◄ Psalm 28 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
The LORD Is My Strength Of David. 1 To You, O LORD, I call; be not deaf to me, O my Rock. For if You remain silent, I will be like those descending to the Pit. 2Hear my cry for mercy when I call to You for help, when I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary.a 3Do not drag me away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, who speak peace to their neighbors while malice is in their hearts. 4Repay 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. 5Since they show no regard for the works of the LORD or what His hands have done, He will tear them down and never rebuild them. 6Blessed be the LORD, for He has heard my cry for mercy. 7The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart rejoices, and I give thanks to Him with my song. 8The LORD is the strength of His people, a stronghold of salvation for His anointed. 9Save Your people and bless Your inheritance; shepherd them and carry them forever. Footnotes: 2 a Or Your innermost sanctuary or Your Most Holy Place Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Psalm 28 Summary The LORD Is My Strength Verses 1–2 – Crying Out to the Rock David pleads for God to break the silence: if the Lord does not answer, he will be “like those who descend to the Pit.” Hands are raised toward the Most Holy Place, showing desperate trust in God’s mercy. Verses 3–5 – Exposing Two-Faced Evildoers He asks not to be counted with smooth-talking wrongdoers who scheme evil. Justice is requested: “Repay them according to their deeds.” Because they ignore what God has done, He will tear them down and refuse to rebuild them. Verses 6–7 – Burst of Praise for Answered Prayer A sudden turn—David blesses the LORD, certain his cry has been heard. The LORD is “my strength and my shield.” Trust leads to joy, and joy erupts into heartfelt song. Verses 8–9 – Blessing on the Covenant People The king’s personal rescue widens into a national prayer: “Save Your people and bless Your inheritance; shepherd and carry them forever.” The God who guards the king also guards every believer. Psalm 28 is a profound prayer of David, expressing desperate cries for God's help, a confident trust in divine deliverance, and a fervent song of gratitude. It encapsulates David's deep-seated faith in God as his rock, fortress, and shepherd, who sustains him amidst all adversities. It also underscores the contrasting fates of the wicked and the righteous under God's justice. Authorship and Setting Ancient headings list David as author. The language fits his life: danger, enemies, a sudden experience of answered prayer, and concern for the whole nation. The mention of “hands lifted toward Your Most Holy Place” (v 2) suggests the Tabernacle on Mount Zion before Solomon’s temple was built (2 Samuel 6). The psalm could spring from one of David’s many crises—perhaps the betrayals recorded in 1 Samuel 23 or 2 Samuel 15-17. Structure and Flow • Verses 1-5: Plea and petition • Verses 6-7: Praise for God’s response • Verses 8-9: Blessing extended to all Israel The hinge is verse 6: “Blessed be the LORD, for He has heard the sound of my petition.” Key Images and Vocabulary • Rock (v 1): stable refuge, echoing Psalm 18:2. • Pit (v 1): the grave, Sheol—a place of silence (Psalm 30:3). • Hands lifted (v 2): sign of surrender and dependence (1 Timothy 2:8). • Repay (v 4): the sow-and-reap principle (Proverbs 22:8; Galatians 6:7). • Shepherd (v 9): foreshadows Psalm 23 and Jesus’ claim in John 10:11. Links to Other Scriptures • Psalm 26:4-5 shows the same concern about hypocrites. • Isaiah 5:12 condemns people who “do not regard the work of the LORD.” • 1 Samuel 2:9 contrasts God guarding the faithful while silencing the wicked. • Revelation 7:17 pictures the Lamb shepherding and guiding forever—answering David’s request in verse 9. Language and Literary Features • Parallelism: “Hear my cry … do not be deaf” (v 1) intensifies the request. • Contrast: prayers (vv 1-2) versus plans of the wicked (v 3). • Movement: lament → certainty → communal blessing—mirroring many other Davidic psalms (e.g., Psalm 22). Historical and Archaeological Notes • Most Holy Place: the inner room of the Tabernacle, entered only by a priest (Exodus 26:33). Archaeological reconstructions of the Tabernacle show its orientation faced east; worshippers prayed toward it, as Daniel later did toward the Temple (Daniel 6:10). • “Pit” (Hebrew bor): cisterns and underground chambers in