before you call, I will answer; and while you are yet speaking, I will hear," Isaiah 65:24. He may send a sympathetic lawyer or doctor or psychiatrist to stand up for your cause, or an organization or club to defend you.

Psalm 35:24-26 Judge me, O Lord my God, according to Your righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me. Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it: let them not say, We have swallowed him up. Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at my hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify themselves against me.

In the midst of persecution our cry should be like David’s. We should pray against those that are persecuting us, and against the spiritual entities, the demonic spiritual forces attacking us in our minds or in our emotions.

Psalm 35:27-28 Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, which has pleasure in the prosperity of his servant. And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness and of Your praise all the day long.

David ends his psalm with praise. He knows God will answer and send him victory, and confound and defeat his enemies. We do the same. Lord, bring victory out of seeming defeat. Deliver us from the hand of our enemies and those too strong for us. Be our defence against all the wiles of the enemy. In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Published originally February 12, 2025

 

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Mark 13 KJV

 

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Salmo 35 - Oración para ser rescatado de los enemigos

 

Salmo 35 – Salmo de David, con comentarios de Dennis Edwards.

35:1-2 Defiende mi causa, oh Señor, con los que me combaten; lucha contra los que me combaten. Echa mano del escudo y de la broquel, y levántate en mi ayuda.

Jesús dijo que sin Él nada podríamos hacer (Juan 15:5b), pero con Él todo lo podemos porque nos fortalece (Filipenses 4:13). El apóstol Pablo nos dice que luchamos contra poderes espirituales en lugares celestiales. Por lo tanto, necesitamos revestirnos de toda la armadura de Dios para poder resistir las asechanzas del diablo y, habiendo acabado todo, mantenernos firmes (Efesios 6:11-13).

Pablo nos dice que debemos ceñirnos los lomos con la verdad. Andar en la verdad, ser honestos, veraces y hablar la verdad con amor es parte de la armadura que Dios nos ha dado. En Proverbios leemos: “No te abandonen la misericordia y la verdad; átalas a tu cuello; escríbelas en la tabla de tu corazón; así hallarás favor y buena opinión ante los ojos de Dios y de los hombres” (Proverbios 3:3-4).

Jesús dijo que Él era el camino, la verdad y la vida, y que el Padre quería que lo adoráramos en espíritu y en verdad. El apóstol Juan nos dice: “La ley por medio de Moisés fue dada, pero la gracia y la verdad vinieron por medio de Jesucristo” (Juan 1:17). El apóstol Pablo revela que en Jesús se esconde todo el tesoro de la sabiduría y el conocimiento (Colosenses 2:3); en otras palabras, toda la verdad se encuentra en Jesús. Él mismo dijo que si obedecíamos su palabra, conoceríamos la verdad, y la verdad nos haría libres (Juan 8:32). La verdad, en todos sus aspectos, es, por lo tanto, una parte importante de nuestra armadura espiritual.

El apóstol Pablo también nos dice, sobre todo, que tomemos “el escudo de la fe, con el cual podáis apagar todos los dardos de fuego del maligno” (Efesios 6:16). En Hebreos, aprendemos: “Sin fe es imposible agradar a Dios; porque es necesario que el que se acerca a Dios crea que le hay, y que es galardonador de los que le buscan” (Hebreos 11:6).

En este salmo, David ora y le pide al Señor que tome escudo y adarga para su defensa. El apóstol Pablo nos dice que tomemos la armadura de Dios, que incluye el escudo de la fe. Abraham se convirtió en amigo de Dios y padre de la fe porque creyó en Dios y “no dudó, por incredulidad, de la promesa de Dios, sino que se fortaleció en la fe, dando gloria a Dios” (Romanos 4:20).

Nosotros también debemos tener fe. Nuestra fe se fortalece al leer la palabra de Dios y al seguir lo que Él nos muestra que debemos hacer. La fe es la mano del espíritu que se extiende y recibe de Dios. Es nuestro esfuerzo espiritual. Sin fe no podemos agradar a Dios. Señor, creo, ayúdame a superar mi falta de fe.

Salmo 35:3: Saca también la lanza y cierra el camino contra los que me persiguen; di a mi alma: «Yo soy tu salvación».

En la armadura de Dios que describe el apóstol Pablo, la única arma ofensiva es la espada. ¿Qué representa la espada? La espada es la palabra de Dios. De nuevo, en Hebreos leemos: «La palabra de Dios es viva y eficaz, y más cortante que toda espada de dos filos; penetra hasta partir el alma y el espíritu, las coyunturas y los tuétanos, y discierne los pensamientos y las intenciones del corazón» (Hebreos 4:12).

