Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 28

Verses 1-9

PSALM 28

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).

Verses 2

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).

Verses 3

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

Verses 4

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.

Verses 5

5. Disregard of God's judgments brings a righteous punishment.

destroy … build … up—The positive strengthened by the negative form.

Verses 6

6. supplications—or, "cries for mercy."

Verses 7

7. The repetition of "heart" denotes his sincerity.

Verses 8

8. The distinction made between the people.

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

Verses 9

9. The special prayer for the people sustains this view.

feed them—as a shepherd (Ps 23:1, &c.).

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory (1871). Public domain.