Psalms 28:9

KJV

Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

Save {H3467} thy people {H5971}, and bless {H1288} thine inheritance {H5159}: feed {H7462} them also, and lift them up {H5375} for ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Save your people! Bless your heritage! Shepherd them, and carry them forever!

Berean Standard Bible

Save Your people and bless Your inheritance; shepherd them and carry them forever.

American Standard Version

Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: Be their shepherd also, and bear them up for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 28:9 is a profound prayer of intercession by King David, marking a pivotal shift from his personal pleas for deliverance to an earnest petition for the entire community of God's people. This verse beautifully encapsulates a comprehensive desire for divine protection, abundant blessing, ongoing provision, and eternal exaltation for those whom God has chosen as His treasured possession, reflecting a heart that understands the interconnectedness of individual and communal well-being under God's sovereign care.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 28 opens with David's desperate cry to the Lord, pleading for deliverance from wicked individuals who speak peace but harbor evil in their hearts ([Psalms 28:1-3](/psalms/28-1 "Psalm 28:1-3 - David's Cry for Deliverance")). He expresses confidence in God's righteous judgment against the ungodly ([Psalms 28:4-5](/psalms/28-4 "Psalm 28:4-5 - God's Judgment on the Wicked")) and then praises God for hearing his personal supplications ([Psalms 28:6-7](/psalms/28-6 "Psalm 28:6-7 - David's Praise for God's Help")). Verse 8 transitions from David's individual experience to a broader declaration of God's strength for His people and the saving might of His anointed king. This sets the stage for verse 9, where David, having experienced God's faithfulness personally, extends his prayer to intercede for the entire nation, moving from self-focused petition to communal advocacy, embodying the principle that personal salvation should lead to concern for the wider body of believers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by King David, this psalm reflects the life and responsibilities of a monarch who understood his role as both a leader and a shepherd of his people. In ancient Israel, the king was seen as God's anointed representative, responsible for the welfare and spiritual health of the nation. The concept of Israel as God's "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, *nachalah*) is deeply rooted in the Abrahamic covenant and the Exodus narrative, where God chose Israel as His special possession among all peoples ([Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - Israel, God's Treasured Possession")). The imagery of "feeding" and "lifting up" evokes the role of a shepherd, a common metaphor for leadership in the ancient Near East, applied here to God's ultimate care for His flock, Israel. This cultural understanding underscored the expectation that God would provide, protect, and guide His chosen nation through their king.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 28:9 contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in the Psalter and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, portraying God as the ultimate source of salvation, blessing, and sustenance for His people, demonstrating His active involvement in their lives. Secondly, it highlights **Covenantal Faithfulness**, as God's commitment to His "inheritance" (Israel) is a direct outflow of His unbreakable covenant promises ([Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel, God's Special Possession")). Thirdly, the verse powerfully models **Intercessory Prayer**, showing a leader moving beyond personal needs to earnestly pray for the community, reflecting a heart aligned with God's concern for His collective people ([1 Timothy 2:1-2](/1_timothy/2-1 "1 Timothy 2:1-2 - Prayers for All People")). Finally, it speaks to the theme of **God's Enduring Care and Exaltation**, promising not just temporal provision but eternal security and elevation for those who belong to Him, a hope echoed in later prophetic literature ([Isaiah 40:31](/isaiah/40-31 "Isaiah 40:31 - Strength for Those Who Wait on the Lord")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Inheritance (Hebrew, _naḥălâ_):** This term refers to a possession, heritage, or legacy. In the Old Testament, it is frequently used to describe the land of Canaan as the inheritance God promised to Israel. More profoundly, it signifies Israel itself as God's special, treasured possession, distinct from all other nations. This emphasizes God's unique relationship with His chosen people, implying a deep commitment to their welfare and flourishing.
* **Feed (Hebrew, _rāʿâ_):** While literally meaning "to feed," this verb carries the broader connotation of "to shepherd," "to pasture," or "to tend." It encompasses the full range of a shepherd's duties: leading, guarding, nourishing, and caring for the flock. When applied to God, it signifies His comprehensive provision, guidance, protection, and nurturing care for His people, much like a shepherd diligently cares for his sheep.
* **Lift them up (Hebrew, _nāśāʾ_):** This verb has a wide semantic range, including "to carry," "to bear," "to support," and "to exalt." In this context, it suggests not merely a temporary elevation but a sustained act of upholding, sustaining, and granting enduring honor and security. It speaks to God's unwavering support, His ability to elevate His people from distress, and His promise of ultimate, eternal exaltation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Save thy people":** This is a direct, urgent plea for deliverance. "Save" (הוֹשִׁיעַ, *hoshi'a*) implies rescue from danger, oppression, or destruction, encompassing both physical and spiritual salvation. It acknowledges God as the ultimate source of safety and refuge for His chosen ones, a cry for divine intervention against all threats.
* **"and bless thine inheritance":** Following the plea for salvation, this expands the request to include divine favor and prosperity. "Bless" (בָּרַךְ, *barakh*) signifies the bestowal of well-being, abundance, and favor. The term "thine inheritance" refers specifically to Israel, God's chosen nation, whom He regarded as His special possession, underscoring God's covenantal commitment to grant them favor and flourishing.
* **"feed them also":** This clause uses the powerful imagery of a shepherd caring for his flock. "Feed" (רְעֵה, *re'eh*) implies comprehensive provision—not just physical sustenance, but also spiritual nourishment, guidance, and protection. It evokes the comforting picture of God as the attentive caregiver, providing all that is necessary for His people's well-being.
* **"and lift them up for ever":** This final petition expresses a desire for God to continually elevate, sustain, and grant enduring honor and security to His people. "Lift them up" (וְנַשְּׂאֵם, *venasse'em*) suggests not only elevation from distress but also sustained support and eternal exaltation. The phrase "for ever" (לְעוֹלָם, *le'olam*) emphasizes the perpetual nature of God's care and the ultimate hope of unending glory and strength in Him.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 28:9 is rich in **Imagery**, particularly the **Shepherd Metaphor**, where God is depicted as the caring shepherd who "feeds" and "lifts up" His flock, the people of Israel. This evokes a sense of intimate care, protection, and provision. The verse also employs **Intercession**, as David, the king and representative of his people, shifts from personal petition to a fervent prayer on behalf of the entire community, modeling a selfless and communal spirit in prayer. There is a strong element of **Parallelism** and **Cumulative Effect** in the successive petitions ("save," "bless," "feed," "lift up"), each building upon the last to express a comprehensive desire for God's multifaceted favor and enduring presence. The use of "thy people" and "thine inheritance" serves as a powerful **Appellation**, highlighting the special, covenantal relationship between God and Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 28:9 serves as a profound theological statement about God's unwavering commitment to His people and the nature of intercessory prayer. It highlights God's character as both a powerful deliverer and a tender caregiver, demonstrating His multifaceted providence—saving, blessing, providing, and exalting. The shift from David's personal plea to a communal one underscores the biblical principle that individual well-being is often intertwined with the health of the collective body of believers. This verse reminds us that God's covenantal faithfulness extends not only to the nation of Israel but, through Christ, to all who are His "inheritance" today, the Church. It is a timeless model for believers to look beyond their immediate needs and fervently pray for the wider community of faith, trusting in God's comprehensive and eternal care.