Necesitamos tomar la espada del espíritu, que es la palabra de Dios, y cortar al diablo y todas sus dudas y mentiras hasta el corazón. Resiste al diablo y huirá de ti. Lee la palabra, cítala, cántala, memorízala, cree en ella y actúa conforme a ella. Es al creer y obedecer la palabra que recibes poder, porque Dios da su Espíritu Santo a quienes le obedecen.

Salmo 35:4-6 Sean avergonzados y confundidos los que buscan mi vida; sean vueltos atrás y confundidos los que maquinan mi mal. Sean como paja delante del viento, y el ángel del Señor los persiga. Sea su camino tenebroso y resbaladizo, y el ángel del Señor los persiga.

David le pide al Señor que se encargue de sus enemigos por él.

En el Salmo 1:4-6, vemos que los impíos son como la paja que se lleva el viento. No tendrán cabida en el juicio; en otras palabras, sus vidas no se prolongarán en el más allá, sino que perecerán.

En el Tribunal del Gran Trono Blanco de Dios, después del milenio y la batalla final de Gog y Magog, todas las almas de los incrédulos que no creyeron en Cristo serán resucitadas y llevadas ante Dios para el juicio final. Todos serán juzgados según sus obras, sean buenas o malas. Quienes no se encuentren inscritos en el libro de la vida serán arrojados al lago de fuego, que es la muerte segunda (véase Apocalipsis 20:11-15).

Salmo 35:7-8 Porque sin causa me han tendido una red en un hoyo, que sin causa han cavado para mi alma. Que la destrucción venga sobre él sin que se dé cuenta; que la red que ha tendido lo prenda; que caiga en esa misma destrucción.

Esto es lo que finalmente le sucedió al rey Saúl, quien había buscado la vida de David durante muchos años. El rey Saúl y sus hijos murieron en batalla contra los filisteos (1 Samuel 31).

Salmo 35:9-10 Y mi alma se alegrará en el Señor; se regocijará en su salvación. Todos mis huesos dirán: «Señor, ¿quién como tú, que libras al pobre del que es más fuerte que él, y al pobre y al necesitado del que lo despoja?»

Se acerca el día en que los ricos y poderosos serán juzgados. En Apocalipsis leemos: «Y los reyes de la tierra, y los grandes, los ricos, los capitanes, los poderosos, y todo siervo y todo libre, se escondieron en las cuevas y entre las peñas de los montes. Y decían a los montes y a las peñas: «Caed sobre nosotros y escondednos del rostro de aquel que está sentado en el trono, y de la ira del Cordero; porque el gran día de su ira ha llegado; ¿y quién podrá sostenerse en pie?» (Apocalipsis 6:15-17).

Los mansos heredarán la tierra y se deleitarán en abundancia de paz (Salmo 37:11).

Hasta ese día, debemos luchar contra el desánimo. Necesitamos luchar por el gozo, porque el gozo del Señor es nuestra fuerza. «Regocijaos en el Señor siempre, y otra vez os digo: regocijaos» (Filipenses 4:4). No dejéis que la tristeza os invada. «Dad gracias en todo» (1 Tesalonicenses 5:18). «Entrad por sus puertas con acción de gracias, por sus atrios con alabanza; dadle gracias, bendecid su nombre» (Salmo 100:4).

Salmo 35:11-12. Se levantaron falsos testigos; me acusaron de cosas que yo no sabía. Me devolvieron mal por bien, para ruina de mi alma.

Al igual que David, Jesús y otros hombres y mujeres de Dios, el enemigo de nuestra alma ungirá a quienes usará para rebelarse contra los piadosos. Jesús dijo: «Si a mí me han perseguido, también os perseguirán a vosotros» (Juan 15:20). El apóstol Pablo escribió de manera similar: «Todos los que quieran vivir piadosamente en Cristo Jesús padecerán persecución» (2 Timoteo 3:12). Nuestros enemigos nos acusarán falsamente de cosas de las que no somos culpables.

Salmo 35:13-14 Pero yo, cuando ellos enfermaron, me vestí de cilicio; afligí mi alma con ayuno, y mi oración volvía a mi seno. Me comporté como si fuera mi amigo o hermano; me incliné profundamente, como quien llora a su madre.

