Psalm 35 (34):2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

It is truly remarkable to witness God prepared to defend you. What then is His Shield and His Weapon? A man elsewhere reflects, asserting that You have encompassed us with the shield of Your favor. His weapon, which serves to protect us and can also strike down His foes, will be us, provided we have received His grace. Just as we equip ourselves with what He grants, He equips Himself with those He has fashioned. While He is fortified by His creations, we are fortified by the gifts given to us by our Creator. The Apostle refers to our armaments as the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the spiritual sword, which is the Word of God (Eph. 6:16-17).

In discussing the notion of combat, it is essential to also identify the types of armaments involved, as their mere presence can instill fear in those who engage in unrighteousness. However, the Lord does not rely on numerous instruments of judgment against wrongdoers; a single command from Him is enough to bring about their ultimate judgment.

Arm yourself with sword and shield, and arise to aid me. Initially, as David evokes battle, he implies the application of arms, as noted by Theodoret, not because the Lord employs weapons, but to instill fear in the wicked through the terrifying sight and multitude of military arms. For to deliver justice upon the wrongdoers while safeguarding the righteous, the will or word of God is entirely adequate. When it is said, "pour out," it indicates the drawn sword's purity and brilliance resembling a stream emerging from its sheath. Additionally, when it says, "conclude," it refers to preventing the adversaries from evading danger from Your side. According to St.

The purpose of the Lord serves as both armor and defense; it is the divine will that safeguards those in peril and renders the adversary powerless.

In order for one who engages in combat to be well-equipped, it is essential to possess both defensive tools to deflect enemy attacks and offensive tools to strike back. This explains why the current verse refers to the first category of tools, while the following verse addresses the second. When we speak of a weapon or helmet, we refer to the grace of God, as noted by the Psalmist: "Lord, as with weapons of favour thou hast crowned us" (Psalm 5:13).

This psalm, inspired by the Holy Spirit and authored by David, expresses a plea for divine assistance against Saul and other adversaries, reflecting the intercession of Christ the Lord to God the Father during His Passion. It also embodies the prayers of the Church as the faithful endure persecution. The strength of this prayer lies in Divine might, while God's grace serves as a protective shield. Through Divine might, all foes are vanquished, and God’s grace offers refuge from every threat. The faithful are equipped with the holy Cross as their weapon and true faith in Christ as their shield. As the holy Apostle urges, take up the shield of faith, for with it you can quench all the fiery darts of the wicked and the spiritual sword, which is the Word of God (Eph. 6:16-17). In this context, Adam's voice echoes to Christ the Lord: 'Receive, O Lord, the weapon, Your Cross and the shield of the Resurrection, and rise from Your endurance, aid me, a sinful one.'