What does Psalm 31:5 mean?

The word "commit" means to give something to another, with trust that they will care for it. When we do this with money, in the bank, we refer to it as a "deposit." The Hebrew word used here relates to counting; in this context it means entrusting or placing. David is placing all his trust and reliance on God, "committing" his spirit into the Lord's care. This statement comes as David praises God for keeping him safe from his enemies.

Jesus made a similar statement from the cross: "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit" (Luke 23:46). It's possible Jesus was citing this psalm of David. At least one of Christ's other notable remarks from the cross appears to be a quotation from the book of Psalms (Matthew 27:46; Psalm 22:1). When Stephen was martyred, he likewise said he was entrusting his living spirit to God (Acts 7:59). David is not merely expression confidence in God, he is putting his entire existence into the care of the Lord. The apostle Peter exhorts suffering Christians to commit their souls to God. He writes in 1 Peter 4:19: "Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good."

This trust has been established because of the Lord's prior work in David's life. The God who delivered Israel from the hands of the Egyptians was able to deliver David from his foes. He is also able to deliver believers today (2 Peter 2:9).