Bible Commentaries
Psalms 28

Introduction

PSALM 28

:-. 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.

Verse 1

1. my rock— (Psalms 18:2; Psalms 18:31).

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" (Psalms 30:3).

Verse 2

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

oracle—place of speaking (Exodus 25:22; Numbers 7:89), where God answered His people (compare Psalms 5:7).

Verse 3

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

Verse 4

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

endeavours—points out their deliberate sinfulness.

Verse 5

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

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

Verse 6

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

Verse 7

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

Verse 8

8. The distinction made between the people.

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

Verse 9

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

feed them—as a shepherd (Psalms 23:1, &c.).