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 30:6–12. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have, in these verses, an account of three several states that David was in successively, and of the workings of his heart towards God in each of those states - what he said and did, and how his heart stood affected; in the first of these we may see what we are too apt to be, and in the other two what we should be.
I.He had long enjoyed prosperity, and then he grew secure and over-confident of the continuance of it (Psa 30:6, Psa 30:7):
"In my prosperity, when I was in health of body and God had given me rest from all my enemies, I said I shall never be moved; I never thought either of having my body distempered or my government disturbed, not had any apprehensions of danger upon any account." Such complete victories had he obtained over those that opposed him, and such a confirmed interest had he in the hearts of his people, such a firmness of mind and such a strong constitution of body, that he thought his prosperity fixed like a mountain; yet this he ascribes, not to his own wisdom or fortitude, but to the divine goodness. Thou, through thy favour, hast made my mountain to stand strong, Psa 30:7. He does not look upon it as his heaven (as worldly people do, who make their prosperity their felicity), only his mountain; it is earth still, only raised a little higher than the common level. This he thought, by the favour of God, would be perpetuated to him, imagining perhaps that, having had so many troubles in the beginning of his days, he had had his whole share and should have none in his latter end, or that God, who had given him such tokens of his favour, would never frown upon him. Note,
1.We are very apt to dream, when things are well with us, that they will always be so, and never otherwise. Tomorrow shall be as this day. As if we should think, when the weather is once fair, that it will be even fair; whereas nothing is more certain than that it will change.
2.When we see ourselves deceived in our expectations, it becomes us to reflect, with shame, upon our security, as our folly, as David does here, that we may be wiser another time and may rejoice in our prosperity as though we rejoiced not, because the fashion of it passes away.
II.On a sudden he fell into trouble, and then he prayed to God, and pleaded earnestly for relief and succour.
1.His mountain was shaken and he with it; it proved, when he grew secure, that he was least safe: "Thou didst hide thy face and I was troubled, in mind, body, or estate." In every change of his condition he still kept his eye upon God, and, as he ascribed his prosperity to God's favour, so in his adversity he observed the hiding of God's face, to be the cause of it. If God hide his face, a good man is certainly troubled, though no other calamity befal him; when the sun sets night certainly follows, and the moon and all the stars cannot make day.
2.When his mountain was shaken he lifted up his eyes above the hills. Prayer is a salve for every sore; he made use of it accordingly. Is any afflicted? Is any troubled? Let him pray. Though God hid his face from him, yet he prayed. If God, in wisdom and justice, turn from us, yet it will be in us the greatest folly and injustice imaginable if we turn from him. No; let us learn to pray in the dark (Psa 30:8): I cried to thee, O Lord! It seems God's withdrawings made his prayers the more vehement. We are here told, for it seems he kept account of it,
(1.)What he pleaded, Psa 30:9. [1.] That God would be no gainer by his death: What profit is there in my blood? implying that he would willingly die if he could thereby do any real service to God or his country (Phi 2:17), but he saw not what good could be done by his dying in the bed of sickness, as might be if he had died in the bed of honour. "Lord," says he, "wilt thou sell one of thy own people for nought and not increase thy wealth by the price?" Psa 44:12. Nay [2.] That, in his honour, God would seem to be a loser by his death: Shall the dust praise thee? The sanctified spirit, which returns to God, shall praise him, shall be still praising him; but the dust, which returns to the earth, shall not praise him, nor declare his truth. The services of God's house cannot be performed by the dust; it cannot praise him; there is none of that device or working in the grave, for it is the land of silence. The promises of God's covenant cannot be performed to the dust. "Lord," says David, "if I die now, what will become of the promise made to me? Who shall declare the truth of that?" The best pleas in prayer are those that are taken from God's honour; and then we ask aright for life when we have that in view, that we may live and praise him.
(2.)What he prayed for, Psa 30:10. He prayed for mercy to pardon (Have mercy upon me), and for grace to help in time of need - Lord, be thou my helper. On these two errands we also may come boldly to the throne of grace, Heb 4:16.
III.In due time God delivered him out of his troubles and restored him to his former prosperity.
His prayers were answered and his mourning was turned into dancing, Psa 30:11. God's anger now endured but for a moment, and David's weeping but for a night. The sackcloth with which, in a humble compliance with the divine Providence, he had clad himself, was loosed; his griefs were balanced; his fears were silenced; his comforts returned; and he was girded with gladness: joy was made his ornament, was made his strength, and seemed to cleave to him, as the girdle cleaves to the loins of a man. As David's plunge into trouble from the height of prosperity, and then when he least expected it, teaches us to rejoice as though we rejoiced not, because we know not how near trouble may be, so his sudden return to a prosperous condition teaches us to weep as though we wept not, because we know not how soon the storm may become a calm and the formidable blast may become a favourable gale. But what temper of mind was he in upon this happy change of the face of his affairs? What does he say now? He tells us, Psa 30:12.
