Psalm 28

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 28

XXVIII.This psalm gives no distinct indication of its authorship or date of composition. The writer appears to be in a critical condition of health (Psalms 28:1), and fears death as a mark of Divine punishment, involving him, though innocent, with the wicked. If the psalm is the product of one pen and time, and is really the expression of individual feeling, the writer was a king (Psalms 28:8). But the last two verses seem, both in rhythm and tone, to be from another hand, and to be the... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 28:1

(1) My rock.—Heb., tsûr, from a root implying “bind together” (Deuteronomy 14:25), not necessarily therefore with sense of height, but with that of strength and solidity. Thus Tyre (or Tsûr) is built on a broad shelf of rock. We see from Deuteronomy 32:30-31; 1 Samuel 2:2, that “rock” was a common metaphor for a tutelary deity, and it is adopted frequently for Jehovah in the Psalms and poetical books. Sometimes in the Authorised Version it is rendered “strong” (Psalms 60:9; Psalms 71:3; see... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 28:2

(2) Lift up my hands.—For interesting illustrations of this Oriental custom see Exodus 9:29; 1 Kings 8:22, &c. Compare the well-known line:—“If, knowing God, they lift not hands of prayer.”TENNYSON: Morte d’Arthur.Holy oracle.—Better, the shrine of thy sanctuary (see margin)—i.e., the holy of holies, the adytum, or inner recess of the Temple in which the ark was placed, as we see from 1 Kings 6:19-22. The Hebrew word, which is of doubtful derivation, is, with the exception of this place,... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 28:3

(3) Draw me not.—Better, Drag me not. In Ezekiel 32:18 seq., we have a magnificent vision of judgment, in which the wicked nations are represented as being dragged to death and destruction. In the person of the poet, Israel prays not to be involved in such a punishment. The words “which speak peace “may refer to some overture of alliance from such, or it may be generally those who “hide hatred with lying lips” (Proverbs 10:18). read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 28:4

(4) Give them according to their deeds.—The justice of the lex talionis was deeply impressed on the mind of Israel, and we need not wonder to find its enforcement made the subject of prayer. A general notice of the imprecations of the Psalms will be found in the General Introduction (VI.). Here it is enough to remark that there is no indication of personal animosity or vindictiveness. The poet, even if expressing his own feelings, was identified with devout Israel, to whom it was natural not... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 28:5

(5) The works of the Lord, nor the operation of his hands—i.e., His strict and even-handed justice, which the wicked forget or, deceived by appearances (Isaiah 5:19), ignore. For the contrast between “build up” and “pull down,” compare Jeremiah 42:10. This verse is in that prophet’s style (Jeremiah 1:10; Jeremiah 18:9). read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 28:6

(6) This burst of thanksgiving, breaking in on the poet’s prayer, has led to the supposition that an interval elapsed between the composition of the former part of the psalm and this verse, and that the writer takes up his pen to record the answer his supplications have received. Others regard the psalm as composed by the union of two distinct pieces. Others again treat Psalms 28:6 as an interpolation. It certainly seems discordant with the rhythm as well as with the sense of the rest. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 28:7

(7) Therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth.—Better, danceth for joy, as in the Prayer Book. Another possible translation is, “And when I have been helped my heart will dance for joy.”With my song.—Literally, from my song, but the reading is doubtful. The LXX. have “my flesh has flourished,” which is probably correct. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 28:8

(8) Their strength—i.e., the strength of His people, who are throughout in the poet’s thought, even if it is the individual and not the community that speaks. The LXX. and Vulg. read (comp. Psalms 29:11) “to his people.”Saving strength.—Better, stronghold of salvation. (See margin.) read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 28:9

(9) Feed . . . lift them up.—These words suggest comparison with Isaiah 40:11; Isaiah 63:9. The incorporation of this petition in the Te Deum is one of those interesting facts that link the Christian worship with the Jewish. read more

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 28

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 28:1

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 28:2

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 28:3

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 28:4

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 28:5

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 28:6

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 28:7

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 28:8

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 28:9

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