Psalms 28:4-5

28:4 Pay them back for their evil deeds!

Pay them back for what they do!

Punish them! ¹ 

28:5 For they do not understand the Lord’s actions,

or the way he carries out justice. ² 

The Lord ³  will permanently demolish them. ⁴ 

¹ tn Heb “Give to them according to their work, and according to the evil of their deeds. According to the work of their hands give to them. Return their due to them.” The highly repetitive style reflects the psalmist’s agitated emotional state and draws attention to his yearning for justice.

² tn Heb “or the work of his hands.” In this context “the Lord’s actions” and “the work of his hands” probably refer to the way he carries out justice by vindicating the godly and punishing the wicked. (Note the final line of the verse, which refers to divine judgment. See also Ps 92:4-7.) Evil men do not “understand” God’s just ways; they fail to realize he will protect the innocent. Consequently they seek to harm the godly, as if they believe they will never be held accountable for their actions.

³ tn Heb “he”; the referent (the Lord, who is referred to in the two immediately preceding lines) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

⁴ tn Heb “will tear them down and not rebuild them.” The ungodly are compared to a structure that is permanently demolished.