Psalm 28 - Deliverance

David was concerned that the Lord, the one on whom he depended, would not listen to his prayers. If that should happen, there would be no difference between him and those who did not fear God (v. 1). David was looking for mercy from God. Mercy is more than forgiveness; it can also include deliverance from trouble. David, as did Daniel centuries later, showed his faith in God by looking towards the sanctuary (the tabernacle) because that is where God’s throne was, the seat on the ark of the covenant (v. 2). 

David is brave in expressing his faith in the Lord (v. 3). He would have to be dragged away with the wicked, those who are hypocrites who speak peace but mean harm. David is sure that they deserve divine punishment (vv. 4-5). Their main sin is a refusal to consider God’s actions. As a consequence, he will reduce them to nothing.

There must have been a time gap between verse 5 and verse 6 because in verse 6 David says that his prayer for deliverance has been answered. This divine rescue showed that the Lord was David’s deliverer and protector. Since that was the case, the only appropriate response from David was increased trust and grateful praise from his heart (vv. 6-7).

David had a special place in the kingdom of God as it was expressed in Israel. He was the king whom God had chosen and empowered for this role. Helping David was not merely help for David as an individual, it was also an indication that God would help his people (v. 8). 

As a godly king, David did what was appropriate for him as monarch — he prayed for his subjects. Yet he knew that they were much more than his subjects. He was aware that they were the heritage of the Lord, the people he had chosen to bless with great privileges. They were his weak flock, but since the powerful God was their shepherd, he could carry them easily for ever (v. 9).

With New Testament information, we can understand why blessings come to us because of the King. We also can appreciate how we have a Shepherd who carries us all the way to glory and throughout the ages to come.