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
In you, LORD, I take refuge. Let me never be disappointed. Deliver me in your righteousness. ​
2
Bow down your ear to me. Deliver me speedily. Be to me a strong rock, a house of defense to save me.
3
For you are my rock and my fortress, therefore for your name’s sake lead me and guide me. ​
4
Pluck me out of the net that they have laid secretly for me, for you are my stronghold.
5
Into your hand I commend my spirit. You redeem me, LORD, God of truth. ​
6
I hate those who regard lying vanities, but I trust in the LORD. ​
7
I will be glad and rejoice in your loving kindness, for you have seen my affliction. You have known my soul in adversities.
8
You have not shut me up into the hand of the enemy. You have set my feet in a large place. ​

The Depth of the Psalmist's Distress

9
Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am in distress. My eye, my soul, and my body waste away with grief.
10
For my life is spent with sorrow, my years with sighing. My strength fails because of my iniquity. My bones are wasted away. ​
11
Because of all my adversaries I have become utterly contemptible to my neighbors, A fear to my acquaintances. Those who saw me on the street fled from me.
12
I am forgotten from their hearts like a dead man. I am like broken pottery. ​
13
For I have heard the slander of many, terror on every side, while they conspire together against me, they plot to take away my life.

Renewed Trust and Specific Petitions

14
But I trust in you, LORD. I said, “You are my God.”
15
My times are in your hand. Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me. ​
16
Make your face to shine on your servant. Save me in your loving kindness.
17
Let me not be disappointed, LORD, for I have called on you. Let the wicked be disappointed. Let them be silent in Sheol.
18
Let the lying lips be mute, which speak against the righteous insolently, with pride and contempt.

Glorifying God's Great Goodness

19
Oh how great is your goodness, which you have laid up for those who fear you, which you have worked for those who take refuge in you, before the sons of men! ​
20
In the shelter of your presence you will hide them from the plotting of man. You will keep them secretly in a dwelling away from the strife of tongues.
21
Praise be to the LORD, for he has shown me his marvelous loving kindness in a strong city.
22
As for me, I said in my haste, “I am cut off from before your eyes.” Nevertheless you heard the voice of my petitions when I cried to you. ​
23
Oh love the LORD, all you his holy ones! The LORD preserves the faithful, and fully recompenses him who behaves arrogantly.
24
Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the LORD. ​

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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