The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 31:1-8

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

A prayer for grace in trouble.

Authorship uncertain. Some give it to David, in Ziklag; others to Jeremiah. Three divisions.

I. THE PSALMIST'S PRAYER. The trouble that oppressed him had been of long duration, as appears from the tenth verse.

1. He prays for deliverance from his trouble. (Verse 1.) Does not qualify the prayer, but seeks absolute deliverance. It was to him an unqualified evil, and, as evil, he had no thought it could be working any good for him. So the Lord's Prayer, "Deliver us from evil," would be put to shame if not delivered.

2. He prays for protection and defence. (Verse 2.) He apart from God was weak against the united power of his enemies. "If God be for us, who can be against us" with any success?

3. He prays for leading and guidance. (Verse 3.) That he may see and feel the way of safety amid the bewildering dangers of his path. Christ is our great Leader, "the Beginner and Finisher of our faith." Striking description of Christ.

4. He prays that he may escape out of the secret snares that were set for him. (Verse 4.) We cannot fight against hidden dangers.

II. THE EXULTING FAITH IN WHICH HE PLEADS WITH GOD. He trusts:

1. In God's righteousness. (Verse 1.) God's righteousness demands that he should not give him over to the unrighteous. He could not doubt that.

2. He knew that God was his Strength and Refuge. (Verses 3, 4.) Prove thyself to be to me what I know thou art—my Rock and House of defence. "Thou art my Strength."

3. He knew that God had redeemed him. (Verse 5.) And therefore he surrenders his spirit into his keeping, knowing him to be a God of truth, i.e. faithful to his word and to his work. "He who hath begun a good work," etc.; "Perfect that which concerneth me."

4. He knew that God saw his trouble and adversities. (Verse 7.) And that therefore out of merciful compassion he would interpose to rescue him. "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him," etc.

5. He enjoys deliverance already by anticipation. (Verse 8.) "Thou hast set my feet in wide, open spaces," where I can roam at liberty. Faith like this removes mountains of difficulties—

"Laughs at impossibilities,

And says, 'It shall be done.'"

—S.

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