Psalms 28

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with David's prayer to God, asking Him to hear his cry and not to turn a deaf ear to his supplication (Psalms 28:1-2). He then contrasts himself with the wicked, who speak peace to their neighbors but have evil in their hearts (Psalms 28:3). David asks God to judge the wicked according to their deeds and to give them what they deserve (Psalms 28:4). In contrast, David trusts in God's power and goodness, knowing that He will bless the righteous and give them strength (Psalms 28:7-8). The chapter concludes with David's expression of confidence in God's deliverance and his call to the people to bless the Lord (Psalms 28:9).

Context for the Chapter

Psalms 28 is part of the Psalter, a collection of poems and songs that express the thoughts and feelings of God's people. The chapter is attributed to David, who wrote it during a time of adversity, when he was surrounded by enemies and needed God's deliverance. The chapter fits into the larger biblical narrative as a demonstration of God's power and goodness, and as a reminder to believers of the importance of trusting in Him.

Heart Application

This chapter applies to the heart of the believer by reminding them of the importance of trusting in God's power and goodness. Just as David trusted in God for deliverance, believers can trust in Christ for salvation and strength. The chapter also serves as a reminder to believers to cry out to God in times of need, and to trust in His sovereign care.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Psalms 28 is a prayer of David, where he expresses his trust in God for deliverance from his enemies. David's prayer is a model for believers to follow, demonstrating how to cry out to God in times of need and to trust in His sovereign care. The chapter reminds believers of the importance of trusting in God's power and goodness, and of the contrast between the righteous and the wicked (Psalms 28:1-4).

Voices from the Church

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. This is the experience of every believer who has learned to trust in the Lord.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The righteous shall be blessed, and the wicked shall be judged. This is the principle of God's government, and it is a comfort to the righteous and a warning to the wicked.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to the Prayer (Psalms 28:1-2) — David introduces his prayer by asking God to hear his cry and not to turn a deaf ear to his supplication.
2. Contrast between the Righteous and the Wicked (Psalms 28:3-4) — David contrasts himself with the wicked, who speak peace to their neighbors but have evil in their hearts.
3. David's Trust in God (Psalms 28:7) — David trusts in God's power and goodness, knowing that He will bless the righteous and give them strength.
4. Conclusion to the Prayer (Psalms 28:8-9) — David concludes his prayer by expressing his confidence in God's deliverance and calling the people to bless the Lord.
5. Final Thoughts (Psalms 28:9) — The chapter concludes with David's expression of confidence in God's deliverance and his call to the people to bless the Lord.

Core Doctrines

Providence

The chapter teaches the doctrine of providence, which is the idea that God is actively involved in the world, guiding and directing the course of events. David's trust in God's power and goodness is a demonstration of this doctrine.

Judgment

The chapter also teaches the doctrine of judgment, which is the idea that God will judge the wicked and give them what they deserve. David asks God to judge the wicked according to their deeds (Psalms 28:4).

Salvation

The chapter teaches the doctrine of salvation, which is the idea that God saves His people from their enemies and gives them strength. David's prayer is a request for God to deliver him from his enemies, and the chapter concludes with his expression of confidence in God's deliverance.

Trust

The chapter teaches the doctrine of trust, which is the idea that believers should trust in God's power and goodness. David's trust in God is a model for believers to follow, demonstrating how to cry out to God in times of need and to trust in His sovereign care.

Lessons from Psalms 28

1. The Importance of Trusting in God — The chapter teaches the importance of trusting in God's power and goodness, even in the midst of adversity. Believers can learn from David's example to trust in God and to cry out to Him in times of need.
2. The Contrast between the Righteous and the Wicked — The chapter contrasts the righteous, who trust in God and are blessed by Him, with the wicked, who are opposed to God and will be judged by Him. This contrast serves as a reminder to believers of the importance of trusting in God's power and goodness.
3. The Power of Prayer — The chapter demonstrates the power of prayer, as David cries out to God in times of need and trusts in His sovereign care. Believers can learn from David's example to pray to God and to trust in His power and goodness.
4. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches the sovereignty of God, who is actively involved in the world, guiding and directing the course of events. Believers can learn from David's example to trust in God's sovereignty and to cry out to Him in times of need.
5. The Importance of Blessing the Lord — The chapter concludes with David's call to the people to bless the Lord, which serves as a reminder to believers of the importance of worshiping and praising God. Believers can learn from David's example to bless the Lord and to trust in His power and goodness.