Judah, some still visible at sites like Lachish, drove home the terror of being trapped in darkness below ground. • Shepherd-king imagery fits the Near-Eastern idea that a good ruler “pastures” his people. Monument inscriptions of neighboring nations call monarchs “shepherds,” bolstering David’s metaphor. What It Teaches About God and People • God listens to heartfelt cries and refuses to be mere stone; He is a living Rock. • Hypocrisy—a smiling face hiding evil plans—does not fool God. He knows deeds and motives. • Personal rescue is meant to become community blessing. When God lifts one believer, that joy should overflow to strengthen others. Practical Takeaways • Silence from heaven is not proof of absence; keep calling, keep lifting hands. • Check motives: speak peace and mean it; plan good, not harm. • Celebrate answers quickly; praise turns fear into confidence. • Pray big: after thanking God for your own rescue, include the wider church, your family, your nation, that He would “shepherd and carry them forever.” Connections to the New Testament • “Rock” ultimately points to Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4). • Jesus warns against outward religion without inward truth (Matthew 23:27), echoing verse 3. • God’s final judgment in Revelation 20:12-13 fulfills the repayment David requests. • John 10:27-29 shows the eternal Shepherd keeping His sheep secure, an answer to verse 9’s plea. Conclusion Psalm 28 moves from urgent cry to confident song, teaching that God’s people can trust His character even when He seems silent. When rescue comes, it is not the end but the start of wider blessing: the King’s strength becomes the people’s fortress, and the Shepherd who saved yesterday will carry His flock forever. Connections to Additional Scriptures Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. Teaching Points David's Cry for Help The psalm begins with David urgently calling out to God, To You, O LORD, I call; my Rock, do not be deaf to me (Psalm 28:1). This highlights the importance of recognizing God as our steadfast foundation. The Danger of Silence David expresses his fear of God's silence, equating it to being like those who go down to the pit (Psalm 28:1). This illustrates the desperation and urgency in seeking God's presence. Plea for Justice David asks God to repay them according to their deeds (Psalm 28:4), emphasizing the belief in divine justice and the moral order established by God. Confidence in God's Response Despite his initial plea, David transitions to a tone of confidence, declaring, Blessed be the LORD, for He has heard my cry for mercy (Psalm 28:6). This shift underscores the assurance of God's attentiveness. Praise and Thanksgiving The psalm concludes with David praising God as his strength and shield, affirming, The LORD is the strength of His people, a stronghold of salvation for His anointed (Psalm 28:8). Practical Applications Persistent Prayer Like David, we should persistently call upon God, trusting that He hears us even when He seems silent. Trust in God's Justice In times of injustice, we can find solace in knowing that God will ultimately bring about justice according to His perfect will. Shift from Desperation to Confidence Allow your prayers to transition from desperation to confidence, trusting in God's faithfulness to respond. Incorporate Praise Make praise and thanksgiving a regular part of your prayer life, acknowledging God's past faithfulness and present help. People 1. The LORD (Yahweh) The primary person addressed in the psalm. David calls upon the LORD as his rock and implores Him not to be silent. The Hebrew name used here is "Yahweh," which signifies the covenantal God of Israel. David seeks the LORD's mercy and deliverance from his enemies. 2. David (the Psalmist) Although not explicitly named in the text of Psalm 28, the psalm is attributed to David in its title. David is the speaker who cries out to God for help and protection. He expresses his trust in the LORD and praises Him for hearing his supplications. 3. The Wicked/Workers of Iniquity These are the adversaries of David, described as those who speak peace with their neighbors while harboring malice in their hearts. David asks God not to drag him away with these evildoers and to repay them according to their deeds. In Psalm 28, the focus is primarily on the relationship between David and the LORD, with the wicked serving as a contrast to the righteous trust and praise that David offers to God. Places 1. The Sanctuary The psalmist refers to the "sanctuary" in verse 2, which symbolizes a holy place where God's presence dwells. In Hebrew, the word used is "מִקְדָּשׁ" (miqdash), indicating a sacred space, often associated with the temple in Jerusalem. 