TRV
Translation
King James Version
My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.
Complete Jewish Bible
My times are in your hand; rescue me from my enemies' power, from those who persecute me.
Berean Standard Bible
My times are in Your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.
American Standard Version
My times are in thy hand: Deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.
World English Bible Messianic
My times are in your hand. Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.
Geneva Bible (1599)
My times are in thine hande: deliuer mee from the hande of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.
Young's Literal Translation
In Thy hand are my times, Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, And from my pursuers.
In the KJVVerse 14,347 of 31,102
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Commentary on Psalms 31 verses 9–18
9 ¶ Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly.
10 For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed.
11 I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours, 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 slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.
14 But I trusted in thee, O LORD: 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 for thy mercies' sake.
17 Let me not be ashamed, O LORD; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.
18 Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.
In the foregoing verses David had appealed to God's righteousness, and pleaded his relation to him and dependence on him; here he appeals to his mercy, and pleads the greatness of his own misery, which made his case the proper object of that mercy. Observe,
I. The complaint he makes of his trouble and distress (Psa 31:9): "Have mercy upon me, O Lord! for I am in trouble, and need thy mercy." The remembrance he makes of his condition is not much unlike some even of Job's complaints. 1. His troubles had fixed a very deep impression upon his mind and made him a man of sorrows. So great was his grief that his very soul was consumed with it, and his life spent with it, and he was continually sighing, Psa 31:9, Psa 31:10. Herein he was a type of Christ, - who was intimately acquainted with grief and often in tears. We may guess by David's complexion, which was ruddy and sanguine, by his genius for music, and by his daring enterprises in his early days, that his natural disposition was both cheerful and firm, that he was apt to be cheerful, and not to lay trouble to his heart; yet here we see what he is brought to: he has almost wept out his eyes, and sighed away his breath. Let those that are airy and gay take heed of running into extremes, and never set sorrow at defiance; God can find out ways to make them melancholy if they will not otherwise learn to be serious. 2. His body was afflicted with the sorrows of his mind (Psa 31:10): My strength fails, my bones are consumed, and all because of my iniquity. As to Saul, and the quarrel he had with him, he could confidently insist upon his righteousness; but, as it was an affliction God laid upon him, he owns he had deserved it, and freely confesses his iniquity to have been the procuring cause of all his trouble; and the sense of sin touched him to the quick and wasted him more than all his calamities. 3. His friends were unkind and became shy of him. He was a fear to his acquaintance, when they saw him they fled from him, Psa 31:11. They durst not harbour him nor give him any assistance, durst not show him any countenance, nor so much as be seen in his company, for fear of being brought into trouble by it, now that Saul had proclaimed him a traitor and outlawed him. They saw how dearly Ahimelech the priest had paid for aiding and abetting him, though ignorantly; and therefore, though they could not but own he had a great deal of wrong done him, yet they had not the courage to appear for him. He was forgotten by them, as a dead man out of mind (Psa 31:12), and looked upon with contempt as a broken vessel. Those that showed him all possible respect when he was in honour at court, now that he had fallen into disgrace, though unjustly, were strange to him. Such swallow-friends the world is full of, that are gone in winter. Let those that fall on the losing side not think it strange if they be thus deserted, but make sure a friend in heaven, that will not fail them, and make use of him. 4. His enemies were unjust in their censures of him. They would not have persecuted him as they did if they had not first represented him as a bad man; he was a reproach among all his enemies, but especially among his neighbours, Psa 31:11. Those that had been the witnesses of his integrity, and could not but be convinced in their consciences that he was an honest man, were the most forward to represent him quite otherwise, that they might curry favour with Saul. Thus he heard the slander of many; every one had a stone to throw at him, because fear was in every side; that is, they durst not do otherwise, for he that would not join with his neighbours to accuse David was looked upon as disaffected to Saul. Thus the best of men have been represented under the worst characters by those that resolved to give them the worst treatment. 5. His life was aimed at and he went in continual peril of it. Fear was on every side, and he knew that, whatever counsel his enemies took against him, the design was not to take away his liberty, but to take away his life (Psa 31:13), a life so valuable, so useful, to the good services of which all Israel owed so much, and which was never forfeited. Thus, in all the plots of the Pharisees and Herodians against Christ, still the design was to take away his life, such are the enmity and cruelty of the serpent's seed.