Al igual que Jesús lamentó la muerte de Jerusalén cuando estaba a punto de entrar en ella antes de su pasión (Lucas 19:41), vemos a David tratando a sus enemigos con amor y compasión. Jesús fue más allá y perdonó a los soldados romanos que lo crucificaron. “Padre, perdónalos, porque no saben lo que hacen”, Lucas 23:34.

Salmo 35:15-16 Pero en mi adversidad, se regocijaron y se congregaron; sí, los abyectos (agresores o perseguidores) se juntaron contra mí, y yo no lo entendí; me desgarraron, y no cesaron; con burladores hipócritas en festines, rechinaban los dientes contra mí.

Vemos a Jesús bajo Anás y Caifás siendo abofeteado y escupido. “Entonces le escupieron en el rostro y le dieron de puñetazos; y otros le azotaron con las palmas de las manos”, Mateo 26:67.

Salmo 35:17-18 Señor, ¿hasta cuándo verás esto? Rescata mi alma de sus destrucciones, mi amado de los leones. Te daré gracias en la gran congregación; te alabaré entre un pueblo numeroso. La alabanza es la victoria. El apóstol Pablo nos aconseja dar gracias en toda situación. Cuando él y Silas fueron encarcelados por testificar, dice que a medianoche “oraron y cantaron alabanzas a Dios, y los presos los oyeron” (Hechos 16:25). Pablo y Silas sirvieron al Señor con alegría: llegaron a la presencia de Dios cantando. Pudieron hacer un ruido gozoso a pesar de la situación aparentemente difícil. Dios intercede milagrosamente por ellos y los libera. Su oración, alabanza y canto fueron el vehículo que contribuyó a su liberación.

Salmo 35:19-21 No se alegren de mí sin causa mis enemigos, ni guiñen el ojo los que me aborrecen sin causa. Porque no hablan paz, sino que maquinan engaños contra los que habitan en paz en la tierra. Sí, abrieron su boca contra mí, y dijeron: «¡Ajá, ajá! ¡Nuestros ojos lo han visto!». Duele cuando nos acusan y calumnian injustamente. Solo podemos clamar al Señor para que nos defienda y lo dejemos en sus manos.

Salmo 35:22-23 Esto has visto, oh Señor: no calles; Señor, no te alejes de mí. Despiértate y despierta para mi juicio, para mi causa, Dios mío y Señor mío.

Dios responderá cuando lo invoquemos y envíe algún tipo de ayuda. «Antes de que llames, responderé; y mientras aún hables, escucharé», Isaías 65:24. Él puede enviar un abogado, un médico o un psiquiatra comprensivo para defender tu causa, o una organización o club para defenderte.

Salmo 35:24-26 Júzgame, oh Señor Dios mío, conforme a tu justicia; que no se alegren de mí. Que no digan en su corazón: «¡Ah, así lo quisiéramos!»; que no digan: «Lo hemos devorado». Que se avergüencen y se confundan a una los que se alegran de mi mal; que se vistan de vergüenza y deshonra los que se engrandecen contra mí.

En medio de la persecución, nuestro clamor debe ser como el de David. Debemos orar contra quienes nos persiguen y contra las entidades espirituales, las fuerzas espirituales demoníacas que nos atacan en la mente o en las emociones.

Salmo 35:27-28: Griten de alegría y se alegren los que están a favor de mi justa causa; sí, digan continuamente: «Sea engrandecido el Señor, que se complace en la prosperidad de su siervo. Y mi lengua hablará de tu justicia y de tu alabanza todo el día».

David termina su salmo con alabanza. Sabe que Dios le responderá y le dará la victoria, y confundirá y derrotará a sus enemigos. Nosotros hacemos lo mismo. Señor, saca la victoria de la aparente derrota. Líbranos de la mano de nuestros enemigos y de aquellos que son más fuertes que nosotros. Sé nuestra defensa contra todas las asechanzas del enemigo. En el nombre de Jesús, oramos.

Publicado originalmente el 12 de febrero de 2025

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The Importance of Being Praiseful! - 2 Chronicles 20

A Victory of Prayer, Praise, and Song: 2 Chronicles 20

By Dennis Edwards

Praise is such an important spiritual discipline. I wanted to read to you a chapter from the Bible which shows you the importance of using praise in your daily life. I’m reading from II Chronicles 20. It says, 

“It came to pass after this also, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon and with them other beside the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle.”[1]

The children of Moab, and the children of Ammon were descendants from Lot the nephew of Abraham. At the time of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah Lot had fled from Sodom with his wife and two unwed daughters with the help of the angels. Lot’s wife looked back and turned into a pilar of salt. Lot and his two daughters fled onward to a small town near the mountains and later escaped to a cave to hide from the great destruction. The destruction was so terrible, the daughters feared that they were the only ones left alive. In their distress they decided to get their father drunk and each took a turn to lay with him, to give them seed. The children of Moab and the children of Ammon are the descendants form the sexual relations Lot had with his two daughters. 

