John Calvin Commentary Psalms 35:3

"Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that pursue me: Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation." — Psalms 35:3 (ASV)

Say to my soul. Some interpret these words in this way: "Declare to me by secret inspiration"; and others, "Make me to feel indeed that my salvation is in Your hand." In my opinion, David desires to have it thoroughly fixed in his mind, and to be fully persuaded, that God is the author of his salvation.

From the present state of affairs, he was unable to ascertain and determine this. For such is the insensibility and dullness of our natures that God often delivers us while we are asleep and unaware of it.

Accordingly, he uses a very forceful manner of expression, praying that God would grant him a lively sense of His favor. Armed with this assurance as with a shield, he might then sustain every conflict and surmount every opposing obstacle.

It is as if he had said: "Lord, whatever may arise to discourage me, confirm me in this persuasion: that my salvation is assuredly in You. And although temptations drive me here and there, recall my thoughts to You in such a way that my hope of salvation may rise superior to all the dangers to which I shall be exposed. Even more, may I become as infallibly certain, as if You had declared it, that through Your favor I shall be saved."