2. The Pit In verse 1, the psalmist mentions "the pit," a metaphorical place representing death or Sheol, the realm of the dead. The Hebrew term "בּוֹר" (bor) is used, which can mean a pit or grave, symbolizing a place of despair or separation from God. Events 1. David's Plea for God's Attention David begins by calling out to the Lord, asking Him not to be silent. He expresses his desperation, fearing that if God remains silent, he will be like those who go down to the pit. This reflects the Hebrew root "שָׁחַת" (shachat), meaning "pit" or "destruction." 2. Request for Mercy and Help David asks God to hear his cry for mercy as he lifts his hands toward the holy sanctuary. This act of lifting hands is a gesture of supplication and worship, rooted in the Hebrew tradition. 3. Prayer for Justice Against the Wicked David requests that God not drag him away with the wicked, who speak peace to their neighbors while harboring malice in their hearts. The Hebrew word "רָע" (ra) is used here, meaning "evil" or "wickedness." 4. Call for Retribution He asks God to repay the wicked according to their deeds and the evil of their actions, emphasizing divine justice. The Hebrew term "פָּעַל" (pa'al) refers to deeds or actions. 5. Recognition of God's Justice David acknowledges that the wicked do not regard the works of the Lord, and therefore, God will tear them down and not rebuild them. This reflects the Hebrew concept of divine retribution. 6. Praise for God's Response David blesses the Lord for hearing his cry for mercy, showing his gratitude and faith in God's responsiveness. 7. Declaration of Trust in God He declares that the Lord is his strength and shield, and his heart trusts in Him. The Hebrew word "מָעוֹז" (ma'oz) means "strength" or "fortress." 8. Rejoicing and Thanksgiving David's heart leaps for joy, and he gives thanks to God in song, expressing his confidence and joy in the Lord's salvation. 9. Prayer for God's People The psalm concludes with a prayer for God to save His people, bless His inheritance, shepherd them, and carry them forever. The Hebrew word "נָחַל" (nachal) is used for "inheritance," indicating God's possession and care for His people. Lessons from Psalm 28 1. Trust in the Lord as Your Strength Psalm 28:7 declares, "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped." This verse reminds us that our ultimate source of strength is not found in our own abilities but in the Lord. When we place our trust in Him, we find the courage and support we need to face life's challenges. Let this truth encourage you to lean on God in every situation, knowing that He is your unwavering support. 2. The Power of Prayer David's plea in Psalm 28:2, "Hear my cry for mercy as I call to You for help," highlights the importance of prayer. Prayer is our direct line to God, a powerful tool for seeking His guidance and intervention. Make prayer a regular part of your daily routine, and watch how it transforms your life by aligning your heart with God's will. 3. God Hears and Responds In Psalm 28:6, David praises God, saying, "Blessed be the LORD, for He has heard my cry for mercy." This assurance that God hears and responds to our prayers is a comforting reminder of His attentiveness. Trust that your prayers do not fall on deaf ears; God is always listening and ready to act according to His perfect plan. 4. The Joy of Salvation Psalm 28:7 continues, "My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I will praise Him." The joy of salvation is a profound gift that fills our hearts with gladness. Embrace this joy daily, allowing it to overflow into every aspect of your life, and let it be a testimony to others of the transformative power of God's love. 5. The Importance of Community David's prayer in Psalm 28:9, "Save Your people and bless Your inheritance; shepherd them and carry them forever," underscores the value of community. We are called to support and uplift one another as part of God's family. Engage with your community, offering encouragement and sharing in each other's burdens, as we journey together in faith. 6. God as Our Shepherd The imagery of God as a shepherd in Psalm 28:9 reminds us of His guidance and care. Just as a shepherd leads and protects his flock, God leads us with wisdom and love. Trust in His direction, knowing that He is guiding you along the right path, even when the way seems uncertain. 