Old Testament
Psalms 28
Overview
Psalm 28 is an individual lament that turns to thanksgiving once the psalmist is assured of being heard. David cries to the LORD his Rock, begging not to be left silent like those who go down to the pit, and asks God not to sweep him away with the wicked who speak peace while harboring malice. Midway the tone shifts dramatically to praise — "Blessed be the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy" — and the psalm ends interceding for God's people, that he would save and shepherd them forever.
1By David. To you, Yahweh, I call. My rock, don’t be deaf to me, lest, if you are silent to me, I would become like those who go down into the pit.
2Hear the voice of my petitions, when I cry to you, when I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place.
3Don’t draw me away with the wicked, with the workers of iniquity who speak peace with their neighbors, but mischief is in their hearts.
4Give them according to their work, and according to the wickedness of their doings. Give them according to the operation of their hands. Bring back on them what they deserve.
5Because they don’t respect the works of Yahweh, nor the operation of his hands, he will break them down and not build them up.
6Blessed be Yahweh, because he has heard the voice of my petitions.
7Yahweh is my strength and my shield. My heart has trusted in him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart greatly rejoices. With my song I will thank him.
8Yahweh is their strength. He is a stronghold of salvation to his anointed.
9Save your people, and bless your inheritance. Be their shepherd also, and bear them up forever.