Psalms 35:1

Pleadmy cause] There is as it were a suit between him and his enemies. He appeals to Jehovah the Judge to do him justice (cp. Psalms 35:23). But the court in which the cause is to be tried is the field of battle; and therefore (dropping the figure of a suit) he calls on Jehovah to arm on his behalf. So in Psalms 9:4 victory is regarded as a judicial decision. Cp. 1Sa 24:15; 1 Samuel 25:39. The renderings strive with them that strive with me (R.V.); or, (as Isaiah 49:25), contend with them that contend with me, obscure this point, and miss the connexion with Psalms 35:23. Plead my cause with them that implead me(Cheyne) represents the original better.