scripture

PSALM 28^*

Petition and Thanksgiving

1Of David.

I

To you, LORD, I call;

my Rock, do not be deaf to me,^a

Do not be silent toward me,

so that I join those who go down to the pit.^b

2Hear the sound of my pleading when I cry to you for help

when I lift up my hands toward your holy place.^*c

3Do not drag me off with the wicked,

with those who do wrong,^d

Who speak peace to their neighbors

though evil is in their hearts.^e

4Repay them for their deeds,

for the evil that they do.

For the work of their hands repay them;

give them what they deserve.^f

5Because they do not understand the LORD’s works,

the work of his hands,^g

He will tear them down,

never to rebuild them.

II

6^*Blessed be the LORD,

who has heard the sound of my pleading.

7The LORD is my strength and my shield,

in whom my heart trusts.

I am helped, so my heart rejoices;

with my song I praise him.

III

8^* LORD, you are a strength for your people,

the saving refuge of your anointed.

9Save your people, bless your inheritance;

pasture and carry them forever!

* [Psalm 28] A lament asking that the psalmist, who has taken refuge in the Temple (Ps 28:2), not be punished with the wicked, who are headed inevitably toward destruction (Ps 28:1, 3–5). The statement of praise is exceptionally lengthy and vigorous (Ps 28:6–7). The Psalm ends with a prayer (Ps 28:8–9).

* [28:2] Your holy place: the innermost part of the Temple, the holy of holies, containing the ark, cf. 1 Kgs 6:16, 19–23; 8:6–8.

* [28:6] The psalmist shifts to fervent thanksgiving, probably responding to a priestly or prophetic oracle in Ps 28:5cd (not usually transmitted) assuring the worshiper that the prayer has been heard.

* [28:8] Your people…your anointed: salvation is more than individual, affecting all the people and their God-given leader.

a. [28:1] Ps 18:2.

b. [28:1] Ps 30:4; 88:5; 143:7; Prv 1:12.

c. [28:2] Ps 134:2.

d. [28:3] Ps 26:9.

e. [28:3] Ps 12:2; 55:22; 62:5; Prv 26:24–28.

f. [28:4] 2 Sm 3:39.

g. [28:5] Is 5:12.