FRAMEWORKS:
Psa 28
(The
objective of these ‘Frameworks' is to provide an easy-to-read
layout of the text in order then to use these individual verses
for meditation. To focus each verse we have also added a subheading
summary as a description of what is happening)
FRAMEWORKS:
Psalm 28: Pleadings & Breakthrough
Of
David.
[Preliminary
Comments: A simple description that identifies David
as the writer. We aren't told the cause or nature of his anguish
but he had obviously been pleading with God for help and doesn't
yet appear to have received it. [v.1,2] There is an implication
that he contrasts (note, not compares) himself with wrongdoers,
asking that the Lord won't do to him what He does to such people.
[v.3-5] Verse 6 is the turning point we so often find with David
when he suddenly senses the Lord has answered. Faith flows afresh
[v.7,8] and he concludes with a simple petition for the Lord to
save and bless his people and be the shepherd he knows He is.]
Part
1: Pleading
v.1,2
David pleads with the Lord to hear him in his need
v.1
To
you, Lord, I call;
you are my Rock,
do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you remain silent,
I will be like those who go down to the
pit.
v.2 Hear
my cry for mercy
as I call to you for help,
as I lift up my hands
toward your Most Holy Place.
v.3-5
He asks the Lord to distinguish between him and evildoers
v.3
Do
not drag me away with the wicked,
with those who do evil,
who speak cordially with their neighbors
but harbor malice in their hearts.
v.4
Repay
them
for their deeds
and for their evil work;
repay them for what their hands have done
and bring back on them what they deserve.
v.5
Because
they have no regard for the deeds of the Lord
and what his hands have done,
he will tear them down
and never build them up again.
Part
2: Assurance
v.6
He senses that the Lord has heard him
v.6
Praise
be to the Lord,
for he has heard my cry for mercy.
v.7,8
He has a fresh realization that the Lord is his strength
v.7
The
Lord is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
and with my song I praise him.
v.8
The
Lord is the strength of his people,
a fortress of salvation for his anointed
one. [i.e.
David himself]
v.9
A final fourfold petition
v.9
Save your people and bless
your inheritance;
be their shepherd and
carry them forever.
[Additional
Thoughts: The same lesson comes through this psalm as
many others written by David: he has difficulties and he cries
out to the Lord and as he unburdens his heart, suddenly there
comes a breakthrough - the assurance that God has heard and IS
answering.]
Continue
to Psa 29