II. His confidence in God in the midst of these troubles. Every thing looked black and dismal round about him, and threatened to drive him to despair: "But I trusted in thee, O Lord! (Psa 31:14) and was thereby kept from sinking." His enemies robbed him of his reputation among men, but they could not rob him of his comfort in God, because they could not drive him from his confidence in God. Two things he comforted himself with in his straits, and he went to God and pleaded them with him: - 1. "Thou art my God; I have chosen thee for mine, and thou hast promised to be mine;" and, if he be ours and we can by faith call him so, it is enough, when we can call nothing else ours. "Thou art my God; and therefore to whom shall I go for relief but to thee?" Those need not be straitened in their prayers who can plead this; for, if God undertake to be our God, he will do that for us which will answer the compass and vast extent of the engagement. 2. My times are in thy hand. Join this with the former and it makes the comfort complete. If God have our times in his hand, he can help us; and, if he be our God, he will help us; and then what can discourage us? It is a great support to those who have God for their God that their times are in his hand and he will be sure to order and dispose of them for the best, to all those who commit their spirits also into his hand, to suit them to their times, as David here, Psa 31:5. The time of life is in God's hands, to lengthen or shorten, embitter or sweeten, as he pleases, according to the counsel of his will. Our times (all events that concern us, and the timing of them) are at God's disposal; they are not in our own hands, for the way of man is not in himself, not in our friends' hands, nor in our enemies' hands, but in God's; every man's judgment proceedeth from him. David does not, in his prayers, prescribe to God, but subscribe to him. "Lord, my times are in thy hand, and I am well pleased that they are so; they could not be in a better hand. Thy will be done."
III. His petitions to God, in this faith and confidence, 1. He prays that God would deliver him out of the hand of his enemies (Psa 31:15), and save him (Psa 31:16), and this for his mercies' sake, and not for any merit of his own. Our opportunities are in God's hand (so some read it), and therefore he knows how to choose the best and fittest time for our deliverance, and we must be willing to wait that time. When David had Saul at his mercy in the cave those about him said, "This is the time in which God will deliver thee," Sa1 24:4. "No," says David, "the time has not come for my deliverance till it can be wrought without sin; and I will wait for that time; for it is God's time, and that is the best time." 2. That God would give him the comfort of his favour in the mean time (Psa 31:16): "Make they face to shine upon thy servant; let me have the comfortable tokens and evidences of thy favour to me, and that shall put gladness in my heart in the midst of all my griefs." 3. That his prayers to God might be answered and his hopes in God accomplished (Psa 31:17): "Let me not be ashamed of my hopes and prayers, for I have called upon thee, who never saidst to thy people, Seek in vain, and hope in vain." 4. That shame and silence might be the portion of wicked people, and particularly of his enemies. They were confident of their success against David, and that they should run him down and ruin him. "Lord," says he, "let them be made ashamed of that confidence by the disappointment of their expectations," as those that opposed the building of the wall about Jerusalem, when it was finished, were much cast down in their own eye, Neh 6:16. Let them be silent in the grave. Note, Death will silence the rage and clamour of cruel persecutors, whom reason would not silence. In the grave the wicked cease from troubling. Particularly, he prays for (that is, he prophesies) the silencing of those that reproach and calumniate the people of God ( Psa 31:18): Let lying lips be put to silence, that speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous. This is a very good prayer which, (1.) We have often occasion to put up to God; for those that set their mouth against the heavens commonly revile the heirs of heaven. Religion, in the strict and serious professors of it, are every where spoken against, [1.] With a great deal of malice: They speak grievous things, on purpose to vex them, and hoping, with what they say, to do them a real mischief. They speak hard things (so the word is), which bear hard upon them, and by which they hope to fasten indelible characters of infamy upon them. [2.] With a great deal of falsehood: They are lying lips, taught by the father of lies and serving his interest. [3.] With a great deal of scorn and disdain: They speak proudly and contemptuously, as if the righteous, whom God has honoured, were the most despicable people in the world, and not worthy to be set with the dogs of their flock. One would think they thought it no sin to tell a deliberate lie if it might but serve to expose a good man either to hatred or contempt. Hear, O our God! for we are despised. (2.) We may pray in faith; for these lying lips shall be put to silence. God has many ways of doing it. Sometimes he convinces the consciences of those that reproach his people, and turns their hearts. Sometimes by his providence he visibly confutes their calumnies, and brings forth the righteousness of his people as the light. However, there is a day coming when God will convince ungodly sinners of the falsehood of all the hard speeches that have spoken against his people and will execute judgment upon them, Jde 1:14, Jde 1:15. Then shall this prayer be fully answered, and to that day we should have an eye in the singing of it, engaging ourselves likewise by well-doing, if possible, to silence the ignorance of foolish men, Pe1 2:15.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 9–18. Public domain.
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Diodorus of TarsusAD 390
COMMENTARY ON PSALM 31
He says “my lot” in the sense of all my relief and all my tribulation. Since everyone has times when they are distressed and times when they are also made happy, he means, “my lot,” the times allotted to me for being made glad and for being distressed, all these are “in your hands” and capable of being changed as you wish.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 31
"In Your hands" are "my lots" [Psalm 31:15]. In Your power are my lots. For I see no desert for which out of the universal ungodliness of the human race You have elected me particularly to salvation. And though there be with You some just and secret order in my election, yet I, from whom this is hid, have attained by lot unto my Lord's vesture. [John 19:24] "Deliver me from the hands of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me."
