DAY 1
Verse 1
1 Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me:
fight against them that fight against me.
So, David begins by asking the Lord to return to his enemies only what they are doing to him.
The word plead is the verbal form on the word translated strive in this verse. So, strive or contend with those who strive or contend with me is what David is saying.
And David’s request is even clearer in the second statement that he makes in this verse. He asks God to fight against those who fight against him. So, there’s this reciprocal nature of David’s request. He’s not the aggressor here. He’s only asking the Lord to return his enemies’ own evil back to themselves. To show them what it feels like to have someone contending and fighting against them – because that’s exactly what they were doing to David
– contending and fighting against him.
The exact inspiration for this psalm is unknown. However, Saul and his men were major antagonists in David’s early life (1 Samuel 19:1–2). David asks the Lord to act on his behalf, using the Hebrew root word rib. This implies conflict or opposition, but can also be used in legal settings, such as an attorney in court. Isaiah 49:25 contains a promise from God that He will “contend” with those who “contend” against Israel.
The Hebrew word ‘’lacham’’ more literally refers to a physical fight, leading into the next several verses of warlike imagery. David knew the Lord had fought in the past on behalf of His people. When Gideon and his men attacked the Midianites, they cried out, “A sword for the LORD and for Gideon” (Judges 7:20). Psalm 24:8 depicts the Lord as “strong and mighty … mighty in battle.” In his song of praise for the Lord’s victory over Pharaoh’s cavalry, Moses depicted the Lord as “a man of war” (Exodus 15:3).
Believers today are linked by faith to the Lord Jesus Christ as their advocate (1 John 2:1) and defender (Romans 8:37). They are also equipped with the armour of God and called upon to stand firm in Him (Ephesians 6:10–18).
Prayers
Dear Lord,
We come before you in reverence and thanksgiving. Fill us with strength and courage to chant your praises and glorify your name.
Help us to learn your paths, that we may follow them throughout our lives. Lead us in the ways of righteousness, so that we may depend upon your word.
Grant us the ability to be just and truthful in all that we do. Grant us the courage to defend the oppressed and humble those who are full of pride.
Be our protector, Lord. Cover us in your love when we are in need. Surround us with righteousness and goodness, so that we may cling to it in times of regret and mourning.
We ask, Lord, that you defend us against all those who would do us harm. Silence the mocker and the troubler of our peace and let truth be the victor in every situation.
Give us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change and the courage to seek for justice.
We give you thanks for all of your blessings, Lord. Amen.
Purchase the full book from the link bellow