Psalm 31:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I hate those who pay regard to worthless idols, but I trust in the Lord.

NIV: I hate those who cling to worthless idols; as for me, I trust in the Lord.

NASB: I hate those who devote themselves to worthless idols, But I trust in the Lord.

CSB: I hate those who are devoted to worthless idols, but I trust in the Lord.

NLT: I hate those who worship worthless idols. I trust in the Lord.

KJV: I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the Lord.

NKJV: I have hated those who regard useless idols; But I trust in the Lord.

Terms like "hate" are used exclusively in reference to emotions in the modern world. As used in the Bible, "hatred" for something is often mentioned as part of a contrast focused on behavior. This is the gist of Jesus' remark about loving Him, in contrast to "hating" one's family (Luke 14:26). The same is true when God refers to loving Jacob and hating Esau (Malachi 1:2–3). The main idea is of preference, rather than of feelings. That's not to say David feels only positive emotions about those who worship idols. Still, this remark is more in line with his other comments, such as Psalm 26:5 and Psalm 101:3.

David's devotion to God is contrasted with idolaters' vain worship of objects. Idols cannot hear or see, and they certainly cannot do anything for their worshipers. When Elijah confronted the idolaters who trusted in Baal, he issued a challenge. They were to build an altar and call on Baal. Elijah would also build an altar and call on the Lord. The one who answered by fire would be declared the true God whom the people of Israel should follow. Of course, Baal, a false god, could not answer his worshipers, but the true God answered with fire and consumed Elijah's sacrifice (1 Kings 18). Today in modern society, few people worship idols of wood and stone, but many devote themselves to the worship of money, possessions, popularity, celebrities, fame, and success. Christians are admonished to worship only the true God and to keep themselves from idols (Exodus 20:3–6; 1 John 5:21).

Psalm 31:1–8 reveals David's trust in God to rescue him from his enemies. He detests idolaters but rejoices in the Lord's unfailing love. He praises the Lord for protecting him and allowing him to stand in a spacious place. These verses parallel similar psalms, in which David looks back on God's prior rescues in answer to prayer.

David mentions dangers and enemies in this psalm. He may have been referring to besieged cities such as Keilah (1 Samuel 23:1–15) or Ziklag (1 Samuel 30). Despite the plots of his enemies and abandonment by friends, David trusts in the Lord, receives an answer to his prayer, and encourages his fellow believers to love the Lord and be strong. This echoes themes also seen in Psalms 4, 25, and 71.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.