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 31:15 is a profound declaration of unwavering faith and a fervent prayer for divine intervention, uttered by David amidst intense personal distress and persecution. It encapsulates the deep theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty over every aspect and season of life, immediately followed by a heartfelt plea for deliverance from the threatening power of enemies. This verse serves as a powerful model for believers to surrender their circumstances to God's providential care while simultaneously engaging in confident, earnest prayer for protection and rescue from all forms of opposition.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 31:15 is rich with literary artistry that enhances its theological impact. The most prominent device is Metaphor, specifically the powerful image of "My times [are] in thy hand." God's "hand" serves as a metaphor for His ultimate control, power, and protective care over all aspects of David's life and destiny. This evokes a profound sense of security and surrender to divine will. The verse also employs Juxtaposition, contrasting the benevolent, sovereign "hand" of God with the malevolent, threatening "hand" of David's enemies. This highlights the source of ultimate security versus the source of immediate danger and emphasizes the psalmist's reliance on God for rescue. Furthermore, Parallelism is evident in the latter part of the verse: "from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me." This is a form of synonymous parallelism, where the second phrase reiterates and reinforces the meaning of the first, emphasizing the relentless and multifaceted nature of the opposition David faces. The direct address to God, "thy hand," is an example of Apostrophe, lending a personal and intimate tone to the prayer, transforming a theological statement into a heartfelt plea.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 31:15 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of God's sovereignty and human dependence. It teaches that God is not a passive observer but an active, providential ruler over all creation, including the intricate details and broad sweep of human lives. This truth does not negate human responsibility or the reality of suffering, but rather provides a framework for understanding them within God's ultimate, wise plan. David's immediate move from a declaration of trust to a fervent plea for deliverance demonstrates that acknowledging God's sovereignty is not a call to fatalism, but a foundation for confident, persistent prayer. It affirms that God's control is not an impersonal force, but the loving oversight of a Father who hears and responds to the cries of His children. Our "times" are secure in His hand, which empowers us to face adversity with hope and to pray with assurance, knowing that He works all things for His glory and our good, even when the path is unclear or fraught with peril.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by uncertainty, anxiety, and unforeseen challenges, Psalms 31:15 offers immense comfort and a vital perspective for the contemporary believer. It calls us to relinquish the illusion of ultimate control over our lives and to embrace the liberating truth that our "times"—our past experiences, present struggles, and future hopes—are securely held in the capable, loving hand of an all-powerful God. This truth encourages us to cultivate a deep, abiding trust that transcends immediate circumstances, finding peace even amidst the storms of life. It empowers us to bring our fears, our needs, and our desperate pleas for deliverance to God with absolute confidence, knowing that He is both able and willing to act on our behalf. Ultimately, living out this verse means surrendering our anxieties, embracing God's perfect timing, and resting in the assurance that our ultimate well-being and destiny are eternally secure in His sovereign care, regardless of the "enemies" or difficulties we may encounter. It transforms our approach to suffering from one of despair to one of hopeful expectation, knowing that God's hand is always at work for our ultimate good and His glory.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does "My times are in thy hand" mean I have no free will or that my choices don't matter?
Answer: No, this powerful declaration does not negate human free will or responsibility. Instead, it speaks to God's ultimate sovereignty and providential oversight over all of creation and the course of human history. While humans make genuine choices and are accountable for them, God's overarching plan and purposes will ultimately prevail. He works through, and sometimes despite, human decisions to accomplish His divine will. The phrase emphasizes God's ultimate control and the security found in His guidance, rather than suggesting a deterministic system that removes human agency. Believers are called to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (Philippians 2:12-13). This verse affirms that even human actions, including the crucifixion of Jesus, occurred according to God's "definite plan and foreknowledge" (Acts 2:23), yet those who carried it out were still held responsible.
How can I trust God's hand when my "times" are difficult, painful, or seem to contradict His goodness?
Answer: This verse is precisely for such moments of profound distress. David himself uttered it while facing intense persecution and feeling abandoned. Trusting God's hand in difficult "times" means believing in His character—His goodness, wisdom, and power—even when circumstances are not understandable or immediately favorable. It is a choice to lean on His faithfulness, not just His immediate intervention. The Bible teaches that God often uses trials and suffering for our spiritual growth and to refine our faith, ultimately working "all things together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). This trust allows us to find peace in His ultimate control, knowing that He is sovereign even over our pain and that He will never abandon us (Hebrews 13:5).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 31:15 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. His entire life, from His miraculous birth to His agonizing death and glorious resurrection, was precisely "in the hand" of the Father, unfolding according to God's perfect "times" and sovereign plan. Jesus perfectly exemplified the surrender of His "times" to God's hand, most poignantly in the Garden of Gethsemane when He prayed, "Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done" (Luke 22:42). Even His death was not a random event but occurred "according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God" (Acts 2:23). Furthermore, the "deliverance" from enemies that David sought is perfectly realized in Christ's victory over sin, death, and the devil. Though He was "delivered up" to death, God "raised him up, loosing the pangs of death" (Acts 2:24), demonstrating that even death was ultimately in God's hand. For believers, this means our "times" are now not only in the Father's hand but also in the hand of the resurrected Christ, who declares, "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand" (John 10:28). Our ultimate security, deliverance from spiritual enemies, and eternal destiny are therefore eternally secured in the sovereign, nail-pierced hands of our Savior, who is Lord over all time and circumstance.