Commentary on Psalms 28

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. (Psa 28:1-9)

my rock-- (Psa 18:2, Psa 18:31).

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" (Psa 30:3).

lift up my hands--a gesture of prayer (Psa 63:4; Psa 141:2).

oracle--place of speaking (Exo 25:22; Num 7:89), where God answered His people (compare Psa 5:7).

Draw me not away--implies punishment as well as death (compare Psa 26:9). Hypocrisy is the special wickedness mentioned.

The imprecation is justified in Psa 28:5. The force of the passage is greatly enhanced by the accumulation of terms describing their sin.

endeavours--points out their deliberate sinfulness.

Disregard of God's judgments brings a righteous punishment.

destroy . . . build . . . up--The positive strengthened by the negative form.

supplications--or, "cries for mercy."

The repetition of "heart" denotes his sincerity.

The distinction made between the people.

their strength--and the anointed--may indicate Absalom's rebellion as the occasion.

The special prayer for the people sustains this view.

feed them--as a shepherd (Psa 23:1, &c.).

Next: Psalms Chapter 29