The children of mount Seir are descendants of Ishmael and Esau. Ishmael was the son of Abraham by Hagar, Sarah, Abraham’s wife’s maidservant. Sarah had passed the time of child-bearing so encouraged Abraham to go in unto Hagar and bring forth seed through her. Ishmael was the result of Abraham’s sexual relationship with Hagar. Afterwards, God touched Sarah’s womb and Abraham and Sarah brought forth Isaac, the child of promise. Esau, the first born of Isaac, lost his birth-right and his blessing to Jacob his younger brother. He later married one of Ishmael’s daughters hoping to regain favor with his father. 

Back to II Chronicles: 

“Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There comes a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side of Syria; and, behold, they be in Hazazontamar, which is Engedi. 

“And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.”[2]

So here we see that there were coming three armies against Judah and Jerusalem, it’s capitol. But the first thing king Jehoshaphat does when he hears about it, is that he proclaims a fast throughout Judah to pray and seek the Lord. Jehoshaphat gets serious with God. He seeks God and makes sure his people do the same. 

“And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the Lord: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord."

We note that the people responded positively. Why was that? It was a result of Jehoshaphat having set out both prophets and priests to teach the word of the Lord to the people previously. The people’s hearts were ready to seek the Lord because they had been partaking of the teaching of the word through God’s prophets and teachers. In 2 Chronicles 17:9 we read,  

“And they (the prophets and priests) taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the Lord with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people.”  

Jehoshaphat’s people were ready to seek the Lord because they had been learning from God’s word. 

“And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah, and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the new court, 

“And said, O Lord God of our fathers, art not thou God in Heaven? And rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? And in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee? 

“Art not thou our God, who did drive out the inhabitants of the land before thy people Israel, and gave it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever? 

“And they dwelt therein, and have built thee a sanctuary therein for thy name, saying, 

“If when evil comes upon us, as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in thy presence, (for thy name is in this house,) and cry unto thee in our affliction, then thou wilt hear and help.”[3]

At that time God’s Holy Spirit was present in the Temple in Jerusalem. From the time of Moses it had been present in the cloud that led Israel out of Egypt and in the cloud came upon the tabernacle and dwelt therein. Later the Holy Spirit of God’s presence filled the Holy of Holies in the Temple that Solomon built. In 2 Chronicle 6:34-35 we read a part of Solomon’s prayer at the time of the anointing of the Temple.

“If thy people go out to war against their enemies by way that thou shalt send them, and they pray unto thee toward this city which thou hast chosen, and the house which I have built for thy name; then hear thou from the heavens their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause.”

Jehoshaphat is reminding both the people and the Lord of the prayer of Solomon. Jehoshaphat is claiming God’s word, God’s promises in his word. He’s helping the people to believe and stand on God’s word.

“And now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab, (the descendants from Lot) and mount Seir, (the descendants of Ishmael and Esau) whom thou would not let Israel invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them, and destroyed them not; 

“Behold, I say, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit. 

“O our God, wilt thou not judge them? For we have no might against this great company that comes against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee. 

“And all Judah stood before the Lord, with their little ones, their wives, and their children.”[4]

We notice here that the whole family was involved in seeking the Lord, in getting desperate with God. It was not just left to the woman, or to the men, but even the “little ones” and the older children participated. 

So then, the spirit of the Lord comes upon Jahaziel, a descendant of Asaph. Asaph was one of the musicians, who like King David, had written some of the famous psalms that we find in the Old Testament. I have found some twelve psalms written by Asaph. We read, 

“Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mataniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, came the spirit of the Lord in the midst of the congregation; 

“And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 

“Tomorrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel. 

“Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them: for the Lord will be with you. 

“And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the Lord, worshipping the Lord. 

“And the Levites, of the children of the Kohathites, and of the children of the Korhites, stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel with a loud voice on high.”[5]

The Kohathites and Korhites were those who worked with the Levites in the service of the Temple and were the singers, or choral or choir for the worship services. 

“And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe His prophets, so shall ye prosper. 

