Psalm 31:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. In you, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me!

NIV: For the director of music. A psalm of David. In you, LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.

NASB: In You, Lord, I have taken refuge; Let me never be put to shame; In Your righteousness rescue me.

CSB: Lord, I seek refuge in you; let me never be disgraced. Save me by your righteousness.

NLT: O Lord, I have come to you for protection; don’t let me be disgraced. Save me, for you do what is right.

KJV: {To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.} In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.

NKJV: {To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.} In You, O Lord, I put my trust; Let me never be ashamed; Deliver me in Your righteousness.

David prays to the Lord, placing all his trust in God. The Hebrew phrasing implies that David is entirely depending on God for his safety, as would those who rest in a fortress or sanctuary. This appeal for security is based on the Lord's righteousness. Centuries earlier Abraham interceded for Sodom, saying, "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?" (Genesis 18:25). David believes his plea will lead to a favorable answer; it's likely tied to David's role as the legitimate king of Israel. He reasons that his righteous Lord would not allow him to "be put to shame." That phrase refers to defeat and loss (Psalm 25:2).

It is to David's credit that he understood the Lord's desire to protect His people. That desire does not mean God will never allow hardship, but believers can trust the Lord to do what is right. He safeguards those who trust in Him. John 10:29 quotes Jesus as promising, "My Father, who has given [believers] to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand." When trouble confronts a believer, he should trust and not tremble.

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.

Because God has rescued him in the past, David chooses to trust the Lord even when he is in danger. Neighbors and friends may abandon him, and enemies may plot, but David is confident he will be vindicated. He also calls on others to be firm and brave as they choose to trust in God.

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.