Psalms 28 - ESV - Bible Reading / Study Notes

Psalm 28

The Lord Is My Strength and My Shield

Of David.

28:1   To you, O LORD, I call;
    my rock, be not deaf to me,
  lest, if you be silent to me,
    I become like those who go down to the pit.
2   Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy,
    when I cry to you for help,
  when I lift up my hands
    toward your most holy sanctuary.¹
3   Do not drag me off with the wicked,
    with the workers of evil,
  who speak peace with their neighbors
    while evil is in their hearts.
4   Give to them according to their work
    and according to the evil of their deeds;
  give to them according to the work of their hands;
    render them their due reward.
5   Because they do not regard the works of the LORD
    or the work of his hands,
  he will tear them down and build them up no more.
6   Blessed be the LORD!
    For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.
7   The LORD is my strength and my shield;
    in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
  my heart exults,
    and with my song I give thanks to him.
8   The LORD is the strength of his people;²
    he is the saving refuge of his anointed.
9   Oh, save your people and bless your heritage!
    Be their shepherd and carry them forever.

Footnotes

[1] 28:2 Hebrew your innermost sanctuary
[2] 28:8 Some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Syriac; most Hebrew manuscripts is their strength

Commentary

A prayer in affliction.

v1-2: Prayer reflects our dependence upon God, 'if God be silent, then I am dead.' The psalmist expresses a fear of losing God's smile, Ps 27.9; 51.11. His prayer is a cry for mercy, a call for help, indicating effort.

v3: Those who practice deceit; we are not to be like them; God will not treat us like them, Ps 26.9-10.

v4: Prayer for God's righteousness and judgment to be demonstrated.

v5: The unbeliever rejects God, and his life is one of ungodly actions; ultimately he will be judged by God.

v6-7: Our God answers prayer; here is our confidence; notice the response in joyful song.

v8-9: God's blessing upon His people, as well as upon individuals.