What does Psalm 28:3 mean?

The plea David makes here is not the result of personal guilt. In other psalms, David points out that he does not participate in evil (Psalm 26:4–5). One reason David avoids close association with wicked people is to avoid being caught up in the consequences of their sin (Proverbs 13:20). And yet, he knows that evil actions can create havoc even for the innocent. As an example of depravity, David mentions hypocrites who pretend to be peaceful while making plots.

The imagery of this verse is that of criminals being physically carried away to face judgment. Someday the Lord will "drag" all unsaved people to judgment. Acts 17:31 promises that one day He will judge the whole world through the Person He has appointed. That Person is God's Son, Jesus Christ. Those who reject Christ will be judged according to their own sins (Psalm 28:4).

Revelation 20:11–15 identifies this moment as the "great white throne" judgment. There, all who have rejected Christ (John 3:36) will be consigned forever to the lake of fire. Believers—those who have trusted in Jesus—do not have to fear being judged at the great white throne, because Jesus paid the penalty of their sins (1 Corinthians 15:3). The apostle Paul writes in Romans 8:1: "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." John 3:36 promises, "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life."