Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 30

The Dedication of David’s House and Thanksgiving for DeliveranceThis psalm shows David’s gratitude to God when he dedicated his new house. In ancient Israel, it was a good custom for people to dedicate a new house to God (Deuteronomy 20:5 ). David followed this practice when he moved into his palace (2 Samuel 5:11 ). Dedicating a house means committing the home and everyone in it to God’s care and guidance. Some think David may have sung this psalm when he returned to his house after Absalom’s rebellion, giving thanks for God’s protection and deliverance. The psalm teaches us to honor God in our homes and trust him with our lives.v. 1: David begins by praising God for delivering him. He says, I will extol thee, O Lord

v. 4: David calls on all of God’s people to join him in singing praise. He says, Sing unto the Lord

v. 5: David explains that God is gracious and merciful. God’s anger does not last long—his anger endureth but for a moment, but his mercy and kindness last forever . Sometimes, we may feel far from God when we do wrong, but when we turn back to him, he quickly forgives and comforts us (Isaiah 54:7–8 ). David says, weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. This means that God may let us be sad for a short time, but he always brings us back to joy. God’s favor is the best thing we can have—in his favour is life. When God is pleased with us, we have everything we need, both now and forever.

Prayer and PraiseIn these verses, David describes three different times in his life and how his heart responded to God in each one. First, he was prosperous and felt confident. Then, trouble came, and he turned to God in prayer. Finally, God delivered him, and he praised God with joy. David’s story teaches us both what mistakes to avoid and how we should respond to God in every situation.v. 6–7: David remembers a time when everything was going well for him. He was healthy and had peace from his enemies. He thought, I shall never be moved . David felt so secure that he believed nothing could go wrong. But he knew that his success was only because of God’s favor: Thou, through thy favour, hast made my mountain to stand strong (Psalm 30:7 ). We often make the same mistake—thinking good times will last forever. But prosperity is not permanent, and we should stay humble and thankful, even when life is easy.

v. 7–8: Suddenly, David’s situation changed. God hid his face, and David became troubled—in his mind, body, or circumstances. He realized that when God’s presence is gone, nothing else can help. David responded the right way: he prayed. Even though God seemed far away, David cried out, I cried to thee, O Lord

v. 9: David pleaded with God, asking, What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? Shall it declare thy truth? . David said his death would not benefit God or help others. He wanted to live so he could praise God and tell others about God’s faithfulness. This is a strong reason to ask God for help—to honor God and keep serving him (Philippians 2:17 ).

v. 10: David prayed for mercy and help: Hear, O Lord

v. 11: God answered David’s prayers and changed his sadness into joy. David says, Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness . God took away his grief and gave him happiness and strength. This teaches us that God can quickly change our troubles into blessings, and we should trust him even when things look bad.

v. 12: David promises to praise God forever: To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord