TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 28:6–9. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
In these verses,
I.David gives God thanks for the audience of his prayers as affectionately as a few verses before he had begged it:
Blessed be the Lord, Psa 28:6. How soon are the saints' sorrows turned into songs and their prayers into praises! It was in faith that David prayed (Psa 28:2), Hear the voice of my supplications; and by the same faith he gives thanks (Psa 28:6) that God has heard the voice of his supplications. Note, 1. Those that pray in faith may rejoice in hope. "He hath heard me (graciously accepted me) and I am as sure of a real answer as if I had it already." 2. What we win by prayer we must wear by praise. Has God heard our supplications? Let us then bless his name.
II.He encourages himself to hope in God for the perfecting of every thing that concerned him.
Having given to God the glory of his grace (Psa 28:6), he is humbly bold to take the comfort of it, Psa 28:7. This is the method of attaining peace: let us begin with praise that is attainable. Let us first bless God and then bless ourselves. Observe, 1. His dependence upon God: "The Lord is my strength, to support me, and carry me on, through all my services and sufferings. He is my shield, to protect me from all the malicious designs of my enemies against me. I have chosen him to be so, I have always found him so, and I expect he will still be so." 2. His experience of the benefits of that dependence: "My heart trusted in him, and in his power and promise; and it has not been in vain to do so, for I am helped, I have been often helped; not only God has given to me, in his due time, the help I trusted to him for, but my very trusting in him has helped me, in the mean time, and kept me from fainting." Psa 27:13. The very actings of faith are present aids to a dropping spirit, and often help it at a dead lift. 3. His improvement of this experience. (1.) He had the pleasure of it: Therefore my heart greatly rejoices. The joy of a believer is seated in the heart, while, in the laughter of the fool, the heart is sorrowful. It is great joy, joy unspeakable and full of glory. The heart that truly believes shall in due time greatly rejoice; it is joy and peace in believing that we are to expect. (2.) God shall have the praise of it: when my heart greatly rejoices, with my song will I praise him. This must we express our gratitude; it is the least we can do; and others will hereby be invited and encouraged to trust in him too.
III.He pleases himself with the interest which all good people, through Christ, have in God (Psa 28:8):
"The Lord is their strength; not mine only, but the strength of every believer." Note, The saints rejoice in their friends' comforts as well as their own; for, as we have not the less benefit from the light of the sun, so neither from the light of Gods' countenance, for others' sharing therein; for we are sure there is enough for all and enough for each. This is our communion with all saints, that God is their strength and ours, Christ their Lord and ours, Co1 1:2. He is their strength, the strength of all Israel, because he is the saving strength of his anointed, that is,
1.Of David in the type. God, in strengthening him that was their king and fought their battles, strengthened the whole kingdom. He calls himself God's anointed because it was the unction he had received that exposed him to the envy of his enemies, and therefore entitled him to the divine protection.
2.Of Christ, his anointed, his Messiah, in the anti-type. God was his saving strength, qualified him for his undertaking and carried him through it; see Psa 89:21; Isa 49:5; Isa 50:7, Isa 50:9. And so he becomes their strength, the strength of all the saints; he strengthened him that is the church's head, and from him diffuses strength to all the members, has commanded his strength, and so strengthens what he has wrought for us; Psa 68:28; Psa 80:17, Psa 80:18.
IV.He concludes with a short but comprehensive prayer for the church of God, Psa 28:9.
He prays for Israel, not as his people ("save my people, and bless my inheritance"), though they were so, but, "thine." God's interest in them lay nearer his heart than his own. We are thy people is a good plea, Isa 64:9; Isa 63:19. I am thine, save me. God's people are his inheritance, dear to him, and precious in his eyes; what little glory he has from this world he has from them. The Lord's portion is his people. That which he begs of God for them is,
1.That he would save them from their enemies and the dangers they were exposed to.
2.That he would bless them with all good, flowing from his favour, in performance of his promise, and amounting to a happiness for them.
3.That he would feed them, bless them with plenty, and especially the plenty of his ordinances, which are food to the soul. Rule them; so the margin. "Direct their counsels and actions aright, and overrule their affairs for good. Feed them, and rule them; sets pastors, set rulers, over them, that shall do their office with wisdom and understanding." 4. That he would lift them up for ever, lift them up out of their troubles and distresses, and do this, not only for those of that age, but for his people in every age to come, even to the end. "Lift them up into thy glorious kingdom, lift them up as high as heaven." There, and there only, will the saints be lifted up for ever, never more to sink or be depressed. Observe, Those, and those only, whom God feeds and rules, who are willing to be taught, and guided, and governed, by him, shall be saved, and blessed, and lifted up for ever.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
"Blessed be the Lord, for He has heard the voice of My prayer" [Psalm 28:6].
