Psalm 28 — The Lord is My Strength and Shield
28 Unto thee will I cry, O Lord my rock; be not silent to me: lest, if thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.
2 Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle.
3 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.
4 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.
5 Because they regard not the works of the Lord, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up.
6 Blessed be the Lord, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications.
7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
8 The Lord is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed.
9 Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever.
The Psalms of David are especially inspired by the opposition brought against God’s anointed. Throughout David’s life, he was opposed by his brothers, Goliath, his wife, King Saul, Saul’s household (Shimei & Ishbosheth), and the surrounding nations. One adversary is set apart as most grievous, Absalom, David’s beloved son.
In 1010 B.C., God set David on the throne over His people, Israel. David had won the hearts of the people, subdued his enemies round about, but an insidious evildoer was in his own house. Absalom was ambitious, privileged, handsome, winsome with his speech, but he also murdered his half-brother Amnon and set General Joab’s field on fire. David would have given him anything he wanted, but what Absalom wanted was not David’s to give away…the throne. So “Absalom stole away the hearts of the men of Israel (2 Sam 15:6).”
In about 980 B.C., Absalom set himself in position as King of Israel at Hebron; and the conspiracy was strong, as the allies of Absalom grew in number continually. David was forced out of Jerusalem (2 Sam 15:13–16:14) and exiled across the Jordan River at Mahanaim. Then, Absalom and all the people of Israel entered Jerusalem. To make his point, Absalom took David’s concubines to the roof of David’s palace and had sex with them for all Israel to observe. David requested his generals “deal gently” with Absalom. Three spears of Joab entered Absalom’s heart as he hung precariously by his hair from a tree. The lesson was clear: do not touch the Lord’s anointed or you will suffer the curses of the covenant.
Psalm 28 is David’s lament over this situation, yet confidence in YHWH’s power and protection. It is not a royal Psalm, but has some elements of one (ie. anointed, shepherd). It is simply structured as prayer (vv.1–5) and praise (vv. 6–9); however, it can be structured in a better way to expose a later liturgy. I. (vv. 1–4) David petitioned YHWH to repay the wicked for their evil deeds; II. (v. 5) A declaration of judgment without restoration for the wicked; III. (vv. 6–7) David’s answered prayer gave him confidence to praise YHWH; IV. (vv. 8–9) David petitioned for YHWH’s inheritance, the people of Israel. The message of Psalm 28 is that YHWH is faithful to act on His covenant in relationship to His people and His opponents.
David prayed in the midst of feeling like YHWH was not listening to him (v. 1). I call to my Rock is steeped in Exodus history. The obvious imagery of a firm foundation is complemented by Mt. Sinai and the water giving rock in the wilderness, which was Christ (1 Cor 10:4). The covenant with Israel was made at Horeb, and David based his subsequent argument on the promises YHWH made with His people there. Do not be deaf to me reasons that God’s silence is equal to being abandoned into the pit. The imagery indicates being turned over to the discretion of one’s enemies.
Christians sometimes struggle with what is called unanswered prayer. It must be remembered that YHWH’s new covenant with Jesus removes the fear of abandonment. God hears the prayers of His people lifted through the intercession of Jesus Christ as the only Mediator between God and man.
David requested a hearing, as he faithfully worshiped YHWH in a place of exile (v. 2). The cry for help is made when I lift up my hands. The content of prayer is most naturally “help” in the day of trouble. David’s opponents did not just want him gone, they wanted him ruined. Hebrew prayer was done standing, with open eyes, and with open hands lifted toward Jerusalem/Temple/Holiest of Holies. Thy holy oracle is the mercy seat on the ark of the covenant in the most holy place.
Christians might find this posture of prayer awkward to current practices, but the cry for help is familiar. Satan and his demons, using the world system, work to immobilize Christians from sharing the Gospel. When a faithful preacher rises up and boldly proclaims Christ crucified, legions are set against him to remove him from his place of greatest impact. David was cut off from Jerusalem. Therefore, he prayed toward the tabernacle. Let your requests be made known to God because He cares for you.
David profiled his enemies and asked YHWH for salvation from the destiny of the wicked (v. 3). David feared YHWH’s judgment against the wicked, and he feared being included with them in righteous judgment, “Do not drag me away…” The identity of the wicked was bolstered, as those who do iniquity. We have learned in Ps. 5:5 and 11:5 that God hates those who do iniquity. It is one thing to sin, it is another to plan to sin as a way of life.
Schemes of sin are cloaked with pleasant words. Absalom stole their hearts by telling the people of Israel what they wanted to hear. His politics came with evil in his heart. Pretenders are deceitful men, who sway gullible sheep onto the path of disobedience for their own gain. They speak peace, but there is no peace. Strike the anointed shepherd and the people are scattered and divided. Twenty thousand men paid with their lives (2 Sam 18:7). Like Absalom, evildoers today are not satisfied with wealth. They gather power for themselves and remove the righteous at any cost.
David imprecated for YHWH to recompense his adversaries according to covenant justice (v. 4). Requite them is repeated three times for emphasis. David’s request is not vindictive, nor personal. The very fabric of Israel’s existence was at stake. Only YHWH’s covenant justice could right such a wrong. The work of the wicked comes with evil practices. Absalom’s subtle slander of David continued until the throne was ripe for the taking. David prayed against the deeds of their hands. Dirty deeds make dirty hands.
