Psalm 28

This psalm is similar to Psalm 26 except in this one David's distress was imminent. He believed God would not punish him with the wicked and asked Him to save and shepherd His people.

 1. Urgent petition for deliverance 28:1-4

28:1 David cried out in prayer for the Lord's deliverance from his enemies so he would not die. The "pit"refers to the grave.

28:2-4 The psalmist begged God to hear and respond to his petition. The sanctuary (Heb. debir) is where the ark abode. David asked that the Lord not judge him with the sinners who opposed him. Moreover he requested that God punish the wicked as they justly deserved.

 2. Confident praise for deliverance 28:5-8

28:5 David was sure the wicked would fail in their purposes since they did not acknowledge the Lord's works.

28:6-8 Consequently David praised the Lord. He believed God had heard his prayer because the Lord had promised to hear the prayers of the godly. The Lord was David's source of strength and defense so he knew his attackers would fail. Furthermore Yahweh consistently saved and defended His people and His anointed king.

 3. Final request for deliverance 28:9

Having expressed his confidence in the Lord's salvation David repeated his request for deliverance. He wanted divine salvation and guidance for Israel from her Shepherd forever. This is a long range petition for God's sustenance in the years that lay ahead.

God's people can appeal for help in distress to our great Shepherd and can rely on His guidance and salvation in view of His commitment to us. The leaders of God's people should intercede for the Lord's blessing on the people under their charge as David did.