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Summary
Psalms 28:6 serves as a profound declaration of praise and thanksgiving, marking a dramatic pivot in the psalmist's prayer from earnest petition to joyful adoration. This verse encapsulates the transformative experience of a believer who, having cried out in distress, now confidently affirms God's unwavering faithfulness in hearing their supplications. It celebrates divine attentiveness and responsiveness, transforming anxiety into worship and modeling the appropriate human response to God's steadfast character and active involvement in the lives of His people.
Context
Literary Context
Psalm 28 is a prayer of David, masterfully structured as a lament that undergoes a powerful transition into a psalm of thanksgiving. The preceding verses, specifically Psalms 28:1-5, vividly depict David's desperate cry to the Lord. He pleads for God not to remain silent, expressing a profound fear of being counted among those who descend into the grave. David describes his adversaries as "workers of iniquity" who speak peace but harbor malice, earnestly calling for God's righteous judgment upon them. Verse 6 represents a pivotal and abrupt shift, indicating either a profound declaration of confidence in an anticipated answer or an immediate, spiritual experience of God's affirmation and assurance. This dramatic transition from anguish to triumph underscores David's deep-seated faith in God's active involvement and responsiveness to the cries of His people, setting the stage for further expressions of trust and praise that conclude the psalm in Psalms 28:7-9.
Historical & Cultural Context
As a psalm attributed to David, its composition likely occurred during a period of intense personal or national distress. Such challenging times could include his flight from King Saul, the rebellion of his son Absalom, or other moments of significant military or political threat. In ancient Israelite culture, prayer was not merely a ritualistic exercise but a vital, personal, and deeply interactive engagement with a living God who actively intervened in human affairs. The concept of God "hearing" prayer was foundational to the covenant relationship, signifying His attentiveness, justice, and unwavering faithfulness to His promises. The "pit" imagery used in the opening verses of the psalm refers to Sheol or the grave, emphasizing the mortal danger and existential threat David perceived. The "workers of iniquity" were those who flagrantly violated covenant stipulations and societal justice, often through deception, violence, and treachery, against whom David sought divine vindication and protection.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes prevalent within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Central among these is the theme of Answered Prayer, powerfully highlighting God's active attentiveness to the cries of His people and demonstrating how their earnest pleas can be transformed into expressions of praise. It also profoundly underscores Divine Faithfulness, portraying God not as a distant or indifferent deity, but as one who listens, cares, and responds reliably to the needs of His children, thereby reinforcing the enduring covenant promise. Furthermore, Psalms 28:6 models Praise and Thanksgiving as the appropriate and necessary response to God's intervention and His unchanging character. David's declaration demonstrates that true faith not only petitions God but also praises Him for who He is and for His anticipated or perceived acts, even before the full manifestation of deliverance. This confidence echoes sentiments found in other psalms, such as Psalms 6:9, where the psalmist declares, "The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer." The entire Book of Psalms is replete with such expressions of trust and gratitude.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
When directed towards God, this term is not merely a statement of fortune but an act of profound adoration and worship. It signifies acknowledging God's inherent goodness, power, and sovereignty. To "bless the LORD" is to praise Him, to declare His praiseworthiness, and to express gratitude for His character and His actions. It is a recognition that all blessings flow from Him, and therefore He alone is worthy of all praise.
This verb is far richer than a simple auditory perception. In biblical Hebrew, shâmaʻ often implies not just hearing, but also listening intently, understanding, heeding, and responding. When God "hears" a prayer, it means He has taken notice, understood the plea, and is prepared to act in accordance with His divine will and character. It conveys active attentiveness and a commitment to engage with the suppliant's situation.
This plural noun refers to earnest pleas for favor, mercy, or grace. It denotes a humble and dependent posture, acknowledging one's need for divine intervention and compassion. The term emphasizes the earnestness, sincerity, and often the desperation of the prayers, which are not demands but requests for unmerited favor. God's hearing of such tachănûwn highlights His compassionate and merciful nature.
Verse Breakdown
"¶ Blessed [be] the LORD,"
This opening phrase is a fervent declaration of worship and adoration. It signifies David's deliberate decision to praise God, not merely as a passive recipient of blessing, but as an active participant in magnifying the Lord's name. It is an acknowledgment of God's inherent worthiness of praise, regardless of circumstances, yet here, it is directly linked to a specific divine action. The KJV's bracketed "[be]" correctly indicates that the verb "is" or "be" is implied in the Hebrew, making it a direct acclamation of God's character and worth.