“And when they had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for His mercy endures forever.”[6]

In the book of Psalms in the Old Testament we can find at least two songs of worshipped used during the Temple sacrifice and service which repeat the phrase, “His mercy endures forever.” One is the first four verses in Psalm 118. I’ll let you read them here. 

“O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: for His mercies endures for ever. Let Israel now say, that His mercy endures for ever. Let the house of Aaron (the priests) now say, that His mercy endures for ever. Let them now that fear the Lord say, that His mercy endures for ever.”[7]

In Psalm 136 the phrase, “His mercy endures for ever,” is repeated twenty-six times. I’ll read you the first four verses of this psalm so you get a feeling of the faith it imparted. 

“O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: for His mercy endures for ever. O give thanks unto the God of gods; for His mercy endures for ever. O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for His mercy endures for ever. To Him that does great wonders: for His mercy endures for ever.”[8]

The rest of the psalm recites the act of Creation, the deliverance of the children of Israel from Egypt, and the defeat of great Kings whose lands the children of Israel went on to possess. Both these psalms were used regularly in Temple worship and would have been readily available for the singers to sing. The last verse in Psalm 136 concludes with: 

“O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for His mercy endures for ever.”[9]

The singers were going to march ahead of the army, manifesting the people’s faith that God was going to fight for them. This was all done with consultation and prayer and not dictated by the king. This was all done with consultation and prayer and not dictated by the king. It reminds us of Malachi 3:16ª.

“Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it.”

Also, in Proverbs 11:14 we read about taking counsel when going to war.

Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”

“And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.”[10]

And now God’s word explains what the “ambushments” were. 

“For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another.”[11]

So God sent a spirit of division between the different armies. First, the two armies who were more closely related, descendants from Lot, destroyed the army that was descendant from Ishmael and Esau. Mount Seir got destroyed first. Afterwards, the descendants of Lot, Moab and Ammon, fought amongst themselves and destroyed each other. 

“And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped. 

“And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much. 

“And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Berachah; for there they blessed the Lord: therefore the name of the same place was called, The valley of Berachah, unto this day. 

“Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat in the forefront of them, to go again to Jerusalem with joy; for the Lord had made them to rejoice over their enemies. 

“And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets unto the house of the Lord. 

“And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries, when they had heard that the Lord fought against the enemies of Israel. 

“So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet: for his God gave him rest round about.”[12]

So here we see the importance of using praise to win victories over our enemies. The children of Israel believed that God was with them and therefore they went out in praise. They sent the choir in front of the army to manifest their faith in what the Lord had said to them, that He would fight for them and they would not need to fight. They sang probably from Psalm 118 and Psalm 136 which repeats over and over, “Oh give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endures for ever.”[13]

What was the results? Were they defeated? No, they won the battle without even fighting. 

Maybe you having a battle in your own life and three armies are coming against you. Maybe you’re sick, and you have financial problems, and you have family problems, and it seems that these armies are just destroying your life. Well, what can you do? You can believe the Lord thy God, that’s the first step. Believing in God is going to establish you, it’s going to give your life a good, solid foundation. 

Step two, you are going to believe His prophets, those of His servants who are bringing forth the fruit of God’s goodness in their lives. In this case in our Bible study, the prophets were telling the people, contrary to the seeming impossible circumstances which they faced, that God was with them and would fight for them, if the trusted and obeyed Him. 

Because the people believed, they used the weapon of praise to defeat their enemy, and their biggest enemies were their own fears and doubts about the situation. They started singing and giving thanks which manifested their faith that God was going to do what He had promised He would do. They sent forth the singers in front of the army to demonstrate their confidence in God’s promises. One man’s faith and desperation, that of king Jehoshaphat, had transformed the whole nation to faith and obedience to God. 

So what about you? Will you lift up your voice, no matter how discouraged you may be, no matter how sick you are, no matter how bad you feel the situation is? Have faith in God. He will not fail you. Get desperate in prayer. Call out to God with your family and loved ones. Seek the Lord while He may be found. 

Then, start praising the Lord. Praise your way out of that valley of despair, or that pit of discouragement that you have fallen into. Praise, and praise, and praise and praise again. Fight those demons of gloom, those demons of depression and God will lift you up. God will reach down and lift you up.

God’s word says, “Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up.”[14] Humble yourself. Call out to God. Use the weapon of praise. Sing and lift up your voice in thanksgiving and praise. And God promises to lift you up and defeat those armies, those difficulties, those demons of discouragement that are battling you. God’s going to raise you up, just like that popular song says. He will lift you up out of that valley of the shadow of death that you have fallen into and you'll stand on His shoulders.

