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 31:19–24. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
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.
Historical interpretation
Two Centuries of Reception
3 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.
"Quit you like men, and let your heart be strengthened" [Psalm 31:24]: working good without fainting, that you may reap in due season. "All you who trust in the Lord:" that is, you who duly fear and worship Him, trust ye in the Lord.
There will be a judgment in which the Lord will require truth and he will repay the haughty. Be strong; flag not; let your heart be comforted. Be secure, you who hope in the Lord.
This is the power of the entire psalm and in it the usefulness of the sacred passion is concentrated … namely, that they not be frightened by the sufferings predicted, but that the hearts of the faithful find strength for the glorious imitation that they knew had been introduced to provide the healing of salvation for the world.… So this is an appeal to good people not to withdraw themselves from their good intention because of the weakness of their flesh.… For in this way, the hearts of those who endure are strengthened, if they fortify their hope through the Lord’s power.
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Summary
Psalms 31:24 serves as a climactic, universalizing exhortation within a psalm that transitions from profound lament to unwavering trust. It calls all who place their confident expectation in the LORD to actively embrace courage, promising that God Himself will supernaturally strengthen their inner being—their intellect, will, and emotions—enabling them to endure trials, maintain steadfastness, and face adversity with divine fortitude, knowing that true resilience is divinely supplied to those whose hope is anchored in His unfailing character and promises.
Context
Literary Context
Psalm 31 is a deeply personal and emotionally charged psalm, traditionally attributed to David, which traverses the spectrum from intense distress to profound trust. The preceding verses detail the psalmist's severe anguish, his feeling of being forgotten, and the persecution by his enemies, as seen in his desperate cries in Psalms 31:9-13. Despite this overwhelming anguish, the psalmist consistently affirms his unwavering reliance on God as his refuge and deliverer, declaring his trust from the very beginning of the psalm in Psalms 31:1-5. The psalm then shifts dramatically from a plea for rescue to a declaration of confidence in God's steadfast love and wondrous works for those who fear Him, culminating in a burst of praise in Psalms 31:19-23. Verse 24 acts as a climactic, universalizing conclusion, transforming David's intensely personal journey of faith into a timeless, communal truth, inviting all believers to share in the courage and strength found in hoping in the LORD.
Historical & Cultural Context
Composed in ancient Israel, likely during a period of intense personal or national distress for David, this psalm reflects the common ancient Near Eastern understanding of a deity's role in protecting and sustaining their people. The concept of "heart" (Hebrew: lêbâb) in this context is crucial; it does not refer merely to the physical organ but encompasses the entire inner person—the seat of intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. Therefore, to "strengthen the heart" implies a comprehensive renewal and fortification of one's entire inner being. "Hope" (Hebrew: yâchal) in the biblical sense is not passive optimism or wishful thinking, but an active, confident expectation rooted in God's covenant faithfulness, His revealed character, and His past acts of deliverance. This hope was a vital cultural and spiritual anchor for a people often surrounded by hostile nations and facing internal challenges, providing stability and purpose in an often tumultuous world.
Key Themes
Psalms 31:24 encapsulates several major theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout the Psalms and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Encouragement and Empowerment, highlighting that true courage is not self-generated but divinely imparted, a direct gift from God to His people. Secondly, it emphasizes Hope as a Foundational Virtue, positioning it as the prerequisite for receiving God's strength; this hope is an active, confident expectation rooted in God's character and promises, not fleeting circumstances. This resonates powerfully with the call to wait patiently on the Lord found in Psalm 27:14. Thirdly, the verse speaks to God's Active Involvement in Sustaining His People, promising that He "shall strengthen your heart," signifying His personal and comprehensive work in fortifying the inner person against adversity. This aligns with broader themes of God as a refuge and deliverer, as seen in Psalm 46:1. Finally, it subtly points to the Communal Nature of Faith, as the exhortation is directed to "all ye that hope in the LORD," extending the psalmist's personal experience into a universal truth for the entire community of faith, echoing the collective worship and reliance on God found throughout the Psalms.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Derived from a primitive root, this verb means "to fasten upon," "to seize," and hence, "to be strong" or "courageous." In its imperative form, as used here, it is a direct command to be resolute, firm, and to hold fast. It implies not merely a momentary burst of bravery but a sustained, inner steadfastness and resolve in the face of daunting circumstances, an active choice to maintain one's spiritual and emotional grip.
This primitive root signifies "to be alert, physically or mentally," and "to be courageous" or "strong." When used in the Hiphil stem, as in this verse, it means "to make strong," "to strengthen," or "to encourage." It highlights God's active, causative role in imparting inner fortitude, resilience, and steadfastness to the believer, making them strong.
This primitive root means "to wait," and by implication, "to be patient" or "to hope." It is far more than passive optimism or wishful thinking; it is an active, confident expectation and trust in God's character, promises, and faithfulness, even when circumstances seem dire. It implies a steadfast reliance on God's future action and intervention, a patient tarrying for His deliverance.
Verse Breakdown
"Be of good courage"
This is a direct command, an imperative call to the listener. It is not merely a suggestion but an active summons to cultivate and maintain inner strength and resolve. It implies a conscious decision to trust and stand firm, even when circumstances might tempt one to despair, requiring an intentional act of the will.
"and he shall strengthen your heart"
This clause presents the divine promise and consequence of the preceding command. God (the implicit "he") is the active agent who will supernaturally empower the believer's inner being. This strength is not self-generated but divinely imparted, enabling resilience, perseverance, and inner peace, fortifying the very core of one's intellect, will, and emotions.
