USB ~ Psalms 28

Petition and Thanksgiving

1 Of David. 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

2 Hear the sound of my pleading when I cry to you for help when I lift up my hands toward your holy place.† c

3 Do 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

4 Repay them for their deeds, for the evil that they do. For the work of their hands repay them; give them what they deserve. f

5 Because they do not understand the LORD’s works, the work of his hands, g He will tear them down, never to rebuild them.

6 †Blessed be the LORD, who has heard the sound of my pleading.

7 The 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.

9 Save your people, bless your inheritance; pasture and carry them forever!

Footnotes

†. 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.

28:1 Ps 18:2.
28:1 Ps 30:4; 88:5; 143:7; Prv 1:12.
28:2 Ps 134:2.
28:3 Ps 26:9.
28:3 Ps 12:2; 55:22; 62:5; Prv 26:24-28.
28:4 2 Sm 3:39.
28:5 Is 5:12.