Psalm 28:4

Repay them according to their deeds and for their works of evil. Repay them for what their hands have done; bring back on them what they deserve.

Study Bible

Repay them
The phrase "Repay them" in Psalm 28:4 reflects a plea for divine justice. The Hebrew root word here is "שָׁלַם" (shalam), which means to complete, to make whole, or to recompense. In the context of the psalm, David is asking God to bring about a just resolution to the actions of the wicked. This reflects a deep trust in God's righteous judgment, acknowledging that ultimate justice belongs to Him. Historically, this plea aligns with the ancient Near Eastern understanding of divine retribution, where the gods were seen as enforcers of moral order.

according to their deeds
This phrase emphasizes the principle of retributive justice, where individuals receive consequences that correspond to their actions. The Hebrew word for "deeds" is "מַעֲלָל" (ma'alal), which refers to acts or practices. In the biblical context, this underscores the belief that God is aware of human actions and will judge them accordingly. This principle is echoed throughout Scripture, reinforcing the idea that God is just and fair in His dealings with humanity.

and for their evil
The word "evil" here is translated from the Hebrew "רָעָה" (ra'ah), which denotes wickedness or moral corruption. This highlights the nature of the actions for which David seeks recompense. The biblical narrative consistently portrays God as opposing evil and upholding righteousness. This plea for justice against evil reflects a desire for the restoration of moral order and the triumph of good over wickedness.

of their hands
The phrase "of their hands" signifies the tangible actions and works of individuals. In Hebrew, "יָד" (yad) often symbolizes power, action, or possession. By specifying "of their hands," the psalmist points to the concrete manifestations of the wicked's intentions and behaviors. This serves as a reminder that God is attentive to both the intentions and the actions of individuals, and He will hold them accountable.

Repay them
The repetition of "Repay them" underscores the urgency and intensity of the psalmist's plea. It reflects a deep yearning for justice and the assurance that God will act in accordance with His righteous character. This repetition also serves to emphasize the certainty of divine justice, reinforcing the belief that God will not overlook the deeds of the wicked.

what they deserve
This phrase captures the essence of divine justice—giving individuals what is due to them based on their actions. The Hebrew concept of "מִשְׁפָּט" (mishpat) is often associated with justice, judgment, and fairness. In the biblical worldview, God is the ultimate judge who administers justice perfectly. This assurance of divine justice provides comfort to the righteous, knowing that God will ultimately vindicate them and uphold His moral order.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The author of this psalm, David is expressing a plea for justice against his enemies. He is a central figure in the Old Testament, known for his deep relationship with God and his role as the King of Israel.

2. Enemies of David
While not named specifically in this verse, the context of the psalm suggests that David is referring to those who act wickedly and oppose him, and by extension, oppose God's will.

3. God
The ultimate judge and the one to whom David is appealing for justice. God is portrayed as righteous and just, capable of repaying individuals according to their deeds.

Teaching Points

Divine Justice
Trust in God's perfect justice. He sees all actions and will repay each person according to their deeds.

Prayer for Justice
Like David, we can bring our concerns about injustice to God in prayer, trusting Him to act in His perfect timing.

Personal Reflection
Reflect on our own actions and ensure they align with God's will, knowing that we too are accountable to Him.

Forgiveness and Trust
While seeking justice, we must also practice forgiveness, leaving room for God's judgment rather than taking matters into our own hands.

Hope in God's Righteousness
In a world where injustice seems prevalent, maintain hope in God's ultimate righteousness and His promise to set things right.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God's role as a just judge influence your response to personal injustices?

2. In what ways can you incorporate David's example of prayer for justice into your own prayer life?

3. How do the principles of sowing and reaping, as seen in Galatians 6:7, apply to your daily decisions and actions?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to ensure your actions align with God's will, knowing that He repays according to deeds?

5. How can you balance the call to forgive others with the desire for justice, as seen in the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Romans 12:19
This verse in the New Testament echoes the theme of leaving vengeance to God, emphasizing that God will repay and that believers should not take revenge into their own hands.

Proverbs 24:12
This proverb speaks to the idea that God will repay each person according to their deeds, reinforcing the concept of divine justice found in Psalm 28:4.

Galatians 6:7
This verse discusses the principle of sowing and reaping, which aligns with the idea that individuals will face consequences for their actions.