 Use the weapon of praise. It’s a key weapon. Use it today. Praise is the victory. Sing, shout, praise the Lord. "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord,"[15] which is the very last verse of all the psalms and the summary of all the preceding, for He is the victory. 

You may want to follow “The 30 Day Praise Challenge”[16] by Becky Harling and listen to the songs on YouTube she suggests. Learn to give thanks for twenty minutes a day and listen to the songs Becky suggests[17], or ones similar, until they become part and soul of your very being. Praise will change your life for the better. Try it, you won’t be disappointed.

Originally published September 2, 2018

Footnotes:
[1] II Chronicles 20:1
[2] II Chronicles 20:2-3
[3] II Chronicles 20:4-9
[4] II Chronicles 20:10-13
[5] II Chronicles 20:14-19
[6] II Chronicles 20:20-21
[7] Psalm 118:1-4
[8] Psalm 136:1-4
[9] Psalm 136:26
[10] II Chronicles 20:22
[11] II Chronicles 20:23
[12] II Chronicles 20:24-30
[13] Psalm 136:26
[14] James 4:7
[15] Psalm 150:6
[16] https://www.amazon.com/30-Day-Praise-Challenge-Becky-Harling-ebook/dp/B00C62S52U
[17] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvCDEuANWdI&list=PLXIQnDCwKXFtbmbwcUb8V8R-uGms34ovY

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Daniel 6 KJV

 

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Uma Oração para o Resgate dos Inimigos - Salmo 35

 

Salmo 35 Um Salmo de David com comentários de Dennis Edwards

Salmo 35:1-2 Contende, Senhor, com aqueles que contendem comigo; combate contra os que me combatem. Pega do escudo e do pavês, e levanta-te em meu socorro.

Jesus disse que sem Ele nada poderíamos fazer, João 15:5b, mas com Ele podemos todas as coisas porque Ele nos fortalece, Filipenses 4:13. O apóstolo Paulo diz-nos que estamos a lutar contra os poderes espirituais em lugares celestiais. Portanto, precisamos de vestir toda a armadura de Deus, para podermos permanecer firmes contra as ciladas do diabo e, havendo feito tudo, permanecer firmes, Efésios 6:11-13.

Paulo diz-nos para termos os nossos lombos cingidos com a verdade. Andar na verdade, ser honesto, sincero, falar a verdade em amor faz parte da armadura que Deus nos deu. Em Provérbios lê-se: “Não te abandonem a misericórdia e a verdade; escreve-as na tábua do teu coração; e acharás graça e bom entendimento diante de Deus e dos homens,” Provérbios 3:3-4.

Jesus disse que Ele era o caminho, a verdade e a vida, e que o Pai queria que O adorássemos em espírito e em verdade. O apóstolo João diz-nos: “A lei foi dada por Moisés, mas a graça e a verdade vieram por Jesus Cristo”, João 1:17. O apóstolo Paulo revela que em Jesus está escondido todo o tesouro da sabedoria e do conhecimento, Colossenses 2:3, ou seja, toda a verdade se encontra em Jesus. Ele mesmo disse que se obedecermos à Sua palavra, conheceremos a verdade, e a verdade nos libertará, João 8:32. A verdade, em todos os seus aspetos, é, portanto, uma parte importante da nossa armadura espiritual.

O apóstolo Paulo também nos diz sobretudo para tomarmos “o escudo da fé, com o qual podereis apagar todos os dardos inflamados do maligno”, Efésios 6:16. Em Hebreus, aprendemos: “Sem fé é impossível agradar a Deus; porque é necessário que aquele que se aproxima de Deus creia que ele existe, e que se torna galardoador dos que o buscam”, Hebreus 11:6.

David no presente salmo está a orar e a pedir ao Senhor que tome escudo e broquel em sua defesa. O apóstolo Paulo está a dizer-nos para tomarmos a armadura de Deus, que inclui o escudo da fé. Abraão tornou-se amigo de Deus e pai da fé, porque acreditou em Deus e “não duvidou da promessa de Deus por incredulidade; mas foi forte na fé, dando glória a Deus”, Romanos 4:20.

Nós também devemos ter fé. A nossa fé é encorajada pela leitura da palavra de Deus e pela prática daquilo que Ele nos mostra para fazer. A fé é a mão do espírito que se estende e recebe de Deus. É o nosso esforço espiritual. Sem fé não podemos agradar a Deus. Senhor, creio, ajuda-me a acabar com a minha falta de fé.