7. The Call to Praise Psalm 28:7 encourages us to praise God with our songs. Praise is not just an expression of gratitude but a powerful declaration of God's goodness. Incorporate praise into your daily life, whether through music, words, or actions, and let it be a constant reminder of His faithfulness. 8. Seeking God's Mercy David's earnest plea for mercy in Psalm 28:2 highlights our need for God's grace. Recognize your own need for mercy and approach God with humility, confident in His willingness to forgive and restore. His mercy is new every morning, offering us a fresh start each day. 9. The Assurance of God's Protection Psalm 28:8 assures us, "The LORD is the strength of His people, a stronghold of salvation for His anointed." God's protection is a fortress that surrounds us, providing safety and peace. Rest in the knowledge that He is your defender, shielding you from harm and guiding you through life's storms. 10. Living with Gratitude Finally, Psalm 28 encourages us to live with a heart full of gratitude. Recognize the blessings in your life and give thanks to God for His provision and care. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have, fostering a spirit of contentment and joy. Let thankfulness be the lens through which you view the world, and watch how it transforms your perspective. Topics 1. Plea for God’s Attention (Verses 1-2) David begins by earnestly calling upon the Lord, asking Him not to be silent. He expresses his dependence on God, likening God to a rock, a term that in Hebrew (צוּר, "tsur") signifies strength and stability. ^“To You, O LORD, I call; my Rock, do not be deaf to me. For if You remain silent, I will be like those descending to the Pit.”^ (Psalm 28:1) 2. Request for Mercy (Verse 2) David seeks God’s mercy, lifting his hands in prayer, a gesture of supplication and surrender. ^“Hear my cry for mercy when I call to You for help, when I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary.”^ (Psalm 28:2) 3. Prayer for Justice (Verses 3-5) David asks God to distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, pleading for the wicked to receive justice for their actions. The Hebrew word for "wicked" (רָשָׁע, "rasha") conveys a sense of moral wrongness. ^“Do not drag me away with the wicked and with the workers of iniquity, who speak peace to their neighbors while malice is in their hearts.”^ (Psalm 28:3) 4. Confidence in God’s Response (Verses 6-7) David expresses gratitude and confidence that God has heard his prayers. He acknowledges God as his strength and shield, indicating trust and protection. ^“Blessed be the LORD, for He has heard my cry for mercy. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.”^ (Psalm 28:6-7) 5. Praise for God’s Salvation (Verse 7) David’s heart rejoices, and he praises God for His saving power. The Hebrew word for "salvation" (יְשׁוּעָה, "yeshuah") implies deliverance and victory. ^“Therefore my heart exults, and with my song I will thank Him.”^ (Psalm 28:7) 6. Intercession for God’s People (Verses 8-9) David concludes with a prayer for the people of Israel, asking God to save, bless, and shepherd them. The imagery of God as a shepherd (רָעָה, "ra'ah") reflects care and guidance. ^“The LORD is the strength of His people, a stronghold of salvation for His anointed. Save Your people and bless Your inheritance; shepherd them and carry them forever.”^ (Psalm 28:8-9) Themes 1. Dependence on God for Help The psalmist begins by expressing a deep reliance on God, pleading for His assistance and not to remain silent. This theme is rooted in the Hebrew word "שָׁוַע" (shava), meaning to cry out for help. Psalm 28:1 states, "To You, O LORD, I call; my Rock, do not be deaf to me." 2. God as a Rock and Protector The imagery of God as a "Rock" signifies stability and protection. The Hebrew word "צוּר" (tsur) conveys strength and refuge. In Psalm 28:1, the psalmist refers to God as "my Rock," emphasizing trust in His unwavering support. 3. Prayer for Justice The psalmist seeks justice against the wicked, asking God to repay them according to their deeds. This theme is reflected in Psalm 28:4, "Repay them according to their deeds and for their works of evil." 4. Praise for God’s Response The psalmist transitions to praise, acknowledging God’s response to his prayers. This theme is captured in Psalm 28:6, "Blessed be the LORD, for He has heard my cry for mercy." 