Psalm 28

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 28

Metrically, it contains three strophes, corresponding to the three subjects, and respectively of two, three, and four verses, thus gradually increasing in length. There is no reason for doubting the assertion of the title, that it is "a Psalm of David," but we cannot definitely assign it to any particular period of his life. It would suit almost any occasion when he was in danger or difficulty. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 28:1

Unto thee will I cry, O Lord my Rock; be not silent to me; rather, as in the Revised Version, to thee , O Lord , will I call ; my Rock , be not thou deaf unto me . "My Rock" belongs to the second clause. It is with David, in these early psalms, an epitheton usilatum (comp. Psalms 18:2 ; Psalms 27:5 ; Psalms 31:2 , Psalms 31:3 ; Psalms 40:3 ; Psalms 61:2 ; Psalms 62:2 , etc.). The Hebrew term used is sometimes tsur , sometimes sela' , which call to our... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 28:1-9

Providence and prayer. The contents of this psalm are in some respects similar to the contents of others already noticed. But there is one peculiarity about it to which we here propose to devote special attention. It is seen in the psalmist's prayer against his enemies. On account of such petitions, much reproach has been cast on the Bible itself—as if all the sixty-six books of which the Scriptures are composed were to be held responsible for the prayers and petitions of every Old... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 28:1-9

Man's cry and God's response. In this psalm we find— I. MAN 'S CRY TO GOD . ( Psalms 28:1-5 .) Prayer is an instinct of the heart. Man cries to man. There is a bond of brotherhood between all men. The simple fact that a brother is in need gives him a claim to help. Friend cries to friend. The nearer our relationships, the deeper our obligations. The child cries to its lather. Whatever may be the conduct of others, we are sure that parents will do what they can for their... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 28:1-9

The oppressed righteous king. It is the king who speaks, whose cause is identical with that of the people. Difference between this and the twenty-sixth psalm. The ground-thought of both is that God will not involve in the same outward fate those who are inwardly different; and that the lot of the wicked cannot be the same as that of the righteous. But there it is the oppressed individual righteous man that speaks; here it is the oppressed righteous king speaking for himself and his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 28:2

Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee. God is said to hear prayer when he grants it, to be deaf to prayer when he withholds the boon requested. The use of the expressions "voice" and "cry" marks the earnestness of the prayers offered . When I lift up my hands, The usual attitude of a Hebrew in prayer (see Exodus 9:29 ; Exodus 17:11 , Exodus 17:12 ; 1 Kings 8:22 , 1 Kings 8:54 ; Psalms 63:4 ; Psalms 141:2 ; Lamentations 2:19 ; Lamentations 3:41 ).... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 28:3

Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity (comp. Psalms 26:9 ). The metaphor implied in "draw me not away "is that of a hunter, drawing prey of all kinds to him enclosed within a net. The psalmist prays that he may not share the fate of the workers of iniquity, over whom he seems to see some terrible judgment impending. Which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts. (For extreme instances of this kind of wickedness, see 2 Samuel 3:27... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 28:4

Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavours . The feeling of righteous indignation, naturally implanted in us, causes us to desire the punishment of the wicked, quite apart from any wrong that they may have done to ourselves (Aristotle, 'Rhet.,' Psalms 2:1 , § 3). Give them after the work of their hands: render to them their desert . Nothing satisfies our moral feelings but exact retribution— εἴκε τάθοι τάκ ἔρεξε , δίκη η ἰθεῖα... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 28:5

Because they regard not the works of the Lord, nor the operation of his hands. They do not note God's providential workings. If they did, they would see that judgment falls upon the wicked, and, seeing this, they would fear and abstain from evil. But they take no notice—God is not in all their thoughts. For this neglect and contempt of him, he shall destroy them, and not build them up. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 28:6

Blessed be the Lord, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications (comp. Psalms 28:2 , with which this is, of set purpose, made exactly to correspond). read more

Group of Brands