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Commentary on Psalms 31 verses 19–24
We have three things in these verses: -
I. The believing acknowledgment which David makes of God's goodness to his people in general, Psa 31:19, Psa 31:20.
1.God is good to all, but he is, in a special manner, good to Israel. His goodness to them is wonderful, and will be, to eternity, matter of admiration: O how great is thy goodness! How profound are the counsels of it! how rich are the treasures of it! how free and extensive are the communications of it! Those very persons whom men load with slanders God loads with benefits and honours. Those who are interested in this goodness are described to be such as fear God and trust in him, as stand in awe of his greatness and rely on his grace. This goodness is said to be laid up for them and wrought for them. (1.) There is a goodness laid up for them in the other world, an inheritance reserved in heaven (Pe1 1:4), and there is a goodness wrought for them in this world, goodness wrought in them. There is enough in God's goodness both for the portion and inheritance of all his children when they come to their full age, and for their maintenance and education during their minority. There is enough in bank and enough in hand. (2.) This goodness is laid up in his promise for all that fear God, to whom assurance is given that they shall want no good thing. But it is wrought, in the actual performance of the promise, for those that trust in him - that by faith take hold of the promise, put it in suit, and draw out to themselves the benefit and comfort of it. If what is laid up for us in the treasures of the everlasting covenant be not wrought for us, it is our own fault, because we do not believe. But those that trust in God, as they have the comfort of his goodness in their own bosoms, so they have the credit of it (and the credit of an estate goes far with some); it is wrought for them before the sons of men. God's goodness to them puts an honour upon them and rolls away their reproach; for all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed, Isa 61:9.
2.God preserves man and beast; but he is, in a special manner, the protector of his own people (Psa 31:20): Thou shalt hide them. As his goodness is hid and reserved for them, so they are hid and preserved for it. The saints are God's hidden ones. See here, (1.) The danger they are in, which arises from the pride of man and from the strife of tongues; proud men insult over them and would trample on them and tread them down; contentious men pick quarrels with them; and, when tongues are at strife, good people often go by the worst. The pride of men endangers their liberty; the strife of tongues in perverse disputings endangers truth. But, (2.) See the defence they are under: Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence, in a pavilion. God's providence shall keep them safe form the malice of their enemies. He has many ways of sheltering them. When Baruch and Jeremiah were sought for the Lord hid them, Jer 36:26. God's grace shall keep them safe from the evil of the judgments that are abroad; to them they have no sting; and they shall hidden in the day of the Lord's anger, for there is no anger at them. His comforts shall keep them easy and cheerful; his sanctuary, where they have communion with him, shelters then from the fiery darts of terror and temptation; and the mansions in his house above shall be shortly, shall be eternally, their hiding-place from all danger and fear.
II. The thankful returns which David makes for God's goodness to him in particular, Psa 31:21, Psa 31:22. Having admired God's goodness to all the saints, he here owns how good he had found him. 1. Without were fightings; but God had wonderfully preserved his life: "He has shown me his marvellous loving-kindness, he has given me an instance of his care for me and favour to me, beyond what I could have expected." God's loving-kindness to his people, all things considered, is wonderful; but some instances of it, even in this world, are in a special manner marvelous in their eyes; as this here, when God preserved David from the sword of Saul, in caves and woods, as safe as if he had been in a strong city. In Keilah, that strong city, God showed him great mercy, both in making him an instrument to rescue the inhabitants out of the hands of the Philistines and then in rescuing him from the same men who would have ungratefully delivered him up into the hand of Saul, Sa1 23:5, Sa1 23:12. This was marvellous loving-kindness indeed, upon which he writes, with wonder and thankfulness, Blessed be the Lord. Special preservations call for particular thanksgivings. 2. Within were fears; but God was better to him than his fears, Psa 31:22. He here keeps an account, (1.) Of his own folly, in distrusting God, which he acknowledges, to his shame. Though he had express promises to build upon, and great experience of God's care concerning him in many straits, yet he had entertained this hard and jealous thought of God, and could not forbear telling it him to his face. "I am cut off before thy eyes; thou hast quite forsaken me, and I must not expect to be looked upon or regarded by thee any more. I shall one day perish by the hand of Saul, and so be cut off before thy eyes, be ruined while thou lookest on," Sa1 27:1. This he said in his flight (so some read it), which denotes the distress of his affairs. Saul was just at his back, and ready to seize him, which made the temptation strong. In my haste (so we read it), which denotes the disturbance and discomposure of his mind, which made the temptation surprising, so that it found him off his guard. Note, It is a common thing to speak amiss when we speak in haste and without consideration; but what we speak amiss in haste we must repent of at leisure, particularly that which we have spoken distrustfully of God. (2.) Of God's wonderful goodness to him notwithstanding. Though his faith failed, God's promise did not: Thou hearest the voice of my supplication, for all this. He mentions his own unbelief as a foil to God's fidelity, serving to make his loving-kindness the more marvellous, the more illustrious. When we have thus distrusted God he might justly take us at our word, and bring our fears upon us, as he did on Israel, Num 14:28; Isa 66:4. But he has pitied and pardoned us, and our unbelief has not made his promise and grace of no effect; for he knows our frame.
