Bible Commentaries
Psalms 28

Verse 1

David cried out in prayer for the Lord’s deliverance from his enemies so he would not die. The "pit" refers to the grave.

"Prayer is an expression of sole dependence on the Lord for help." [Note: VanGemeren, p. 249.]

Verses 1-4

1. Urgent petition for deliverance 28:1-4

Verses 1-9

Psalms 28

This psalm is similar to Psalms 26, except that in this one, David’s distress was imminent. He believed God would not punish him with the wicked, and he asked Him to save and shepherd His people. The combination of confidence in Yahweh and prayer to Yahweh, that appears in Psalms 27, appears again here but in reverse order. Psalms 28:1-5 are lament, and Psalms 28:6-9 are thanksgiving.

Verses 2-4

The psalmist begged God to hear and respond to his petition. Lifting up the hands in prayer symbolized utter dependence on God (cf. Psalms 63:4; Psalms 134:2; Psalms 141:2; 1 Kings 8:35; 1 Kings 8:38; 1 Kings 8:42). The sanctuary (Heb. debir) is where the ark abode. David asked that the Lord not judge him with the sinners who opposed him. Moreover he requested that God would punish the wicked as they justly deserved.

Verse 5

David was sure the wicked would fail in their purposes since they did not acknowledge the Lord’s works.

Verses 5-8

2. Confident praise for deliverance 28:5-8

Verses 6-8

Consequently, David praised the Lord. He believed God had heard his prayer because the Lord had promised to hear the prayers of the godly. The Lord was David’s source of strength and defense, so he knew his attackers would fail. Furthermore, Yahweh consistently saved and defended His people and His anointed king.

Verse 9

3. Final request for deliverance 28:9

Having expressed his confidence in the Lord’s salvation, David repeated his request for deliverance. He wanted divine salvation and guidance for Israel from her Shepherd forever. This is a long-range petition for God’s sustenance in the years that lay ahead.

God’s people can appeal for help in distress to their great Shepherd and can rely on His guidance and salvation in view of His commitment to them. The leaders of God’s people should intercede for the Lord’s blessing on the people under their charge, as David did (cf. 1 Samuel 12:23).