U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez invoked a famous Bible story Monday as he made one of his first public appearances since federal corruption charges against him were dropped.

Menendez joined New Jersey's other Democratic senator, Cory Booker, and Gov. Phil Murphy at a news conference in Hackensack where Bergen County Executive James Tedesco announced he is running for re-election.

And shortly after being introduced, Menendez alluded to his faith in God.

"We find our way through Him," the 64-year-old senator said. "I give testimony that sometimes God puts a Goliath in your path to find the David within you."

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It appeared to be a thinly veiled reference to the high-profile court case that cast a shadow over Menendez the last few years.

The senator has not talked at length about the matter in the days since the charges were dropped.

But Menendez, a Roman Catholic, told Politico New Jersey after Monday's news conference that he was inspired by the invocation given at the event by the Rev. Greg Jackson.

"I have always walked by faith," Menendez told the website. "Sometimes you are challenged in a public way about it. But it's always been the case."

Bergen County Democratic Party Chairman Lou Stellato introduced Menendez as a "warrior" on Monday.

The senator said he disagreed.

"I'm a lover, not a warrior," Menendez said after taking the podium.

Though a deadlocked jury could not reach a verdict in Menende'z trial in November, the U.S. Justice Department announced last month it was planning to retry the senator.

But days later, a federal judge acquitted Menendez and his co-defendant, Saolman Melgen, of seven of the 18 counts against them.

Then, a few days after that, the U.S. Justice Department announced it was dropping the case.

Menendez has said he is planning to run for a third term in the Senate this November. No Republican has won a U.S. Senate seat in New Jersey since 1972.

Booker, the state's junior senator, praised Menendez during Monday's event.

"I am so grateful for Bob Menendez and that I get to work with him and stand beside him," Booker said.

Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.