III. The exhortation and encouragement which he hereupon gives to all the saints, Psa 31:23, Psa 31:24. 1. He would have them set their love on God (Psa 31:23): O love the Lord! all you his saints. Those that have their own hearts full of love to God cannot but desire that others also may be in love with him; for in his favour there is no need to fear a rival. It is the character of the saints that they do love God; and yet they must still be called upon to love him, to love him more and love him better, and give proofs of their love. We must love him, not only for his goodness, because he preserves the faithful, but for his justice, because he plentifully rewards the proud doer (who would ruin those whom he preserves), according to their pride. Some take it in a good sense; he plentifully rewards the magnificent (or excellent) doer, that is daringly good, whose heart, like Jehoshaphat's, is lifted up in the ways of the Lord. He rewards him that does well, but plentifully rewards him that does excellently well. 2. He would have them set their hope in God (Psa 31:24): "Be of good courage; have a good heart on it; whatever difficulties or dangers you may meet with, the God you trust in shall by that trust strengthen your heart." Those that hope in God have reason to be of good courage, and let their hearts be strong, for, as nothing truly evil can befal them, so nothing truly good for them shall be wanting to them.
In singing this we should animate ourselves and one another to proceed and persevere in our Christian course, whatever threatens us, and whoever frowns upon us.
He repays extraordinarily those who are guilty of arrogance so as to bring out that God loathes this transgression more than every other sin.
"Love the Lord, all you His saints" [Psalm 31:23]. The Prophet again exhorts, having sight of these things, and says, "Love the Lord, all you His saints; for the Lord will require truth." Since "if the righteous shall scarcely be saved, where shall the sinner and the ungodly appear?" [1 Peter 4:18] "And He will repay them that do exceeding proudly." And He will repay them who even when conquered are not converted, because they are very proud.
You who pass through the present life with divine hope, strengthen your souls with bravery and heed the directions of the pilot, traveling wherever he leads.
When he has completed a hymn on the kindnesses granted to him, he urges the saints to love the Lord, since his members love the Author of such a kindness when they recognize that it has been bestowed on their Head. “Love” he says, now as to his friends, not as if speaking to servants, for fear is characteristic of servants, but love characterizes the relationship between friends.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 31:23 stands as a powerful exhortation and a foundational declaration of divine justice, arising from David's profound experience of God's unwavering faithfulness amidst severe distress. It issues a fervent call to all who are truly God's devoted people to cultivate a deep, active, and obedient love for the Lord, grounded in the absolute certainty that He meticulously preserves those who remain loyal to Him. Concurrently, the verse delivers a solemn warning, affirming that God will justly and comprehensively repay those whose actions are characterized by arrogance and defiance, thereby upholding His righteous and sovereign governance over all creation.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalms 31 is a deeply personal lament and prayer of David, which undergoes a significant transformation. The psalm begins with David's fervent supplication for deliverance from enemies and distress, as seen in his desperate pleas for rescue and refuge in God (e.g., Psalms 31:1-8). He then vividly recounts his intense suffering, the scorn of his adversaries, and the feeling of being utterly forsaken (e.g., Psalms 31:9-13). A pivotal shift occurs around Psalms 31:19-20, where David's tone transitions from despair to renewed trust, praise, and a profound acknowledgment of God's abundant goodness and protection. Verse 23, along with the concluding verse 24, serves as a climactic admonition and a corporate call to worship, directly stemming from David's hard-won experience of divine salvation. It elevates his personal testimony into a universal truth and an imperative for the entire community of faith, urging them to respond to God's character with love and trust.
