PSALM 28

Ps 28:1-9. An earnest cry for divine aid against his enemies, as being also those of God, is followed by the Psalmist's praise in assurance of a favorable answer, and a prayer for all God's people.

1. my rock-(Ps 18:2, 31).

be not silent to me-literally, "from me," deaf or inattentive.

become like them, &c.-share their fate.

go down into the pit-or, "grave" (Ps 30:3).

2 Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle.

2. lift up my hands-a gesture of prayer (Ps 63:4; 141:2).

oracle-place of speaking (Ex 25:22; Nu 7:89), where God answered His people (compare Ps 5:7).

3 Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts.

3. Draw me not away-implies punishment as well as death (compare Ps 26:9). Hypocrisy is the special wickedness mentioned.

4 Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavours: give them after the work of their hands; render to them their desert.

4. The imprecation is justified in Ps 28:5. The force of the passage is greatly enhanced by the accumulation of terms describing their sin.

endeavours-points out their deliberate sinfulness.

5 Because they regard not the works of the LORD, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up.

5. Disregard of God's judgments brings a righteous punishment.

destroy . build . up-The positive strengthened by the negative form.

6 Blessed be the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications.

6. supplications-or, "cries for mercy."

7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

7. The repetition of "heart" denotes his sincerity.

8 The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed.

8. The distinction made between the people.

their strength-and the anointed-may indicate Absalom's rebellion as the occasion.

9 Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever.

9. The special prayer for the people sustains this view.

feed them-as a shepherd (Ps 23:1, &c.).