1.His complaints were turned into praises. He looked upon it that God girded him with gladness to the end that he might be the sweet psalmist of Israel (Sa2 23:1), that his glory might sing praise to God, that is, his tongue (for our tongue is our glory, and never more so than when it is employed in praising God) or his soul, for that is our glory above the beasts, that must be employed in blessing the Lord, and with that we must make melody to him in singing psalms. Those that are kept from being silent in the pit must not be silent in the land of the living, but fervent, and constant, and public, in praising God.
2.These praises were likely to be everlasting: I will give thanks unto thee for ever. This bespeaks a gracious resolution that he would persevere to the end in praising God and a gracious hope that he should never want fresh matter for praise and that he should shortly be where this would be the everlasting work. Blessed are those that dwell in God's house; they will be still praising him. Thus must we learn to accommodate ourselves to the various providences of God that concern us, to want and to abound, to sing of mercy and judgment, and to sing unto God for both.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
4 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Without your power I cannot rise from my fall. Bring it to pass that the grace of my soul shine out again, not averting your face as previously.
God is said to turn away his face when in times of troubles he permits us to be delivered up to trials, in order that the strength of him who is struggling may be known.… We pray always for the face of God to shine on us, in order that we may be in a state becoming to a holy person, gentle and untroubled in every way, because of our readiness for the good. “I am ready,” he says, “and am not troubled.”
They who are engaged in the examination of the reason for virtues have said that some of the virtues spring from contemplation and some are noncontemplative … beauty and strength are noncontemplative virtues since they follow from the contemplative.… But, for this, namely, that beauty may exist in the soul and also the power for the fulfillment of what is proper, we need divine grace.… For I was beautiful according to nature but weak, because I was dead by sin through the treachery of the serpent. To my beauty, then, which I received from you at the beginning of my creation, you added a strength that is appropriate for what is proper. Every soul is beautiful that is considered by the standard of its own virtues. But beauty, true and most lovely, that can be contemplated by him alone who has purified his mind, is that of the divine and blessed nature. One who gazes steadfastly at the splendor and graces of it receives some share from it, as if from an immersion tingeing his own face with a sort of brilliant radiance.… Moses also was made resplendent in face by receiving some share of beauty when he held converse with God. Therefore, one who is conscious of his own beauty utters this act of thanksgiving: “O Lord, in your favor, you gave strength to my beauty.”
"O Lord, in Your will You have afforded strength unto my beauty" [Psalm 30:7]. But that this my abundance, O Lord, is not of myself, but that in Your will You have afforded strength unto my beauty, I have learned from this, " You turned away Your Face from me, and I became troubled;" for You have sometimes turned away Your Face from the sinner, and I became troubled, when the illumination of Your knowledge withdrew from me.
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Summary
Psalms 30:7 profoundly illustrates the psalmist's journey from a state of divinely bestowed security and stability to one of deep distress and disorientation. It highlights the absolute dependence of all human strength and well-being on the Lord's continuous favor, serving as a poignant reminder against complacency and a powerful testament to the unsettling void experienced when His manifest presence is perceived to be withdrawn.
Context
Literary Context
Psalm 30 is a psalm of thanksgiving, traditionally attributed to King David, celebrating his deliverance from a severe, life-threatening trial. It is often titled "A Psalm or Song at the dedication of the house of David," suggesting a personal experience of restoration that became a communal song of praise. The psalm begins with David's exaltation of God for lifting him from the depths, as seen in Psalm 30:1, recounts his earnest cry for help and subsequent divine intervention in Psalm 30:2-3, and then shifts to a warning against pride, reflecting on the fleeting nature of God's anger versus His enduring favor, a theme beautifully captured in Psalm 30:5-6. Verse 7 specifically serves as the pivotal point, narrating the prior state of security and the sudden, disorienting shift into trouble, which then sets the stage for the psalmist's lament and subsequent restoration and fervent praise found in the latter half of the psalm, from Psalm 30:8-12.