I once sat in on the annual general business meeting of a small church. Business was going according to the agenda. Then, out of the blue, a woman interrupted and vehemently protested the projected budget for the following year. Threats were spewed like machine gun fire in all directions. Hurt sheep bleated all the way home. Grief ensued when I learned she was not even a member of the church. My own assessment, from her malicious quotations from famous unbelievers is that she belonged to their company. Repay them, Lord, according to the promise of judgment in your covenant.
The declaration of judgment was issued against those who do iniquity (v. 5). In the later liturgy, a priest might bring the response to the petition for justice, “Because they do not regard the works of the Lord.” Cursed are those who operate out of alignment with God’s plan. Some resist the will of God, but others openly despise the deeds of His hands. The prophet Jeremiah frequently used the terms “tear down” and “build up.” In the midst of judgment, Israel had the promise of being built up again someday. The wicked enjoy no such benefit. The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness (Rom 1:18).
Christians need to understand that it is not self-righteous to warn sinners that they are dishonoring God (Rom. 1:21). “God is only love” theology shirks the responsibility of telling the truth about sin and judgment to those who need to hear it. Since the creation of the world, God’s invisible attributes, eternal power, divine nature, and majestic works are clearly seen by all men (Rom 1:20). They deny it. The true Gospel preacher must speak the truth, and by doing that his love abounds. Tell of His greatness to every creature!
David praised YHWH because of answered prayer (v. 6). David received a confirming word in response to his petition. Blessed be the Lord simply means, “praise the Lord.” Supplications are made and because He has heard, the deafening silence of unanswered prayer has been resolved.
Christians need to pray in faith, while still attending to the Lord. The answer to prayer comes by the Holy Spirit, and from the study of the Bible. Daily devotions, Bible studies, and sitting under a sermon all present opportunities for God to convict and convince. David heard the declaration of God (v. 5) that He would repay. The destruction of evil and those who do evil is a delight to the righteous because it proves God is just. Knowing there is a just Judge at the bema seat puts the fear of God into His people. This helps us to walk on the path of righteousness, never desiring to sin against Him.
David reasoned his worship was because he trusted YHWH and was helped (v. 7). This key verse is also the longest. A statement of trust and confidence, the Lord is my strength and my shield, reminds us of the opening verse in Psalm 27, the Lord is my light and my salvation. These bold statements of dependence do not declare the weakness of the suppliant. They are revelations of his source of power and protection, “My heart trusts in Him.” Here is a clear statement of faith in YHWH. David’s words complement his heart belief, unlike the pretenders, who say they believe, but work evil from their hearts; or as Absalom told his father, “If the Lord shall indeed bring me back to Jerusalem, then I will serve the Lord (2 Sam. 15:8).” Christian, let your “yes” be “yes” and your “no be “no.”
What is the prime benefit of faith? I am helped. One of the spiritual blessings for the regenerate elect is the gain of a Helper in the Holy Spirit (Jn 14:16). YHWH-ebenezer, “the Lord is my help,” is the way it was ascribed in the Old Testament.
The result of trust leading to help is genuine worship, “my heart exults.” Songs of praise and thanksgiving are the blessed by-product of right covenant relationship. This day of trouble will pass and another will appear, but with my song I will thank Him. David knew his anointing was not retractable. The covenant was unconditional (2 Sam 7). Though he was weakened by the usurpers, God was faithful to preserve him.
David expanded his reasoning to include the people of Israel (v. 8). The power of YHWH to preserve His people, “The Lord is their strength,” is David’s encouragement for Israel to follow his leadership in trusting YHWH. The pronoun shift from “my” to “their” opens salvation to the congregation because He is a saving defense to His anointed. David is speaking of himself as the federal head representing all Israel. The term “anointed” hints at the royal element of Messiah being King of Israel. If YHWH is the power and protection for the king, it is true for those who are in the same covenant with the king. Paul used the phrase, “in Christ,” to capture the essence of those who are subjects in the kingdom of His beloved Son (Col. 1:13).
David prayed for Israel’s salvation to come from the Good Shepherd (v. 9). It is noteworthy that David prayed for those who were deceived into allegiance with Absalom, “Save Thy people.” God’s people are called, “Thine inheritance.” The promised land shares the title, but what a marvelous comfort to Israel! The shepherd-king motif is seen by leaders in the ancient near east, as well as Israel. Ezekiel 34 relegates the title to YHWH Himself because He alone is faithful to bless and carry them, forever. Christians have been prayed for by their Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ (John 10, 17). Salvation belongs to the Lord, and He has graciously given salvation to His chosen people as a gift.
In sum, God’s anointed was in trouble, and so he prayed. His request for salvation/judgment was in alignment with covenant justice. The declaration of just punishment caused David to rejoice in worship. As he worshiped YHWH, he remembered His people, to pray for their salvation.
In conclusion, Psalm 28 inspires believers to pray, even when it does feel like God is listening. Our supplications to remove personal and community injustice are heard. God executes punishment against the wicked, according to His will. Salvation produces worshipers, so we pray for power, protection, and help in our day of trouble. We also pray for the Good Shepherd to remember the lost sheep of the house of Jacob; “…and they shall hear My voice, and they shall become one flock with one shepherd. He is the One who laid down His life for the sheep and who had the authority to take it up again. Blessed be the Lord Jesus, our strength and shield, the Shepherd-King who carries us, forever.
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
June 17, 2021
