Psalm 35:1 – How can God’s call to “contend” against enemies align with a supposed universal message of love?

1. Text and Context of Psalm 35:1

Psalm 35:1 states, “Contend with my opponents, O LORD; fight against those who fight against me.” This cry comes from a psalm traditionally attributed to David, who petitions for protection from unjust aggression. In the immediate context, David experiences hostility from adversaries and responds by calling upon the righteous God to intervene. The psalm’s language of contention expresses a plea for divine justice rather than a self-driven thirst for revenge.

2. The Wider Scriptural Emphasis on Love

Many readers notice that Scripture also repeatedly commands love, even toward enemies—for example, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you” (Luke 6:27). At first glance, the call to “contend” appears at odds with this larger theme of selfless, sacrificial love. However, a thorough reading of Scripture shows that the Bible consistently holds both divine justice and divine love in harmony.

3. Understanding “Contending” Within God’s Character

When the psalmist calls on God to “contend,” he is appealing to God’s righteous nature. The biblical understanding of love includes doing what is right, which sometimes involves protection from wrongdoing and the punishment of evil. Love does not ignore injustice; rather, it seeks the good of all, which includes thwarting rampant evil (cf. Romans 12:19–21).

God’s character is one of perfect holiness, uniting justice and love. The call for God to combat evildoers is consistent with His nature: He deters harm, delivers the oppressed, and demonstrates that wrongdoing has consequences. David’s prayer, accordingly, is a request that God’s holiness be revealed by defending the innocent and restraining malevolence.

4. Personal Vengeance Versus Divine Justice

Scripture distinguishes between our responsibility to refrain from personal vengeance and God’s prerogative to uphold justice. In Psalm 35, David does not take matters into his own hands; he entrusts the situation to God. Romans 12:19 echoes this principle: “Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: ‘Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.’”

God, as the ultimate judge, ensures that evil does not go unchecked. David’s cry, “fight against those who fight against me,” requests divine intervention rather than violent personal retaliation. This difference is crucial for understanding how Psalm 35 can be consistent with the Bible’s overarching directive to love.

5. Imprecatory Language in the Psalms

Psalm 35 is one of several “imprecatory” psalms, which include pleas that God would bring retribution upon evildoers (see also Psalms 69, 109, and others). The strong, even harsh, language in these prayers conveys genuine human emotion when facing extreme distress or persecution. Yet each such prayer ultimately rests on the belief that God is righteous and that He alone has the authority to issue judgment.

The sincerity of these prayers does not contradict the message of love; rather, they highlight a reliance on God's moral rule over human affairs. David and other psalmists ask the Lord to vindicate those who have been wrongly treated while ensuring justice for the perpetrators of violence.

6. Historical and Cultural Considerations

Archaeological discoveries and ancient Near Eastern documents show that warfare and enmity were commonplace in David’s era. Cities and tribes often existed in prolonged conflict for land or power. In this setting, David’s appeal for God to intervene can be seen as a culturally understandable expression of seeking divine justice.

Yet, even in ancient times, the Scriptures maintain a standard of compassion toward the foreigner and the underprivileged (Deuteronomy 10:18–19; Leviticus 19:33–34), illustrating that calls for contending do not negate the biblical call to love. Instead, they uphold both protection of the innocent and accountability for sin.

7. Consistency Across the Biblical Canon

The entirety of Scripture affirms that genuine love encompasses moral responsibility. John writes, “God is love” (1 John 4:8). Meanwhile, the prophets repeatedly speak of God’s righteous judgments. Both dimensions are essential and never presented as opposites in the Bible’s message.

From the manuscripts we possess (including the Dead Sea Scrolls and other ancient sources), the text of Psalm 35 aligns with this wider biblical testimony. The call to contend emerges from a God-centered worldview that affirms both His love for those in need of mercy and His justice in confronting evil.

8. Practical Application: Reflecting God’s Heart

Believers today take Psalm 35’s words as a model for entrusting difficult circumstances to God:

• We are commanded to show kindness and understanding to everyone, acknowledging our own forgiveness in Christ.

• In places where evil persists, it is both loving and just to appeal to God for protection and correction.

• Persisting in prayer—rather than succumbing to bitterness—exhibits trust that God will act righteously on behalf of truth and righteousness.

9. Balancing Love and Justice in Everyday Life

Living out the dual calling of love and justice may involve:

• Advocating for those who cannot defend themselves, while avoiding hate or personal revenge.

• Praying for enemies, recognizing God’s desire to see repentance.

• Standing firmly against wrongdoing, even as we hope for the redemption of those trapped in perpetuating harm.

This continuous balance underscores how calling upon God to contend can align with genuine love—because true love holds everyone accountable to the standard of good while desiring the ultimate welfare of all.

10. Conclusion

Psalm 35:1’s petition for God to contend against enemies harmonizes with the broader biblical instruction to love, once we recognize that biblical love includes the protection of the innocent and the pursuit of justice. Far from championing individual vengeance, the psalm models entrusting conflict to God, who alone judges righteously.

Such contending is not opposed to love. It is a plea that God, in His holiness, halt evil at its source and honor the rights of the vulnerable. Therefore, the psalm ultimately affirms a love that cares enough to confront wickedness, reflecting the perfect union of love and justice that resides in the divine character.