Salmo 35:3 Tira da lança e do dardo contra os que me perseguem. Dize à minha alma: Eu sou a tua salvação.

Na armadura de Deus que o apóstolo Paulo descreve, a única arma ofensiva é a espada. O que representa a espada? A espada é a palavra de Deus. Novamente, em Hebreus lemos: “A palavra de Deus é viva (viva) e eficaz, e mais cortante do que qualquer espada de dois gumes, e penetra até à divisão da alma e do espírito, e das articulações e medulas, e é apta para discernir os pensamentos e intenções do coração”, Hebreus 4:12.

Precisamos de pegar na espada do espírito que é a palavra de Deus e cortar o diabo e todas as suas dúvidas e mentiras no coração. Resisti ao diabo, e ele fugirá de vós. Leia a palavra, cite a palavra, cante a palavra, memorize a palavra, acredite na palavra e aja de acordo com a palavra. É crendo e obedecendo à palavra que recebe poder, pois Deus dá o Seu Espírito Santo àqueles que Lhe obedecem.

Salmo 35:4-6 Sejam envergonhados e confundidos os que buscam a minha vida; voltem atrás e se confudam os que contra mim intentam o mal. Sejam como a moinha diante do vento, e o anjo do Senhor os faça fugir. Seja o seu caminho tenebroso e escorregadio, e o anjo do Senhor os persiga.

David está a pedir ao Senhor que lide com os seus inimigos por ele.

No Salmo 1:4-6, vemos que os ímpios são como a palha que o vento espalha. Não terão lugar no julgamento, por outras palavras, as suas vidas não serão prolongadas na vida após a morte, mas perecerão.

No Grande Trono Branco do Tribunal de Deus, após o milénio de 1000 anos e a batalha final de Gog e Magog, todas as almas dos descrentes que não chegaram à fé em Cristo serão ressuscitadas e levadas perante Deus para o julgamento final. Todos serão julgados de acordo com as suas obras, sejam elas boas ou más. Aqueles que não forem encontrados escritos no livro da vida serão lançados no lago de fogo, que é a segunda morte, ver Apocalipse 20:11-15.

Salmo 35:7-8 Pois sem causa me armaram ocultamente um laço; sem razão cavaram uma cova para a minha vida. Sobrevenha-lhes inesperadamente a destruição, e prenda-os o laço que ocultaram; caiam eles nessa mesma destruição.

Foi o que aconteceu com o rei Saul, que tinha procurado a vida de David durante muitos anos. O rei Saul e os seus filhos morreram em batalha contra os filisteus, 1 Samuel 31.

Salmo 35:9-10 Então minha alma se regozijará no Senhor; exultará na sua salvação. Todos os meus ossos dirão: Ó Senhor, quem é como tu, que livras o fraco daquele que é mais forte do que ele? sim, o pobre e o necessitado, daquele que o rouba.

Aproxima-se o dia em que os ricos e poderosos serão julgados. No Apocalipse lê-se: “E os reis da terra, e os grandes, e os ricos, e os tribunos, e os poderosos, e todo o servo, e todo o livre, se esconderam nas covas e nas rochas das montanhas. E diziam aos montes e aos rochedos: Caí sobre nós, e escondei-nos da face daquele que está assentado sobre o trono, e da ira do Cordeiro; e quem poderá subsistir”, Apocalipse 6:15-17.

Os mansos herdarão a terra e se deleitarão na abundância de paz, Salmo 37:11.

Até esse dia, precisamos de lutar contra o desânimo. Precisamos de lutar pela alegria, pois é a alegria do Senhor que é a nossa força. “Alegrai-vos sempre no Senhor; outra vez digo, alegrai-vos”, Filipenses 4:4. Não deixe que uma nuvem de tristeza paire sobre si. “Em tudo dai graças”, 1 Tessalonicenses 5:18. "Entrai pelas suas portas com ações de graças, e nos seus átrios com louvor; dai-lhe graças e bendizei o seu nome." Salmo 100:4.

Salmo 35:11-12 Levantam-se testemunhas maliciosas; interrogam-me sobre coisas que eu ignoro. Tornam-me o mal pelo bem, causando-me luto na alma.

Tal como David, Jesus e outros homens e mulheres de Deus, o inimigo da nossa alma ungirá aqueles que ele usará para se levantarem contra os piedosos. Jesus disse: “Se me perseguiram a mim, também vos perseguirão a vós”, João 15:20. O apóstolo Paulo escreveu de forma semelhante: “Todos os que querem viver piedosamente em Cristo Jesus padecerão perseguições”, 2 Timóteo 3:12. Seremos falsamente acusados ​​pelos nossos inimigos de coisas de que não somos culpados.