5. God as Strength and Shield The psalmist describes God as his strength and shield, indicating divine protection and empowerment. The Hebrew word "מָגֵן" (magen) means shield, as seen in Psalm 28:7, "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped." 6. Joy and Thanksgiving The psalmist expresses joy and gratitude for God’s help, which is a response to answered prayer. This theme is evident in Psalm 28:7, "Therefore my heart exults, and with my song I will thank Him." 7. Intercession for the People The psalm concludes with a prayer for the people of Israel, asking God to save and bless His inheritance. This theme is found in Psalm 28:9, "Save Your people and bless Your inheritance; shepherd them and carry them forever." The Hebrew word "נָחַל" (nahal) for inheritance underscores the covenant relationship between God and His people. Prayer Points Pray for a Heart of Dependence Ask God to help you rely on Him as your rock and fortress in every situation. Seek God's Justice Pray for God's justice to prevail in situations of wrongdoing and for the strength to trust His timing. Thank God for His Faithfulness Offer prayers of thanksgiving for the ways God has answered your prayers in the past. Pray for Confidence in Prayer Request that God strengthens your faith to trust in His response to your prayers, even when it seems delayed. As we reflect on Psalm 28, may we be encouraged to approach God with both our deepest fears and our highest praises, confident in His unwavering presence and faithfulness. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Psalm 28:1, how can a skeptic scientifically verify whether God truly answers or remains silent to human pleas? 2. In Psalm 28:2, which references the “most holy sanctuary,” how do we reconcile questions about the historicity or exact timeline of the temple’s existence? 3. In Psalm 28:4, how does David’s plea for divine retribution align with broader biblical themes of mercy and forgiveness? 4. In Psalm 28:5, which mentions God’s “works,” what historical or archaeological evidence can confirm these claimed acts of God? 5. In Psalm 28:8, how do we reconcile the promise of God’s shielding protection with the ongoing suffering and hardship experienced globally, including among believers? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What does the act of David lifting his hands toward the sanctuary symbolize in your perspective? 2. How do you relate to David's feeling of despair in verses 1 and 2 in today's context? 3. How does David's prayer for God's justice upon the wicked challenge or affirm your understanding of divine justice? 4. How can we discern and guard against people who "speak peace with their neighbors, while evil is in their hearts" in today's society? 5. Reflect on a time when you felt God answered your prayers like David in verse 6. How did this experience change your relationship with God? 6. In what ways can you identify God as your strength and shield in your personal life? 7. How does verse 7 inform your understanding of joy in the midst of challenges? 8. David describes God as both a shepherd and a king. How do these contrasting images enhance your understanding of God's nature? 9. What role does praise play in your spiritual journey, as reflected in this Psalm? 10. How can this Psalm encourage those who feel their prayers are not being heard? 11. How do verses 3-5 relate to the principle of reaping what we sow in modern times? 12. How can you practically 'cry out' to God in your current circumstances, as David does in this Psalm? 13. David refers to God as his rock. In what ways does this metaphor apply to your faith? 14. How might the experiences of the wicked and the righteous in this Psalm guide your daily decision-making process? 15. Verse 7 speaks about God being the strength of our hearts. How does this resonate with your personal experiences? 16. How does the final plea in verse 9 apply to the church today, and what actions does it inspire? 17. What can we learn about perseverance from David's shift from lament to praise within this Psalm? 18. How can we apply the principle of trusting in God's deliverance in our lives when faced with uncertainty? 19. How does this Psalm inspire gratitude in your spiritual walk, and how can you express this gratitude daily? 20. If God is our shepherd as David affirms, how should that influence our perspective on life's trials and tribulations? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions