Psalms 28

David cries out to the LORD in great need, asking not to be swept away with the wicked. Midway through, the prayer turns to praise, because God has heard. The psalm ends with a prayer for all God’s people: that He would save them, bless them, and carry them like a shepherd.

Psalms 28:1

David calls on the LORD and fears His silence. If God does not answer, he feels he is as good as dead. He calls God his Rock, a firm, unmoving place of safety. A silent Rock would be no help at all.

BSA: Rock (“strong refuge, fortress”): God is not just solid but a place to hide and be safe. Pit (“cistern, underground grave”): The picture is a dark hole from which no one climbs out, a image of death.

See also: Psalm 18:2.

Psalms 28:2

David asks God to hear his cry for mercy. He lifts his hands toward the sanctuary, where God’s presence was known among His people. Raised hands show need and dependence, like a child reaching up for help.

BSA: mercy (“compassion, lovingkindness”): He is asking for God’s tender favor, not for something he has earned.

Hebrew: תַּחֲנוּנַי (taḥănûnay, H8469) — “my pleas for grace.” It comes from a word for favor or grace. David prays as one who can only ask for kindness.

See also: 1 Timothy 2:8.

Psalms 28:3

David asks not to be dragged off with evildoers, as a prisoner is hauled away. He describes them as people who say friendly words while hiding hatred. Such double-dealing is especially dangerous because it looks harmless.

BSA: peace (“completeness, wellness, friendship”): They use the rich word shalom, but it is only on their lips, not in their hearts.

Hebrew: שָׁלוֹם (shalôm, H7965) — “peace, wholeness, well-being.” Shalom is a word of blessing. Using it to cover malice makes the deceit worse.

See also: Psalm 12:2.

Psalms 28:4

David asks God to give the wicked what their own actions deserve. This is not a personal revenge plan. He leaves judgment in God’s hands and asks for justice, so that evil is not left to win.

See also: Romans 12:19.

Psalms 28:5

The wicked ignore what the LORD has done in creation and in His dealings with people. Because they will not see God’s hand, they will be torn down like a building that is never rebuilt. Ignoring God leads to ruin.

BSA: regard (“respect, consideration”): They do not stop to think about God’s work at all.

Hebrew: יָבִינוּ (yābînû, H995) — “they discern, give attention to.” The word means to understand or pay attention. Their problem is a refusal to notice what God is plainly doing.

See also: Romans 1:20-21.

Psalms 28:6

The mood changes suddenly. The prayer is answered, or David is so sure it is that he praises God as if it were done. The same “cry for mercy” of verse 2 is now the cause of blessing.

BSA: heard (“listened, given attention to”): God did not stay silent, as David had feared in verse 1.

Psalms 28:7

God is David’s strength and shield, both power and protection. David trusted, was helped, and now sings. Trust comes first, then help, then joy. His joy overflows into a song of thanks.

BSA: shield (“protection, defense”): God stands between David and what would harm him. rejoices (“exults, jumps for joy”): His gladness is lively and cannot be kept quiet.

See also: Psalm 18:2; Psalm 84:11.

Psalms 28:8

David widens his focus from himself to all God’s people. The same LORD who strengthens him is the strength of the whole nation. He is also a safe stronghold for His anointed, the king chosen and set apart by God.

BSA: anointed (“Messiah, set apart one, or king”): It points first to Israel’s king, and Christians also see it pointing ahead to Christ.

Hebrew: מְשִׁיחוֹ (mešîḥô, H4899) — “His anointed one.” It is the word from which “Messiah” comes. Kings were anointed with oil to show they were set apart for God’s service.

See also: Psalm 2:2.

Psalms 28:9

The psalm ends with a prayer for the people: save them, bless them, and shepherd them. They are God’s own inheritance, His treasured possession. The last request is to carry them, as a shepherd carries a weak lamb, always.

BSA: shepherd (“care for, tend to”): God leads, feeds and protects His people as a shepherd does his flock. carry (“lift, bear”): He bears the weight when they cannot walk further.

See also: Psalm 23:1; Isaiah 40:11.