Psalms31

David expresses profound trust in the LORD for deliverance from his many troubles, committing his spirit into God's hand. He describes his deep suffering, including physical decay, social isolation, and plots against his life, yet reaffirms his unwavering faith. The psalm concludes with praise for God's abundant goodness towards the faithful and an exhortation for all to love and hope in the LORD, who preserves His saints.
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A Plea for Righteous Deliverance

1
In thee, O Jehovah, do I take refuge; Let me never be put to shame: Deliver me in thy righteousness. ​
2
Bow down thine ear unto me; deliver me speedily: Be thou to me a strong rock, A house of defence to save me.
3
For thou art my rock and my fortress; Therefore for thy name’s sake lead me and guide me. ​
4
Pluck me out of the net that they have laid privily for me; For thou art my stronghold.
5
Into thy hand I commend my spirit: Thou hast redeemed me, O Jehovah, thou God of truth. ​
6
I hate them that regard lying vanities; But I trust in Jehovah. ​
7
I will be glad and rejoice in thy lovingkindness; For thou hast seen my affliction: Thou hast known my soul in adversities;
8
And thou hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy; Thou hast set my feet in a large place. ​

The Depth of the Psalmist's Distress

9
Have mercy upon me, O Jehovah, for I am in distress: Mine eye wasteth away with grief, yea, my soul and my body.
10
For my life is spent with sorrow, And my years with sighing: My strength faileth because of mine iniquity, And my bones are wasted away. ​
11
Because of all mine adversaries I am become a reproach, Yea, unto my neighbors exceedingly, And a fear to mine acquaintance: They that did see me without fled from me.
12
I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel. ​
13
For I have heard the defaming of many, Terror on every side: While they took counsel together against me, They devised to take away my life.

Renewed Trust and Specific Petitions

14
But I trusted in thee, O Jehovah: I said, Thou art my God.
15
My times are in thy hand: Deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me. ​
16
Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: Save me in thy lovingkindness.
17
Let me not be put to shame, O Jehovah; for I have called upon thee: Let the wicked be put to shame, let them be silent in Sheol.
18
Let the lying lips be dumb, Which speak against the righteous insolently, With pride and contempt.

Glorifying God's Great Goodness

19
Oh how great is thy goodness, Which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee, Which thou hast wrought for them that take refuge in thee, Before the sons of men! ​
20
In the covert of thy presence wilt thou hide them from the plottings of man: Thou wilt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
21
Blessed be Jehovah; For he hath showed me his marvellous lovingkindness in a strong city.
22
As for me, I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: Nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications, When I cried unto thee. ​
23
Oh love Jehovah, all ye his saints: Jehovah preserveth the faithful, And plentifully rewardeth him that dealeth proudly.
24
Be strong, and let your heart take courage, All ye that hope in Jehovah. ​

Study Notes for Psalms 31

Verse 1

The request for deliverance 'in thy righteousness' appeals not to the psalmist's merit, but to God's covenant faithfulness and moral integrity, ensuring justice prevails.

Verse 3

The titles 'rock' and 'fortress' are common military metaphors emphasizing God's reliability as a secure refuge and permanent defense against all threats.

Verse 5

This is the most famous verse of the psalm, quoted by Jesus on the cross (Luke 23:46). Committing the spirit signifies absolute surrender and trust, relying on God as the 'God of truth' (faithfulness).

Verse 6

'Lying vanities' refers primarily to idols or false gods, contrasting the empty promises of pagan worship with the reliable reality of YHWH.

Verse 8

To be set 'in a large room' (or broad place) is an image signifying freedom, safety, and relief from the confinement of trouble or the trap set by the enemy.

Verse 10

The psalmist connects his suffering and failing strength potentially to personal sin ('because of mine iniquity'). This reflects the common biblical understanding that physical distress could be linked to divine discipline.

Verse 12

'I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel.' This metaphor powerfully expresses worthlessness, uselessness, and utter despair, akin to discarded pottery.

Verse 15

'My times are in thy hand' is a profound theological statement affirming God's sovereignty over the duration and events of human life, offering comfort amidst persecution.

Verse 19

This verse shifts the tone dramatically from lament to doxology. The 'goodness' laid up refers to the blessings and protection stored for those who maintain faithful devotion.

Verse 22

The psalmist reflects candidly on a moment of panic ('I said in my haste, I am cut off'). This highlights the reality of human doubt even among the faithful, immediately contrasted by God's faithful response.

Verse 24

The psalm concludes with an exhortation, reminding the entire community that the experience of the psalmist—moving from despair to deliverance—should inspire courage and hope in all who wait for the Lord.

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