Psalms 28:5

Because they regard not the works of the LORD, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up.

Because they regard {H995} not the works {H6468} of the LORD {H3068}, nor the operation {H4639} of his hands {H3027}, he shall destroy {H2040} them, and not build them up {H1129}.

For they don't understand the deeds of ADONAI or what he has done. He will break them down; he will not build them up.

Since they show no regard for the works of the LORD or what His hands have done, He will tear them down and never rebuild them.

Because they regard not the works of Jehovah, Nor the operation of his hands, He will break them down and not build them up.

Commentary

Psalms 28:5 is a powerful declaration by David concerning the consequences of spiritual blindness and willful disregard for God's active presence and power in the world. It serves as a stern warning against ignoring the divine hand in creation and providence.

Context

Psalm 28 is a deeply personal prayer of David, a lament and an appeal for justice. It begins with David crying out to the LORD, asking not to be silent towards him, lest he be counted among those who go down to the pit (Psalm 28:1). He distinguishes himself from "workers of iniquity" (Psalm 28:3), whose hearts are full of malice and whose words are deceitful. Verse 5 is a direct pronouncement of judgment against these wicked individuals who refuse to acknowledge God's mighty acts, contrasting their ultimate destruction with the psalmist's trust and hope in the LORD.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Retribution: This verse highlights God's unwavering justice, where those who willfully ignore His power and works will face severe consequences. It underscores the principle that God will repay the wicked according to their deeds (Psalm 28:4).
  • Consequences of Disregard: The core message is that ignoring God's visible actions in the world and His active involvement in human affairs leads to ruin. It's not merely passive ignorance but an active refusal to "regard" or pay attention.
  • God's Works and Operations: "The works of the LORD" and "the operation of his hands" refer to God's creative power, His providential care, His historical interventions (like the Exodus), and His moral governance of the world. To disregard these is to reject God's sovereignty and wisdom.
  • Destruction vs. Building Up: The stark contrast between being "destroyed" and "not built up" is significant. God is often depicted as a builder and restorer of His people (Jeremiah 24:6). However, for those who set themselves against Him by ignoring His truth, their end is ruin and lack of restoration.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "regard not" comes from the Hebrew *lo' hibbiαΉ­u*, which means "they have not looked," "they have not considered," or "they have not paid attention." This implies a deliberate and willful neglect or stubborn refusal to acknowledge God's evident power and involvement. It's not a lack of knowledge but a refusal to humble oneself before what is clearly demonstrated through creation and history.

The terms "works" (*ma'aseh*) and "operation" (*po'al*) both emphasize God's active deeds and the results of His labor. The powerful parallelism reinforces the idea of God's tangible impact on the world. The phrase "he shall destroy them, and not build them up" uses the Hebrew verbs *yaharsem* (destroy, pull down) and *yivnem* (build up), creating a vivid antithesis that signifies utter and irreversible desolation for the unrepentant.

Practical Application

Psalms 28:5 serves as a timeless warning for all generations. It calls us to:

  • Cultivate Spiritual Awareness: We are urged to pay attention to God's continuous works in creation, in history, and in our personal lives. Recognizing God's hand fosters humility, gratitude, and faith.
  • Avoid Willful Blindness: The verse cautions against the dangerous path of ignoring divine truth or the clear evidence of God's existence and power. Such disregard can lead to spiritual decay and ultimate ruin.
  • Seek God's Building Hand: Instead of facing destruction, we are encouraged to align ourselves with God's will, allowing Him to "build us up" in faith, character, and purpose (Jude 1:20). This involves acknowledging His works, trusting in His wisdom, and obeying His commands.

In essence, this verse reminds us that our response to God's evident presence and power has eternal consequences. To disregard Him is to choose a path of self-destruction, while acknowledging Him leads to life and flourishing.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 5:12

    And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.

  • Job 34:26

    He striketh them as wicked men in the open sight of others;

  • Job 34:27

    Because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways:

  • John 12:37

    ΒΆ But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:

  • Romans 1:28

    And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

  • Psalms 92:4

    For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.

  • Psalms 92:6

    A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.
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