"because he hath heard"
This clause provides the immediate and compelling reason for David's declaration of praise. The past tense "hath heard" suggests either a completed action (God has already heard and responded), or a confident assurance based on faith that God has heard and will certainly respond. The emphasis is on God's active and attentive listening, which is the foundation of David's renewed hope and thanksgiving. This hearing is not passive but implies a divine engagement with the prayer, promising future action.
"the voice of my supplications."
This final phrase specifies what God has heard: the earnest, humble, and dependent pleas for mercy and favor that David has offered. The "voice" emphasizes the vocalized, heartfelt nature of the prayers, indicating a direct and personal communication with God. The term "supplications" underscores the nature of these prayers as requests for grace, stemming from a position of profound need and dependence, rather than entitlement or demand.
Literary Devices
Psalms 28:6 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is a dramatic Shift in Tone and Mood. The preceding verses are characterized by urgent lament and desperate petition, while verse 6 abruptly transitions to confident praise and thanksgiving. This sudden change reflects a profound spiritual turning point, a moment of divine assurance or perceived answer that transforms the psalmist's emotional state. The verse also utilizes Anthropomorphism by attributing the human characteristic of "hearing" to God, making His responsiveness relatable and immediate to the human experience. Furthermore, the phrase "the voice of my supplications" employs Metonymy, where "voice" stands for the prayers themselves, emphasizing their earnest, vocalized, and heartfelt nature. The entire verse functions as a Declaration of Faith, where the psalmist boldly proclaims God's faithfulness based on an internal conviction or an immediate experience, rather than waiting for the full external manifestation of deliverance.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Psalms 28:6 profoundly articulates the biblical truth that God is a God who hears and responds to the cries of His people. This verse is not merely a personal testimony but a universal principle, affirming God's active involvement in human affairs and His intimate attentiveness to those who seek Him in humility and faith. It underscores the covenantal relationship where God commits to listen to His people, and they, in turn, are called to respond with praise and trust. This dynamic interaction between divine attentiveness and human supplication forms the bedrock of biblical prayer, demonstrating that prayer is not a monologue into the void but a genuine dialogue with a living, responsive God. The confidence expressed here serves as a powerful encouragement for believers across all generations to persist in prayer, knowing that their petitions do not fall on deaf ears, but are received and acted upon by a loving and sovereign God.
Reflection and Application
Psalms 28:6 offers a timeless blueprint for the life of faith, particularly in the crucible of adversity. It encourages us to cultivate a posture of persistent prayer, bringing our deepest fears and most earnest desires before God, even when answers seem delayed or circumstances remain dire. David's immediate shift to praise, even before full deliverance, challenges us to move beyond mere petition to a profound trust in God's character. This verse reminds us that our confidence in prayer is not rooted in our eloquence or worthiness, but in God's inherent faithfulness and His promise to hear. When we pray, we are not speaking into an empty void but to a God who is intimately attentive to the cries of His children. Cultivating a spirit of thanksgiving, even in anticipation of answers, strengthens our faith and transforms our perspective from anxiety to adoration, aligning our hearts with God's sovereign will and nurturing a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does God always answer prayers exactly as we ask, given David's declaration of "he hath heard"?
Not necessarily in the way we expect, but always in accordance with His perfect will and wisdom. David's declaration in Psalms 28:6 reflects a profound confidence that God has heard and acknowledged his prayer, implying that God will act. This "hearing" often means God has received the prayer, considered it, and will respond in a way that is best for the supplicant and aligns with His divine purposes. Sometimes the answer is "yes," sometimes "no," and sometimes "wait." The crucial point is that God is attentive and engaged, and His response is always good, even if it differs from our immediate desires. 1 John 5:14 teaches that "if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us." This emphasizes that God's hearing is tied to His sovereign plan, which is ultimately for our good and His glory.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 28:6, with its profound declaration of God hearing supplications, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While David's confidence stemmed from a personal experience of God's attentiveness, it beautifully foreshadows the perfect access to the Father that we now have through the Son. Jesus himself exemplified perfect prayer, consistently communing with the Father and always being heard, as He affirmed in John 11:41-42. His sinless life, culminating in His atoning sacrifice on the cross, opened the way for all believers to approach God's throne with confidence, knowing that our "supplications" are heard not based on our merit or worthiness, but solely on His finished work. The Lamb of God became the ultimate answer to humanity's deepest cry for deliverance from sin and death. Moreover, it is through Christ that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us with "groanings which cannot be uttered" (Romans 8:26-27), ensuring that our prayers, even in their imperfect form, are presented and heard according to God's perfect will. Thus, David's ancient cry of praise becomes a resounding anthem for all who are in Christ, for in Him, we truly know that the Lord has heard the voice of our supplications, and He is indeed blessed forever.