Berean Standard Bible · Public domain

Psalm 28

Israel’s prayers give language for praise, grief, repentance, and trust. Poetry uses imagery and parallel lines; each psalm should be read as a whole rather than as a detached promise.

Historical context & book outline

1Of David. 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.

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.

Read closely

  1. What repeated words, contrasts, or actions stand out in this chapter?
  2. How does this chapter fit the surrounding chapters and the book’s purpose?
  3. What did it communicate to its first hearers, before applying it to your life?