Historical & Cultural Context: Composed by David, a king who frequently faced persecution and betrayal, this psalm reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of divine justice and the role of kingship. In this cultural milieu, a just king was expected to be a protector of the righteous and an enforcer of justice against the wicked. Yahweh, as the ultimate King of Israel and of all creation, perfectly embodies these roles. The term "saints" (Hebrew: ḥăsîḏîm) refers to those who are devoted to God, characterized by ḥeseḏ (covenant loyalty, steadfast love, and faithfulness). Their preservation by God was not merely physical but encompassed the upholding of their honor, their vindication in the face of adversaries, and the maintenance of their covenant relationship. Conversely, "proud doers" represented those who defied divine and human order, often associated with oppressive rulers, arrogant enemies, or individuals who trusted in their own strength and wisdom rather than acknowledging God's sovereignty. The "reward" for such individuals was universally understood as divine retribution, ensuring cosmic balance and upholding God's moral order in the world.
Key Themes: Psalms 31:23 encapsulates several core theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout the Psalter and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights the call to covenant love and loyalty towards God, echoing the foundational command found in Deuteronomy 6:5. This love is not merely an emotion but an active, obedient commitment that defines the believer's entire life. Secondly, the verse powerfully underscores divine preservation and faithfulness towards His people. God's character is revealed as one who actively guards, sustains, and delivers those who trust in Him, a theme beautifully articulated in Psalm 121. Thirdly, the verse asserts God's righteous justice against pride and arrogance. Pride is consistently portrayed in Scripture as an affront to God, leading inevitably to destruction, while humility invites His grace and blessing (e.g., Proverbs 16:18). The stark contrast between the fates of the faithful and the proud vividly demonstrates God's unwavering moral governance and His commitment to justice.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 31:23 masterfully employs several Literary Devices to convey its profound message with impactful clarity. The most prominent is Antithetical Parallelism, where the second half of the verse ("for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer") directly contrasts the fates of two distinct groups—the faithful and the proud. This sharp juxtaposition powerfully underscores the absolute nature of God's justice and His moral governance. The opening phrase, "O love the LORD," functions as a strong Exhortation, a direct and passionate command that urges the audience to a specific, active response of devotion. The phrase "plentifully rewardeth" for the proud doer utilizes Irony or Sarcasm, as "reward" typically implies a positive recompense, but here it clearly signifies a full and severe retribution, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's judgment. Furthermore, the psalm's overall structure, moving from David's personal lament to renewed praise and then to this communal call, demonstrates a Narrative Arc of transformation, where individual experience becomes a universal truth and an imperative for the entire community of faith.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 31:23 is a profound theological statement, anchoring the believer's response to God in His unshakeable character. It affirms that God's justice is not arbitrary but perfectly balanced: His steadfast love (ḥeseḏ) is extended to those who are faithful, preserving them through trials and vindicating them, while His righteous judgment is meted out in full measure to those who defiantly oppose Him through pride and arrogance. This dual aspect of God's nature—His grace and His justice—is a consistent and fundamental theme throughout Scripture, ensuring that the moral order of the cosmos is maintained and that ultimately, all will receive their just due according to their deeds. The call to love God, therefore, is not a mere suggestion but a foundational and necessary response to the reality of who He is and how He perfectly governs His creation.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 31:23 calls us to a holistic response of love and trust in God, particularly vital in a world that often seems to reward the arrogant and neglect the humble. It serves as a powerful reminder that our primary duty and privilege is to "love the LORD" with an active, obedient, and trusting devotion. This love is not a flimsy sentiment but a robust commitment, forged in the crucible of life's challenges, knowing that God is our ultimate Preserver. When we face adversity, injustice, or the apparent prosperity of the wicked, this verse encourages us to lean into His faithfulness, confident that He watches over us and will ultimately vindicate those who remain loyal to Him. Conversely, it stands as a stark warning against the insidious nature of pride, which is an affront to God and inevitably leads to destruction. In a culture that often celebrates self-exaltation and self-sufficiency, this verse urges humility, reminding us that true strength, security, and flourishing are found not in our own capabilities or accomplishments but in humble reliance on the Almighty. It compels us to examine our hearts: Is our love for God genuine, active, and expressed through obedience? Are we trusting in His preservation, or are we succumbing to fear and anxiety when circumstances are difficult? And are we walking in humility, or is pride subtly creeping into our actions, attitudes, and decisions, leading us away from God's path?
