Psalms 28 - Printer Friendly

What does Psalms 28 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

David does not identify his enemies in this psalm, but he does describe their character and destiny. He says they are wicked, workers of evil, deceptive, and unbelieving. They are destined to go down to the pit—a metaphor for death and eternal ruin. David begins this psalm with an urgent plea for the Lord to hear his cry. He calls the Lord his rock. If the Lord does not answer his prayer, he believes his fate is like that of those whose destiny is death and destruction (Psalm 28:1–2).

As he continues, David uses phrasing that is both a request and a statement, combined. David is confident that he doesn't share in wicked actions, so he is confident God will not "drag him off" when judging sinners. David describes evil people, in part, as those deceptively speaking politely, while planning to do evil. He prays the Lord will judge depraved people in proportion to their sins. (Psalm 28:3–4).

David points out that the wicked ignore and reject the Lord's works. Despite all that God has shown, in nature and by miracles, those who reject Him refuse to see the truth. David prays that the Lord will repay them for their evil; he knows those who turn away from God will suffer eternal loss (Psalm 28:5).

The psalm concludes with praise that God has answered David's prayer. David was a warrior (Psalm 144:1) who knew the value of a shield. God provided David with both protection and a sense of confidence. David applies this same idea to God's protection of His people, most especially God's plan to bring Messiah into the world. David was also a shepherd (1 Samuel 17:34), and he uses shepherding terminology to speak about the Lord's guiding security (Psalm 28:6–9).

Psalm 28:1–5 begins with David's plea for help and a request to be spared from the fate of evildoers. Other psalms indicated David's intent to avoid sin and the consequences it brings (Psalm 26:4–5). He knows the wicked are bound for eternal destruction and asks God to repay them for their evil deeds and rejection of holiness.

Psalm 28:6–7 gives thanks to the Lord for answering David's prayer. David's response is to trust in the Lord wholeheartedly. Trust in God transformed his fear into peace and his trial into triumph. God's power and protection are seen clearly in David's praise.

Psalm 28:8–9 comes after David has prayed to the Lord as his Rock. He requested help in the face of his enemies. He urged the Lord to punish the wicked in proportion to their evil. Next, he praised God for answering his prayer by giving him power and protection. Now he expands his perspective to include all the Lord's people. He views the Lord as the power and protection of His people, and he asks God to bless them and shepherd them forever.

Chapter Summary:

David prays for God to hear him, noting the distinction between himself and those who wickedly reject God. Because he honors the Lord, David expects to be spared from the fate of evil people. Prior experience has made David confident in God's protection, a theme which he encourages all God's people to embrace.

Chapter Context:

Some scholars attribute this psalm to an unknown author. However, it seems reasonable to credit David with the authorship. The psalm indicates the author was in a dangerous situation. His enemies were oppressing him, but he trusted in the Lord to deliver him. The second part of the psalm is praise for answered prayer. This psalm complements Psalms 26 and 27.

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.

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