* [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - Israel, God's Treasured Possession")
* [Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 28:9 offers a powerful blueprint for our prayer lives, urging us to expand our petitions beyond personal concerns to embrace a spirit of intercession for the collective body of Christ. It calls us to recognize our identity as God's "inheritance" and to trust in His comprehensive care—His saving power, His abundant blessings, His constant provision, and His promise to sustain and exalt us eternally. In a world often marked by self-focus, David's prayer serves as a profound reminder that true spiritual maturity involves a deep concern for the welfare of others, especially fellow believers. As we pray for "thy people" and "thine inheritance," we align our hearts with God's own desire for the flourishing of His Church, confident that He hears and acts on behalf of those He has called His own. This verse instills a deep sense of security and hope, knowing that our God is not only powerful enough to save but also tender enough to shepherd us through every season of life, leading us to eternal glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's shift from personal to communal prayer challenge or affirm your own prayer habits?**
* **In what ways do you experience God's "feeding" and "lifting up" in your daily life?**
* **What does it mean for you to be part of God's "inheritance" today, and how does that shape your identity and purpose?**
* **For whom, specifically, can you intercede today, asking God to "save, bless, feed, and lift up"?**

### FAQ
**What does "inheritance" mean in the context of Psalms 28:9?**

Answer: In Psalms 28:9, "inheritance" (Hebrew: *nachalah*) primarily refers to the nation of Israel. Throughout the Old Testament, Israel is consistently portrayed as God's special possession, His "treasured possession" ([Exodus 19:5](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5 - Israel, God's Treasured Possession")) and "inheritance" ([Deuteronomy 4:20](/deuteronomy/4-20 "Deuteronomy 4:20 - Israel, God's Inheritance")). This term signifies a unique, covenantal relationship where God has chosen them as His own, promising to care for them, guide them, and establish them. It implies a deep commitment and ownership, highlighting God's faithfulness to His chosen people.

**How does the imagery of "feed them also" relate to God's care for His people?**

Answer: The phrase "feed them also" uses the powerful and comforting imagery of a shepherd tending his flock. The Hebrew word *ra'ah* (רָעָה) means more than just providing food; it encompasses the full range of a shepherd's duties: leading, guiding, protecting, pasturing, and nurturing. Therefore, when David prays for God to "feed" His people, he is asking for God's comprehensive, holistic care. This includes physical sustenance, but also spiritual nourishment (e.g., through His Word), wise guidance, protection from dangers, and tender compassion, much like the Lord is depicted as the Good Shepherd in [Psalms 23:1](/psalms/23-1 "Psalm 23:1 - The Lord is My Shepherd"). It signifies God's active and intimate involvement in the daily lives and long-term well-being of His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 28:9 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of God's saving, blessing, feeding, and exalting power for His people. As the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"), Jesus not only lays down His life to "save" His sheep from sin and death ([John 10:15](/john/10-15 "John 10:15 - The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life")), but He also continually "feeds" them with spiritual nourishment—His very body and blood ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the truth of His Word ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - The Words of Jesus are Spirit and Life")). Through His finished work on the cross, He has secured an eternal "blessing" for all who believe, granting them adoption into God's family and making them co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). Furthermore, Christ is the one who "lifts up" His people, not only raising them from spiritual death to new life ([Ephesians 2:5-6](/ephesians/2-5 "Ephesians 2:5-6 - Made Alive with Christ")) but also promising their ultimate exaltation and glorification with Him in eternity ([Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven")). Thus, David's prayer for God's "people" and "inheritance" is fully realized in the Church, the new covenant community, whom Christ Himself shepherds, saves, blesses, and will eternally lift up by His own power and grace.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 40:11

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry [them] in his bosom, [and] shall gently lead those that are with young.

Psalms 78:71

From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.

Deuteronomy 9:29

Yet they [are] thy people and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest out by thy mighty power and by thy stretched out arm.

Isaiah 63:9

In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.

Matthew 2:6

And thou Bethlehem, [in] the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Ezra 1:4

And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that [is] in Jerusalem.

1 Kings 8:51

For they [be] thy people, and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest forth out of Egypt, from the midst of the furnace of iron: