Psalm 35 is messianic. It looks forward to Christ's rejection, betrayal, hatred for him, false accusations against him - though he did nothing wrong - and culminates in crucifixion.

We know this because Jesus himself says that his mistreatment would fulfill Psalm 35 (John 15:25). So any part of it should be interpreted in this light.

The psalmist is a 'type' of Christ. Similar to Psalm 22 when the psalmist says, "my God my God, why have you forsaken me" - a more obvious fulfilment of Christ on the cross. Jesus is speaking to the Father.

Similarly, Psalm 35's "Contend, Oh Lord" could replace the psalmist with Jesus speaking to the Father.

If that assertion is correct, the same goes with "Say to my soul, "I am your salvation"" in verse 3. Jesus speaking to the Father.

We know that Christ rose again from the dead, his body didn't see decay, the resurrection made a "public spectacle" of his enemies, he sat down at the right hand of the Father and was given a "name above all names". His enemies didn't triumph over him. The Lord came to his rescue. The Lord "contended" with those who contended with Jesus. The Lord became his "salvation".

So I think the words "you are my salvation" are best interpreted as Jesus's assumed humanity and weakness and reliance on the Father in full view of his death and resurrection.

Psalm 35 is messianic. It looks forward to Christ's rejection, betrayal, hatred for him, false accusations against him - though he did nothing wrong - and culminates in crucifixion.

We know this because Jesus himself says that his mistreatment would fulfill Psalm 35 (John 15:25). So any part of it should be interpreted in this light.

The psalmist is a 'type' of Christ. Similar to Psalm 22 when the psalmist says, "my God my God, why have you forsaken me" - a more obvious fulfilment of Christ on the cross. Jesus is speaking to the Father.

Similarly, Psalm 35's "Contend, Oh Lord" could replace the psalmist with Jesus speaking to the Father.

If that assertion is correct, the same goes with "Say to my soul, "I am your salvation"" in verse 3. Jesus speaking to the Father.

We know that Christ rose again from the dead, his body didn't see decay, the resurrection made a "public spectacle" of his enemies, he sat down at the right hand of the Father and was given a "name above all names". His enemies didn't triumph over him. The Lord came to his rescue. The Lord "contended" with those who contended with Jesus. The Lord became his "salvation".

So I think the words "I am your salvation" are best interpreted as Jesus's assumed humanity and weakness and reliance on the Father in full view of his death and resurrection.