Psalm 28
Many psalms were written because of a difficult event in the writer’s life. Psalms 26 through 28 were written during the time David fled from the rebellion of his son Absalom. In this psalm, David includes himself with the people of God in praying against the oppression of the wicked and unbelievers.
The first section (verses 1 to 2) calls upon God to deliver David from his enemies. God is called a Rock, because He does not move or change His will—He can be trusted. Especially in times of trouble, God seems to be “silent”, that is, deaf to our prayers and so refusing to answer them. David declares that should God ever be silent he and other believers would sink into the grave in utter hopelessness. The Old Testament worshipers presented their earnest prayers to God with uplifted hands, a gesture that indicated great need, emptiness without God’s gifts, and was directed to God. God’s sanctuary is His “throne-hall”, a word that designated the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle/temple.
Verse 3 summarizes David’s request. When the wicked seem to be successful against believers, David prays that he not be punished in time and in eternity with the wicked. For the wicked outwardly speak about peace to the believers, even demanding to be at peace with the workers of iniquity. But their outward expression of friendliness is done to mislead believers in order to draw them from their trust in God. Did not Cain speak words of peace to Abel before he killed him? Did not some Pharisees flatter Jesus while He taught in the Temple a few days before He was crucified?
Section three (verses 4 to 5) ask God to punish such liars for their deeds. This request is the same one Christian pray in the Lord’s Prayer, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” The request for God to deal with the wicked includes the prayer for God to protect His children in the faith. Note that the words of this psalm do not request that believers be allowed to take vengeance, but that the believer places his case into God’s hands, who will judge all things rightly. Verse five gives another reason for God to act—the wicked have no regard for God’s grace or goodness. They either take it for granted, thank some other “god” for these blessings, or exalt themselves for their power. While the wicked seek to build up kingdoms and powers, God Himself will tear down all they tried to accomplish.
Section four (verses 6 to 7) describes the joy of the believer, who can even be certain in advance of God’s answer. For God will never allow His kingdom of grace to be utterly destroyed. God is our Strength who holds up those believers who are oppressed by the wicked. God is our Shield who guards the believer against every attack. Even the oppressed can sing praise to God in thanksgiving for His deliverance.
Section five (verses 8 to 9) speaks about God’s protection to all His people, who are consecrated to Him by faith in the Messiah. This confidence all believers can have because of God’s promises. The Church ever prays that God would save them by His redemption through the Messiah and shepherd them by feeding them with His Word and lifting them up in His arms to protect them and carry them to heaven. The Christian Church ever asks God for deliverance through the means of grace from its enemies.