The Book of Psalms
Psalm 28
Psalm XXVIII · Vol. II, pp. 1002–1003
1 David prayeth earnestly against his enemies. 6 He blesseth God. 9 He prayeth for the people.
A psalm of David.
1 Unto theea will I cry, O LORD bmy rock, be not silent to 1me: clest, if thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.2
b De.32.4,31. Ps.18.2. 1 Co.10.4.
1 Heb. from me.
A.M. cir. 2984. B.C. cir. 1020.
2 Barnes truly remarks that this 'psalm is peculiarly appropriate to those who are in danger of being led away by the acts of the ungodly,—or who are under strong temptations to be associated with the gay, the sensual, and the worldly,—or to whom strong inducements are offered to mingle in their pleasures, their vices, and their follies.'—P.
2 Heard the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I elift up my hands toward thy holy oracle.3
3 Drawg me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, hwhich speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts.
4 Givei 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.
5 Becausej they regard not the works of the LORD, nor the operation of his hands,4 he shall destroy them, and not build them up.
j Job 34.26,27. Is.5.12; 42.24,25. La.1.9. Zec.1.4-6. Mal.2.2. 2 Th.1.8,9.
4 Because they regard neither the judgments nor the mercies of God, but rebel against the one, and abuse the other; therefore the despisers shall wonder and perish, Ac.13.41.—C.
6 Blessedk be the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications.
k Ps.103.1-5; 116.1.
7 Thel 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.
Notes
Ver. 2. The construction of these prayers, which are all in the speaker's own name, sufficiently testify to him who knows the Scriptures, Job 14. 13-16; 16. 23, 26, that this is a psalm, not of a sinner asking in Christ's name, but of Christ asking in his own right. C.
Ver. 4. Such prayers throughout the Psalms have often afforded matter of scorn or reproach to the infidel, and called forth timid and ignorant apologies from believers. The answer to all such cavils is easy—this is that very thing which God will do—and which therefore the believer, even Christ in the days of his flesh, might justly pray him to do. C.——This is a prayer for justice. It is surely right to seek it and to pray for it. The psalmist desires that by the execution of a righteous judgment the wicked may be restrained from evil, and God's people saved from persecution. There is no evidence here of malice or vindictiveness. P.
Reflections.—Deep distress should awaken strong cries to God. Not the Jewish holy of holies, but Christ, is our oracle, in which dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily; and through him our prayers are sure to speed. What a burden to exercised saints are sin and sinners while they live in this world! Seducing sinners are always busy; and they who would avoid their ruin must shun their ways. But great are the thankful praises which saints owe to their God for the mercies which have been granted in answer to their prayer, and which faith assures them he will grant. And what almighty power and grace Jesus Christ, and every one of his true members, have engaged on their side to prevent their miscarriage! Clusters of well-connected and everlasting blessings are secured by God for his people. And great should be the joy they have in, and care for, one another's spiritual and eternal welfare.