Commentary Critical And Explanatory On The Whole Bible

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).

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).

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

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.

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

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

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

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

8. The distinction made between the people.

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

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

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