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who are "his saints" that are called to love the LORD?
Answer: "His saints" (Hebrew: ḥăsîḏāw) refers to those who are characterized by ḥeseḏ, God's steadfast love and covenant loyalty. These are the pious, the godly, the devoted ones who have entered into a covenant relationship with God and whose lives reflect His character and His ways. They are not perfect, but their hearts are committed to Him, and they seek to walk in His truth and righteousness. In the Old Testament, this often referred to the faithful within Israel; in the New Testament, it extends to all believers who are set apart by God and committed to Christ, as seen in passages like Ephesians 1:1.
What does it mean that God "plentifully rewardeth the proud doer"?
Answer: This phrase means that God will fully and abundantly repay, or more accurately, exact retribution upon, those whose actions are marked by arrogance, defiance, and self-exaltation. The term "rewardeth" here carries the strong connotation of punishment or judgment, not a positive recompense. God's justice ensures that pride, which is an affront to His sovereignty and character, will not go unpunished. This aligns with other biblical warnings that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, as articulated in James 4:6. The "plentiful" aspect emphasizes the comprehensive, inescapable, and severe nature of this divine judgment, ensuring that every act of pride receives its just due.
How does this verse offer comfort or challenge to someone experiencing injustice?
Answer: For someone experiencing injustice, this verse offers both profound comfort and a challenging perspective. The comfort comes from the assurance that "the LORD preserveth the faithful." Even when human systems fail, when the wicked seem to prosper, or when one feels abandoned, God is actively watching over, guarding, and sustaining His loyal people. He will ultimately vindicate them and ensure their well-being. The challenge lies in the call to "love the LORD" and to remain faithful, even in the midst of suffering and perceived injustice. It also challenges the natural human desire for immediate personal retribution against wrongdoers, reminding us that God Himself will "plentifully reward the proud doer" in His perfect timing and according to His righteous judgment. This encourages trust in God's ultimate justice rather than seeking personal vengeance, as powerfully stated in Romans 12:19.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 31:23 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The call to "O love the LORD, all ye his saints" is perfectly embodied in Christ, who demonstrated ultimate love and obedience to the Father, even to the point of sacrificial death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). He is the archetypal "faithful one" whom the Father "preserveth." Though He suffered immensely, was "cut off from the land of the living" (Isaiah 53:8), and endured the full wrath of God for sin, God's preservation was powerfully displayed in His resurrection from the dead, vindicating Him and exalting Him to the highest place (Acts 2:24). Furthermore, Jesus perfectly exemplifies God's just judgment against the "proud doer." While He came not to condemn the world but to save it (John 3:17), His life and teachings consistently exposed and condemned the pride, self-righteousness, and hypocrisy of those who rejected God's truth and authority. Ultimately, Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross fully satisfied God's righteous demand against all human pride and sin, offering a path for humanity to be reconciled to God not through their own works or arrogance, but through humble faith in Him. Thus, in Christ, both the preservation of the faithful and the just recompense for pride are perfectly addressed, inviting all to become His "saints" through faith and to experience His preserving love and eternal salvation (Romans 5:8-10).