Psalm 31

Commentary on Psalm 31 (NKJV)

Passage Context

Psalm 31

New King James Version

The Lord a Fortress in Adversity

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

31 In You, O Lord, I [a]put my trust;

Let me never be ashamed;

Deliver me in Your righteousness.

2 Bow down Your ear to me,

Deliver me speedily;

Be my rock of [b]refuge,

A [c]fortress of defense to save me.

3 For You are my rock and my fortress;

Therefore, for Your name’s sake,

Lead me and guide me.

4 Pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me,

For You are my strength.

5 Into Your hand I commit my spirit;

You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.

6 I have hated those who regard useless idols;

But I trust in the Lord.

7 I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy,

For You have considered my trouble;

You have known my soul in [d]adversities,

8 And have not shut[e] me up into the hand of the enemy;

You have set my feet in a wide place.

9 Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in trouble;

My eye wastes away with grief,

Yes, my soul and my [f]body!

10 For my life is spent with grief,

And my years with sighing;

My strength fails because of my iniquity,

And my bones waste away.

11 I am a [g]reproach among all my enemies,

But especially among my neighbors,

And am repulsive to my acquaintances;

Those who see me outside flee from me.

12 I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind;

I am like a [h]broken vessel.

13 For I hear the slander of many;

Fear is on every side;

While they take counsel together against me,

They scheme to take away my life.

14 But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord;

I say, “You are my God.”

15 My times are in Your hand;

Deliver me from the hand of my enemies,

And from those who persecute me.

16 Make Your face shine upon Your servant;

Save me for Your mercies’ sake.

17 Do not let me be ashamed, O Lord, for I have called upon You;

Let the wicked be ashamed;

Let them be silent in the grave.

18 Let the lying lips be put to silence,

Which speak insolent things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.

19 Oh, how great is Your goodness,

Which You have laid up for those who fear You,

Which You have prepared for those who trust in You

In the presence of the sons of men!

20 You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence

From the plots of man;

You shall keep them secretly in a [i]pavilion

From the strife of tongues.

21 Blessed be the Lord,

For He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a [j]strong city!

22 For I said in my haste,

“I am cut off from before Your eyes”;

Nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications

When I cried out to You.

23 Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints!

For the Lord preserves the faithful,

And fully repays the proud person.

24 Be of good courage,

And He shall strengthen your heart,

All you who hope in the Lord.

Footnotes

Psalm 31:1 have taken refuge

Psalm 31:2 strength

Psalm 31:2 Lit. house of fortresses

Psalm 31:7 troubles

Psalm 31:8 given me over

Psalm 31:9 Lit. belly

Psalm 31:11 despised thing

Psalm 31:12 Lit. perishing

Psalm 31:20 shelter

Psalm 31:21 fortified

This is a Psalm of David, expressing deep trust in God amidst distress and seeking His deliverance and protection.

Interpretation

Psalm 31 is a profound expression of faith in God’s sovereignty, providence, and covenant faithfulness. It emphasises reliance on God’s strength and righteousness, rather than human effort.

Theological Teaching

God’s Sovereignty: David’s reliance on God as his “rock” and “fortress” reflects the belief in God’s ultimate control and protection over His people. God is seen as the sovereign ruler who directs the lives of His followers for His glory.

Covenant Faithfulness: David’s plea for deliverance and trust in God’s righteousness highlights God’s covenant faithfulness. God is faithful to His promises and His people.

Providence and Trust: The phrase “Into Your hand I commit my spirit” is a declaration of trust in God’s providence. This echoes the view that every aspect of life is under God’s providential care and guidance.

Righteousness and Redemption: David’s recognition of God’s righteousness and his own redemption aligns with the emphasis on justification and sanctification through God’s grace. God’s righteousness is the foundation for believers’ salvation and assurance.

Christological Fulfillment: This Psalm is often seen as prophetically pointing to Christ, who also committed His spirit into the Father’s hands on the cross (Luke 23:46). This connection reinforces the continuity of God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.

Application to Modern Christian Living

Trust in God’s Sovereignty: Modern Christians are encouraged to trust in God’s sovereign control over their lives, especially in times of distress and uncertainty, finding refuge and strength in Him.

Dependence on God’s Providence: Believers are called to depend on God’s providence, committing their lives and futures into His care, knowing that He is faithful and righteous.

Embracing God’s Faithfulness: This passage reminds Christians to reflect on God’s past faithfulness as a foundation for present and future trust, fostering a deep sense of security and peace.

Living Out Redemption: Recognising God’s righteousness and redemption encourages believers to live lives that reflect gratitude for His grace, seeking to honour Him in all things.

Christ-Centred Faith: Seeing the Christological fulfillment in this Psalm encourages Christians to focus on Jesus Christ as the ultimate expression of God’s faithfulness and the source of their salvation.