Themes from Psalms 28

1. Trust — The chapter teaches the importance of trusting in God's power and goodness, even in the midst of adversity. Believers can learn from David's example to trust in God and to cry out to Him in times of need.
2. Deliverance — The chapter teaches the doctrine of deliverance, which is the idea that God saves His people from their enemies and gives them strength. David's prayer is a request for God to deliver him from his enemies, and the chapter concludes with his expression of confidence in God's deliverance.
3. Judgment — The chapter teaches the doctrine of judgment, which is the idea that God will judge the wicked and give them what they deserve. David asks God to judge the wicked according to their deeds (Psalms 28:4).
4. Righteousness — The chapter contrasts the righteous, who trust in God and are blessed by Him, with the wicked, who are opposed to God and will be judged by Him. This contrast serves as a reminder to believers of the importance of trusting in God's power and goodness.
5. Worship — The chapter concludes with David's call to the people to bless the Lord, which serves as a reminder to believers of the importance of worshiping and praising God. Believers can learn from David's example to bless the Lord and to trust in His power and goodness.

Questions for Meditation

1. What is the main theme of Psalms 28, and how does it relate to the believer's life?
2. How does David's prayer in Psalms 28:1-2 serve as a model for believers to follow?
3. What is the contrast between the righteous and the wicked in Psalms 28:3-4, and what does it teach us about God's character?
4. How does David's trust in God in Psalms 28:7 serve as a model for believers to trust in Christ for salvation and strength?
5. What is the significance of David's expression of confidence in God's deliverance in Psalms 28:8-9, and how can believers apply this to their own lives?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Psalms 28

	Sermon	Description
	Experiencing Jesus by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of receiving a text message from his son with a Bible verse that he had been contemplating preaching on. He emphasizes the
	Setting Fire to Satan's Harvest - Part 2 by Carter Conlon	This sermon emphasizes the need to identify and address the negative influences and complaints that hinder our relationship with God, urging believers to set fire to the harvest of
	Inside and Out by Jack Hyles	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and serving Him. He shares his own experience of initially struggling with preaching and studying the Bibl
	Passion Prayer by Stewart Ruch	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of a family vacation where they faced a perilous situation with their van breaking down. The speaker emphasizes the importance o
	Healing Anointing: Jehovah Rapha, Dominus, and Other Visions by Mike Bickle	Mike Bickle emphasizes the healing anointing of Jehovah Rapha, urging believers to be faithful in the present while contending for a greater measure of God's power. He shares perso
	When Heaven Is Silent by Shane Idleman	Shane Idleman addresses the challenging experience of silence from heaven during prayer, emphasizing that it can be a time of instruction, conviction, and character building. He en
	Design or Intention Constitutes Character by Charles Finney	Charles Finney emphasizes that a person's moral character is defined by their ultimate intention rather than their actions or subordinate intentions. He explains the distinction be
	Ask the Hard Questions by Shane Idleman	Shane Idleman emphasizes the necessity of asking hard questions in our spiritual lives, drawing from Psalms 28, 29, and 30. He highlights the importance of meditating on God's Word
	Encourage Yourself in the Lord by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of encouraging oneself in the Lord, acknowledging that even the most faithful believers experience pain, confusion, and sorrow. He uses th
	The Stone of Salvation or Destruction by Horatius Bonar	Horatius Bonar explores the multifaceted significance of the 'stone' in Matthew 21:44, emphasizing its role as a symbol of Christ. He discusses how this stone represents rejection,

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 28

In this chapter, David prays to God, expressing his trust in His power and goodness. He asks God to hear his cry and not to turn a deaf ear to his supplication (Psalms 28:1-2). David then contrasts himself with the wicked, who speak peace to their neighbors but have evil in their hearts (Psalms 28:3). He asks God to judge the wicked according to their deeds and to give them what they deserve (Psalms 28:4). In contrast, David trusts in God's power and goodness, knowing that He will bless the righteous and give them strength (Psalms 28:7-8). The chapter concludes with David's expression of confidence in God's deliverance and his call to the people to bless the Lord (Psalms 28:9). This chapter teaches us the importance of trusting in God's power and goodness, even in the midst of adversity, and the contrast between the righteous and the wicked. It also reminds us of the importance of worshiping and praising God, and of the ultimate deliverance that He will bring to His people. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?