Commentary by A. R. FAUSSET
PSALM 28
An earnest cry for divine aid against his enemies, as being also those of God, is followed by the Psalmist's praise in assurance of a favorable answer, and a prayer for all God's people.
1. my rock— (Psa 18:2, 31).
be not silent to me—literally, "from me," deaf or inattentive.
become like them, etc.—share their fate.
go down into the pit—or, "grave" (Psa 30:3).
2. lift up my hands—a gesture of prayer (Psa 63:4; 141:2).
oracle—place of speaking (Exd 25:22; Num 7:89), where God answered His people (compare Psa 5:7).
3. Draw me not away—implies punishment as well as death (compare Psa 26:9). Hypocrisy is the special wickedness mentioned.
4. The imprecation is justified in Psa 28:5. The force of the passage is greatly enhanced by the accumulation of terms describing their sin.
endeavours—points out their deliberate sinfulness.
5. Disregard of God's judgments brings a righteous punishment.
destroy...build...up—The positive strengthened by the negative form.
6. supplications—or, "cries for mercy."
7. The repetition of "heart" denotes his sincerity.
8. The distinction made between the people.
their strength—and the anointed—may indicate Absalom's rebellion as the occasion.
9. The special prayer for the people sustains this view.
feed them—as a shepherd (Psa 23:1, etc.).