Psalms 28 A Prayer for Help

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

1

my rock — (Ps 18:2, 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" (Ps 30:3).

2

lift up my hands — a gesture of prayer (Ps 63:4; 141:2). oracle — place of speaking (Ex 25:22; Nu 7:89), where God answered His people (compare Ps 5:7).

3

Draw me not away — implies punishment as well as death (compare Ps 26:9). Hypocrisy is the special wickedness mentioned.

4

The imprecation is justified in Ps 28:5. The force of the passage is greatly enhanced by the accumulation of terms describing their sin. endeavours — points out their deliberate sinfulness.

5

Disregard of God's judgments brings a righteous punishment. destroy... build... up — The positive strengthened by the negative form.

6

supplications — or, "cries for mercy."

7

The repetition of "heart" denotes his sincerity.

8

The distinction made between the people. their strength — and the anointed — may indicate Absalom's rebellion as the occasion.

9

The special prayer for the people sustains this view. feed them — as a shepherd (Ps 23:1, &c.).