Psalm 28
Pastor Mark Hudson
There are various groupings in the Psalms. You already know that the entire collection of Psalms are grouped together in 5 books.
1-41 Book One
42-72 Book Two
73-90 Book Three
91-106 Book Four
107-150 Book Five
Then there are other groupings within those sections. We have one small group of Psalms in 26-28. As Derek Kidner notes, “In each of Psalms 26-28 the Lord’s house come into view. In Psalm 26 the worshipper, as he approaches, is searched by God’s demand for sincerity (cf. Psalms 15 and 24) and, in the last verse, rejoices to have found access. In Psalm 27 he sees this house as sanctuary from his enemies, and as the place of vision, face to face with God. In Psalm 28 he bring forward his petition, spreading his hands as a suppliant towards the holy of holies, and receives his answer” (Kidner, vol 1. p. 117).
Our outline for Psalm 28 is borrowed from Kidner:
Kidner
1-2 Suppliant’s lament
3-5 Cry for justice
6-7 Suppliant heard.
8-9 Blessings shared.
The Psalmist is speaking to God and longs to make sure God knows he only wants God. He seems to indicate that God could not answer him and could be deaf to him. He is desperate that God listens to Him and not treat him like the ungodly. He does not want to “become like those who go down to the pit” (v. 1) or be dragged “off with the wicked” (v. 3). He distances himself from the ungodly. This individual wants to be treated as God’s chosen and draws out the distinction from the ungodly and the godly.
We ought to remember that God simply hearing our prayers is more than we could expect and is almost impossible to understand. Why would God listen to our prayers? I don’t know how you feel about your prayers, but I don’t think my prayers are great to listen to. Maybe it is because our prayers reveal our spirituality, and my own spirituality is not as robust as I would like. Yet the Creator of the universe listens to our prayers.
Then in vs. 3-5, the author cries for justice. The author does not mince words regarding the wicked. They are ‘workers of evil, speak peace . . . ‘while evil is in their hearts.’ He wants justice for them. And we should never, ever ask for justice from a holy God. Verse 4 is just asking to give them what they deserve. We never want what we deserve from God. We ask for mercy and grace. In other words, don’t give us what we deserve and please give us what we could never earn or deserve. Then in v. 5, they refuse to see what should be evident to them; ‘the works of the Lord or the work of His hands.’
Then in the last few verses, the praise resounds to God. The Creator of the universe is the strength of His people and a saving refuge that we run to when we face trials. God even calls us His people and His heritage. Why God calls us His people is hard to fathom. What kind of inheritance or heritage are we for God?
I love the last phrase of v. 9. “Be their Shepherd and carry them forever.” That should melt your heart. God is ‘my’ Shepherd as Ps 23 says. Here it is ‘be their Shepherd.’ This tender metaphor is full of compassion, gentleness, and comfort. This comes from Jacob in Genesis 48:15, “. . . the God who has been my shepherd all my life long to his day.” That is such a beautiful summary of God’s care for Jacob who at his advanced age looks back and recognizes God’s faithfulness.
Our Lord calls Himself the good Shepherd in John 10:11. In Hebrews 13:20, Jesus is called the chief Shepherd and I Peter 5:4, the great Shepherd. A Shepherd is almost universally understood as a protector, provider, nurturer, and guide. This is an apt descriptor of God’s attributes. The Lord is the Shepherd of Israel.
Finally, God is One who will ‘carry them forever.’ This is one of many verses where Biblical authors reassure us of God tender mercies. Here are a few verses reminding us of His carrying and His love:
Num. 11:12 Did I conceive all this people? Did I give them birth, that you should say to me, carry them in your bosom, as a nurse carries a nursing child,’ to the land that you swore to give their fathers?
Is. 40:11 He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.
Is. 46:4 even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.
Is 63:9 In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them; in his love and in his pity, he redeemed them, he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.
Finally, while this verse is not about carrying, remember the circumstances.
Matt. 23:37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!
God’s city, Jerusalem has rejected their Messiah. They have violently revolted against Christ and utterly rejected Him and all He stands for. So, what does Jesus want to do? “How often would I have gathered [you] . . . as a hen gathers her brood under her wings.” I want to protect you and care for you. This is a man saying he wants to act like a mother. This is a rejected, spurned, hated, mocked man who just wants to love. It really is stunning to consider how Christ can love in the face of hatred.
Dear Lord, how can we understand that You are at once a God of wrath against the wicked and the most tender, loving, compassionate God we see in Scripture? You are too much for us to accurately conceive even when we read about You in the Bible. For us to accept that You love us, really love us, that truth has to overcome the many obstacles we put in the path of Your Holy Spirit. You are too great for us, too majestic, too lowly in heart, too righteous in judgment and faithful in love. Overcome our barriers so we welcome Your undeserved love. We pray this for the glory of Christ. Amen.