Salmo 35:13-14 Mas, quanto a mim, estando eles enfermos, vestia-me de cilício, humilhava-me com o jejum, e orava de cabeça sobre o peito. Portava-me como o faria por meu amigo ou meu irmão; eu andava encurvado e lamentando-me, como quem chora por sua mãe.

Tal como Jesus lamentou por Jerusalém quando estava prestes a entrar antes da Sua paixão, Lucas 19:41, vemos David a tratar os seus inimigos com amor e compaixão. Jesus foi mais longe e perdoou aos soldados romanos que O crucificaram. “Pai, perdoa-lhes; porque não sabem o que fazem”, Lucas 23:34.

Salmo 35:15-16 Mas, quando eu tropeçava, eles se alegravam e se congregavam; congregavam-se contra mim, homens miseráveis que eu não conhecia; difamavam-me sem cessar. Como hipócritas zombadores nas festas, rangiam os dentes contra mim.

Vemos Jesus debaixo de Anás e Caifás a ser golpeado no rosto e cuspido. “Então cuspiram-lhe na cara e deram-lhe bofetadas; e outros o esbofeteavam”, Mateus 26:67.

Salmo 35:17-18 Ó Senhor, até quando contemplarás isto? Livra-me das suas violências; salva a minha vida dos leões! Então te darei graças na grande assembléia; entre muitíssimo povo te louvarei.

O louvor é a vitória. O apóstolo Paulo aconselha-nos a dar graças em todas as situações. Quando ele e Silas foram presos por testemunharem, diz que à meia-noite “oraram e cantaram louvores a Deus; Deus intercede milagrosamente por eles e liberta-os. Entretanto, as suas orações, louvores e cânticos foram o veículo que ajudou a trazer a sua libertação.

Salmo 35: 19-21 Não se alegrem sobre mim os que são meus inimigos sem razão, nem pisquem os olhos aqueles que me odeiam sem causa. Pois não falaram de paz, antes inventam contra os quietos da terra palavras enganosas. Escancararam contra mim a sua boca, e dizem: Ah! Ah! os nossos olhos o viram.

Dói quando somos injustamente acusados ​​e caluniados. Tudo o que podemos fazer é clamar ao Senhor para que se levante em nossa defesa e deixe tudo nas Suas mãos.

Salmo 35:22-23 Tu, Senhor, o viste, não te cales; Senhor, não te alongues de mim. Acorda e desperta para o meu julgamento, para a minha causa, Deus meu, e Senhor meu.

Deus responderá quando clamarmos e enviarmos algum tipo de ajuda. “Antes que chames, eu responderei; e estando tu ainda a falar, eu ouvirei”, Isaías 65:24. Pode enviar um advogado, médico ou psiquiatra simpático para defender a sua causa, ou uma organização ou clube para o defender.

Salmo 35:24-26 Justifica-me segundo a tua justiça, Senhor Deus meu, e não se regozijem eles sobre mim. Não digam em seu coração: Eia! cumpriu-se o nosso desejo! Não digam: Nós o havemos devorado. Envergonhem-se e confundam-se à uma os que se alegram com o meu mal; vistam-se de vergonha e de confusão os que se engrandecem contra mim.

No meio da perseguição injusta, o nosso clamor deve ser como o de David. Oraremos pela salvação dos nossos inimigos e pela sua condenação. Devemos rezar contra aqueles que nos perseguem e contra as entidades espirituais, as forças espirituais demoníacas que nos atacam nas nossas mentes ou nas nossas emoções.

Salmo 35:27-28 Bradem de júbilo e se alegrem os que desejam a minha justificação, e digam continuamente: Seja engrandecido o Senhor, que se deleita na prosperidade do seu servo. Então a minha língua falará da tua justiça e do teu louvor o dia todo.

David termina o seu salmo com louvor. Sabe que Deus responderá e lhe enviará a vitória, confundirá e derrotará os seus inimigos. Nós fazemos o mesmo. Senhor, faz surgir a vitória da aparente derrota. Livra-nos das mãos dos nossos inimigos e daqueles que são mais fortes do que nós. Seja a nossa defesa contra todas as ciladas do inimigo. Em nome de Jesus, oramos.

publicado orginalmente 12/02/2025

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