Psalms

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, 35). The statement of praise is exceptionally lengthy and vigorous (Ps 28:67). The Psalm ends with a prayer (Ps 28:89).

* [28:2] Your holy place: the innermost part of the Temple, the holy of holies, containing the ark, cf. 1 Kgs 6:16, 1923; 8:68.

* [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 26:2428.

f. [28:4] 2 Sm 3:39.

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

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