Historical & Cultural Context
While the exact historical occasion for Psalm 30 is not specified, its attribution to David and the reference to his "house" or "mountain" (kingdom) suggest a period in his reign. In the Ancient Near East, mountains were powerful symbols of strength, stability, and dominion. For David, his "mountain" could represent the security of his kingdom, the stability of Jerusalem, or his personal position of authority and well-being. The concept of God's "face" is deeply rooted in Israelite theology, signifying His manifest presence, favor, and blessing. To "hide His face" was understood as a profound withdrawal of divine favor, often experienced as abandonment, displeasure, or a period of testing, leading to severe distress. This idiom reflects a deeply personal and relational understanding of God, where His active engagement and benevolence were crucial for human flourishing.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Psalm 30 and the broader biblical narrative. The initial clause, "LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong," underscores the theme of Divine Favor as the Source of All Stability. It asserts that true and lasting security, whether personal, political, or spiritual, is not a product of human effort or inherent strength but a direct gift of God's grace and blessing. This leads to the theme of The Fragility of Complacency and Human Self-Reliance. The abrupt shift, "thou didst hide thy face, [and] I was troubled," serves as a stark warning against spiritual pride or taking God's blessings for granted. Even the most established human positions are utterly dependent on God's continuous presence and favor, echoing the wisdom found in Proverbs 16:18, which warns that "Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Finally, the verse highlights The Profound Pain of God's Perceived Absence. The phrase "hide thy face" is a common biblical idiom denoting a withdrawal of God's manifest favor or felt presence, often as a disciplinary measure or a period of testing. For the psalmist, this divine withdrawal immediately resulted in deep distress, emphasizing the spiritual and emotional void experienced when one feels separated from God, a sentiment powerfully articulated in David's lament in Psalm 13:1, "How long wilt thou hide thy face from me?"
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (H7522) denotes delight, pleasure, good will, or acceptance. In this context, it signifies God's benevolent disposition and active blessing towards the psalmist. It is the divine grace and unmerited kindness that undergirds and establishes the psalmist's strength and stability, implying a relationship of approval and active support from God.
While literally meaning a physical elevation, "mountain" (H2042) is a powerful metaphorical term in biblical literature, symbolizing strength, stability, security, or a kingdom/dominion. For David, it likely refers to the established security of his reign, his personal well-being, or even the fortified city of Jerusalem. The phrase "made my mountain to stand strong" implies a firm, unshakeable establishment, emphasizing the divine origin of this stability.
This primitive root (H5641) means to conceal, keep close, or be absent. In the idiom "hide thy face" (with "face" being H6440, pânîym), it signifies God's withdrawal of His manifest presence, favor, blessing, or active intervention. It does not imply God's literal absence but rather a period of perceived divine displeasure, discipline, or testing, leading to a sense of abandonment and vulnerability.
Verse Breakdown
"LORD, by thy favour"
This opening clause immediately establishes the divine source of all blessing and stability. The psalmist acknowledges that any good state or secure position he experienced was not due to his own merit, strength, or wisdom, but solely to the unmerited grace and good pleasure of God. It sets a tone of humble dependence and profound gratitude.
"thou hast made my mountain to stand strong"
This phrase describes the tangible outcome of God's favor. The psalmist's "mountain"—his position of strength, security, or kingdom—was not self-established but divinely ordained and upheld. The verb "made...to stand strong" (כּוֹנַנְתָּ, konanta) implies firm establishment and enduring stability, underscoring the powerful and foundational nature of God's work in his life, suggesting an unshakeable foundation.
"thou didst hide thy face"
This marks a dramatic and painful shift in the psalmist's experience. He attributes the change in his circumstances directly to God's action, or perceived inaction. The withdrawal of God's "face" signifies a period where God's active favor, blessing, or felt presence was no longer evident, leading to a profound sense of abandonment or divine displeasure. This is a moment of intense spiritual and emotional trial.
"[and] I was troubled"
This clause reveals the immediate and direct consequence of God's hidden face. The Hebrew word for "troubled" (נִבְהַלְתִּי, nivhalti) conveys a sense of dismay, terror, or being thrown into confusion and panic. It highlights the psalmist's utter dependence on God's manifest presence for his emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being. The absence of divine favor plunged him into a state of profound distress and instability, demonstrating the fragility of human confidence apart from God.
