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.

A Plea for Righteous Deliverance

1
For the leader. A psalm of David: In you, ADONAI, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your justice, save me! ​
2
Turn your ear toward me, come quickly to my rescue, be for me a rock of strength, a fortress to keep me safe.
3
Since you are my rock and fortress, lead me and guide me for your name's sake. ​
4
Free me from the net they have hidden to catch me, because you are my strength.
5
Into your hand I commit my spirit; you will redeem me, ADONAI, God of truth. ​
6
I hate those who serve worthless idols; as for me, I trust in ADONAI. ​
7
I will rejoice and be glad in your grace, for you see my affliction, you know how distressed I am.
8
You did not hand me over to the enemy; you set my feet where I can move freely. ​

The Depth of the Psalmist's Distress

9
Show me favor, ADONAI, for I am in trouble. My eyes grow dim with anger, my soul and body as well.
10
For my life is worn out with sorrow and my years with sighing; my strength gives out under my guilt, and my bones are wasting away. ​
11
I am scorned by all my adversaries, and even more by my neighbors; even to acquaintances I am an object of fear when they see me in the street, they turn away from me.
12
Like a dead man, I have passed from their minds; I have become like a broken pot. ​
13
All I hear is whispering, terror is all around me; they plot together against me, scheming to take my life.

Renewed Trust and Specific Petitions

14
But I, I trust in you, ADONAI; I say, "You are my God."
15
My times are in your hand; rescue me from my enemies' power, from those who persecute me. ​
16
Make your face shine on your servant; in your grace, save me.
17
ADONAI, don't let me be put to shame, for I have called on you; let the wicked be put to shame, let them be silenced in Sh'ol.
18
May lying lips be struck dumb, that speak insolently against the righteous with such pride and contempt.

Glorifying God's Great Goodness

19
But oh, how great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you do for those who take refuge in you, before people's very eyes! ​
20
In the shelter of your presence you hide them from human plots, you conceal them in your shelter, safe from contentious tongues.
21
Blessed be ADONAI! For he has shown me his amazing grace when I was in a city under siege.
22
As for me, in my alarm I said, "I have been cut off from your sight!"Nevertheless, you heard my pleas when I cried out to you. ​
23
Love ADONAI, you faithful of his. ADONAI preserves the loyal, but the proud he repays in full.
24
Be strong, and fill your hearts with courage, all of you who hope in ADONAI. ​

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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