Psalm 35 is "a cry for God to come to the aid of the psalmist in the face of enemies who seek to harm him. The psalmist asks for God to contend with those who contend with him and fight against those who fight against him. He pleads for God to protect him with shield and buckler, to brandish spear and javelin against his pursuers, and to be his salvation. The psalmist desires for his enemies to be disgraced and put to shame, to be driven away like chaff before the wind, and to fall into their own traps. Despite facing ruthless witnesses who repay evil for good, the psalmist remains steadfast in his faith, mourning and fasting when his prayers go unanswered. He calls on God to rescue him from his enemies and vows to give thanks and praise in return. The psalmist asks for vindication and righteousness from God, not wanting his enemies to gloat over his distress. He ends by declaring that he will speak of God's righteousness and praises all day long."

In order to fully embrace and trust in God's sovereignty, it is essential for us to acknowledge the intrinsic value of His work through our alignment with Christ. This involves recognizing that only God possesses the ultimate authority to judge each individual. Surrendering to His will and accepting that He determines the fate of humanity by bestowing blessings upon some and passing judgment on others is a clear demonstration of our submission to Him. It is inappropriate to attribute significance to human accomplishments as offerings to God, as this undermines the reverence and respect owed to Him when we fail to differentiate between blessings and curses.

In this psalm, the author uses imagery of close combat in a war to depict the ongoing battle against the Devil and his followers. The author invokes the Lord to engage in conflict with those who oppose him, emphasizing God's role in upholding order in his kingdom through a covenant with humanity. Despite this covenant, individuals often subvert God's authority by distorting his teachings, thereby challenging the established order and promoting violence. This inclination to redefine reality according to personal standards reflects a desire for power akin to that of a deity.

Is it by means of second causes that God opposes the natural man? Are we undermining the supremacy of God's word by allowing humans to pass judgment and govern the world? Is it incumbent upon us to recognize God's sovereignty by accepting the consequences of His judgment? If God is indeed sovereign, then He alone should be the arbiter of human judgment. By honoring God's sovereignty, we must be prepared to face the repercussions of His judgment when we communicate with Him in alignment with His standards of wrath and retribution. The legal systems that penalize offenders serve as a manifestation of God's judgment in response to sin. When we rely on consequences that are less severe than God's ultimate condemnation, we are essentially disregarding His sovereignty and placing another authority above Him. This act diminishes the true authority of God.