Literary Devices
Psalms 30:7 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message. Symbolism is prominent, particularly with the use of "mountain" to represent strength, stability, or the psalmist's kingdom. This concrete image effectively conveys the abstract concept of security and power. The phrase "hide thy face" is a powerful Anthropomorphism, attributing a human action (hiding one's face) to God, thereby making His perceived withdrawal of favor relatable and emotionally impactful. The verse also employs stark Contrast, moving abruptly from a state of divinely established strength and security ("made my mountain to stand strong") to one of profound distress and vulnerability ("thou didst hide thy face, [and] I was troubled"). This sudden shift underscores the precariousness of human stability apart from God's continuous favor and highlights the dramatic impact of His presence or absence. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates clear Cause and Effect, directly linking God's favor to strength and His hidden face to trouble, illustrating a fundamental theological principle of divine sovereignty over human experience.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Psalms 30:7 offers profound theological insights into the nature of God, humanity, and their relationship. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty as the ultimate source of all blessing, stability, and security, reminding us that even our greatest strengths and achievements are entirely dependent on His unmerited favor. The psalmist's experience of God hiding His face reveals the deep spiritual and emotional void that results from a perceived divine withdrawal, whether as a disciplinary measure, a period of testing, or simply a season of spiritual dryness. This highlights the vital importance of God's manifest presence for human flourishing and serves as a sober warning against complacency or self-reliance in times of prosperity. It teaches that true security is not found in circumstances or personal strength, but in the unwavering, continuous favor of the Lord.
Reflection and Application
Psalms 30:7 provides a timeless lesson for believers, urging us to cultivate a posture of humility and dependence on God in all seasons of life. In moments of prosperity and stability, when our "mountains" seem to stand strong, it is crucial to remember that such blessings flow solely from the Lord's favor, not from our own efforts or wisdom. This guards against spiritual pride and the dangerous complacency that can lead us to forget our constant need for Him. Conversely, when we experience seasons of difficulty, when God's face seems hidden, and we feel troubled or disoriented, this verse reminds us that such trials are often divinely ordained. These moments, though painful, serve to deepen our reliance on God, expose our vulnerabilities, and drive us back to earnestly seek His presence. Our response should not be despair, but persistent prayer and a renewed commitment to seeking His face, trusting that His favor, though sometimes seemingly withdrawn, is ultimately for life and that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does it mean for God to "hide His face"? Does it imply He is not omnipresent?
The phrase "hide thy face" (Hebrew: haster panim) is a powerful anthropomorphic idiom that does not imply God's literal absence or a contradiction of His omnipresence. Instead, it signifies a withdrawal of His manifest favor, blessing, or active, felt presence. It is often experienced as a period of divine displeasure, discipline, or testing, leading the individual to feel abandoned, vulnerable, and distressed. For the psalmist, this "hidden face" means that the comforting, sustaining, and actively benevolent aspect of God's presence, which had previously established his "mountain," was no longer evident. This can be a form of divine pedagogy, designed to humble, purify, and deepen dependence, as seen in other laments where the psalmist cries out, "Do not hide your face from me" in Psalm 27:9.
Is God's "favor" in this verse conditional, or can it be withdrawn due to human actions?
God's favor, particularly His covenant faithfulness and steadfast love (hesed), is ultimately unconditional in its foundational commitment to His people. However, the manifestation of His favor or the experience of His blessing can indeed be impacted by human sin, disobedience, or complacency. In Psalms 30:7, the psalmist acknowledges that his initial stability was "by thy favour," implying a prior state of walking in alignment with God. The subsequent withdrawal of God's face and the resulting trouble suggest that the psalmist's own actions or attitude (perhaps pride, as hinted in Psalm 30:6) contributed to this perceived divine withdrawal. While God's character remains constant, His relational responses to His people's faithfulness or unfaithfulness can lead to seasons where His benevolent presence feels more or less evident. Even in such times, God's ultimate compassion endures, as Lamentations 3:31-33 reminds us that "the Lord will not cast off forever."
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 30:7 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's experience of a "mountain" made strong by divine favor, only to be troubled by God's hidden face, powerfully foreshadows the journey of the Messiah. Jesus, the true "mountain" of God's presence, was perfectly established by the Father's favor, being the beloved Son in whom God was well pleased, as affirmed in Matthew 3:17. Yet, on the cross, Jesus experienced the ultimate and most profound withdrawal of the Father's face, crying out, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" in Matthew 27:46. This moment of unparalleled trouble and dereliction was not for His own sin, but for ours. Through His suffering and the Father's hidden face, Jesus secured for us eternal favor and an unshakable spiritual "mountain" of salvation. Because Christ endured the ultimate trouble of divine abandonment, believers can now always approach God's throne of grace with confidence, knowing that God will never hide His face from those who are in Christ, as promised in Hebrews 4:16. Our stability and security are no longer dependent on our fleeting circumstances or our own faithfulness, but on the unchangeable favor of God poured out through the finished work of Christ, in whom our eternal "mountain" stands strong.