Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 28

David’s Earnest Prayer for Help and JusticeIn these verses, David prays with great urgency. He is in trouble and calls out to God, trusting that only God can help him. David’s faith is strong, but he also feels the danger of being left alone. He is careful to ask God not only for help, but also to keep him separate from people who do evil. David desires God’s justice to be done, and he warns that ignoring God leads to ruin. This passage encourages us to trust God, seek His help, and avoid joining in with those who do wrong.v. 1: David begins, Unto thee will I cry, O Lord

v. 2: He continues, Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle. David lifts his hands in prayer toward God’s holy place, the symbol of God’s presence. He believes God will answer from the place where He promises to be with His people.

v. 3: David prays, Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts. He asks God not to let him be treated like those who do evil. He wants to be kept away from their schemes and actions. David knows that even if people speak kindly, their hearts can be full of evil.

v. 4: He asks God, Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavours; give them after the work of their hands; render to them their desert. This is not said in anger, but because David wants God’s justice to be shown. He knows that those who do evil will get what they deserve unless they turn from their ways (Isaiah 33:1; Revelation 18:6 ).

v. 5: David explains, Because they regard not the works of the Lord

Devout Thanksgiving and PraiseIn these verses, David shifts from pleading with God to praising Him. He thanks God for hearing his prayers and expresses confidence in God’s continued help. David’s faith turns his sorrow into joy, and he praises God not only for his own blessings but also for the blessings that others will receive through the Lord

v. 7: He continues, The Lord

v. 8: David declares, The Lord

v. 9: David concludes with a prayer, Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever(Psalm 28:9 ). He prays for God’s people, asking for their salvation, blessing, and provision. He also prays that God would guide and lift them up, not only in this life but forever. David reminds us that those who allow God to rule and guide them will experience His eternal blessings. Ultimately, God will lift His people into His heavenly kingdom, where they will never face trouble again.