"all ye that hope in the LORD"
This phrase identifies the specific audience and the essential condition for receiving the promised divine strength. The exhortation and promise are directed to those who actively and confidently place their trust and expectation in YHWH (Jehovah), the covenant God of Israel. This "hope" is the foundational disposition upon which divine courage and strength are built, distinguishing those who will receive this unique divine enablement.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with force and clarity. The most prominent is the Imperative ("Be of good courage"), which functions as a direct command, underscoring the active role and choice required of the believer. This is followed by a clear instance of Synthetic Parallelism, where the second clause ("and he shall strengthen your heart") expands upon and completes the thought of the first, revealing the divine enablement that undergirds the human command. The phrase "strengthen your heart" utilizes Metonymy, where "heart" (Hebrew: lêbâb) stands for the entire inner person—encompassing mind, will, and emotions—emphasizing a holistic, internal fortification rather than merely physical strength. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful Exhortation, serving as a climactic call to faith and endurance that summarizes the psalm's profound journey from lament to trust, providing a universal truth for the community of faith.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Psalms 31:24 profoundly articulates the dynamic interplay between human responsibility and divine enablement in the life of faith. It teaches that while courage is commanded, the capacity to truly embody it is a gift from God, contingent upon active hope in Him. This hope is not a passive waiting but a confident, unwavering expectation rooted in God's character as faithful, powerful, and loving. The verse underscores God's active involvement in the lives of His people, promising to fortify their inner being against the onslaughts of fear, despair, and adversity. It is a testament to the truth that our ultimate strength and resilience are found not in human willpower, but in divine sustenance, freely given to those who anchor their souls in the unshakeable reality of God's presence and promises, demonstrating His covenant faithfulness.
Reflection and Application
In a world often characterized by uncertainty, anxiety, and profound personal struggles, Psalms 31:24 offers a timeless and deeply comforting anchor for the soul. It reminds us that courage is not merely the absence of fear, but the active choice to trust God and move forward despite fear. This courage is not self-generated, a mere act of willpower, but supernaturally imparted by the LORD Himself to those who place their hope—their confident, active expectation and unwavering reliance—in Him. When we hope in the LORD, we are acknowledging His sovereignty, His goodness, and His unfailing faithfulness, even when circumstances seem bleak or overwhelming. This divine strength fortifies our "heart"—our entire inner being, encompassing our intellect, will, and emotions—enabling us to persevere through trials, maintain inner peace amidst chaos, and face the future with resilience. It is a powerful call to release our grip on self-reliance and instead lean fully into the divine power that sustains and empowers, knowing that God is actively at work on our behalf, strengthening us from within for every challenge we encounter.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is "courage" something we generate ourselves, or is it given by God?
Psalms 31:24 presents courage as both a command and a divine enablement, highlighting a beautiful partnership between human responsibility and divine provision. The phrase "Be of good courage" is an imperative, an active summons to the believer to make a conscious choice to be resolute and steadfast in their faith. However, the subsequent promise, "and he shall strengthen your heart," clarifies that the ultimate source and power for this courage come from God. It's not about mustering up strength from within ourselves through sheer willpower, but about actively choosing to place our hope in the LORD, thereby opening ourselves to His supernatural strengthening of our inner being. So, it's a human choice to obey the command, empowered by God's divine provision, ensuring that our courage is rooted in His unfailing strength, not our own fleeting abilities.
What does "hope in the LORD" truly mean in this context, and how does it relate to receiving strength?
"Hope in the LORD" (Hebrew: yâchal l'YHWH) in this context is far more than passive optimism or a vague wish. It signifies a confident, active expectation and steadfast trust in God's character, His promises, and His proven faithfulness, even when circumstances are bleak or challenging. It implies a patient waiting and an unwavering reliance on God's future action and intervention, a firm anchoring of one's soul in His unchanging nature. This active hope is the essential prerequisite for receiving God's strength because it demonstrates faith and dependence on Him. When we genuinely hope in the LORD, we align our will with His, acknowledge His sovereignty, and position ourselves to receive the inner fortitude He promises to impart, as seen in passages like Isaiah 40:31, where those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. It is through this posture of confident expectation that God pours His empowering strength into our "heart."
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 31:24 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied both the command to "be of good courage" and the promise of divine strengthening. He is the supreme example of one who "hoped in the LORD" amidst unimaginable suffering, enduring the cross "for the joy that was set before Him," despising its shame, as recounted in Hebrews 12:2. His courage in Gethsemane, facing the full weight of sin and separation from the Father, was not a mere human feat but a divine strength sustained by His perfect obedience and unwavering trust in the Father's will. For believers, Christ is not only the model but also the very source of this courage and strength. Through His atoning work on the cross, we are reconciled to God, and the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ, indwells us, empowering us to live courageously in a fallen world. Our hope is no longer merely in the abstract "LORD" but specifically in the person and finished work of Jesus, our resurrected Savior and returning King, who has overcome the world (John 16:33). It is through Christ that we "can do all things through him who strengthens" us (Philippians 4:13), and it is God, through His Spirit, who strengthens us with power in our inner being, so that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith (Ephesians 3:16-17). Thus, the promise of Psalms 31:24 is fully realized in the believer's union with Christ, who is our ultimate hope and the wellspring of all true courage and strength.