Ps 28:1-9. 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.). |
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