# Psalm 28 📖: The Lord My Strength and Shield
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> [!info] Table of Contents
> [[#📜 Scripture Text (NET)]]
> [[#📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary]]
> [[#🤔 Interesting Facts / Historical and Cultural Insights]]
> [[#🧠 Chapter Summary]]
> [[#✝️ Christ in This Chapter]]
> [[#🔎 Key Principles / 🛟 Life Application]]
> [[#💬 Discussion Questions]]
> [[#✍️ Key Verses to Remember]]
> [[#🔗 Related Passages/Cross Reference]]
> [[#🙏 Devotional Reflection]]
> [[#📂 Internal Notes]]
## 📜 Scripture Text (NET)
(The NET Bible: New English Translation. Biblical Studies Press, 2005)
## By David.
[[#Verse 01.]] To you, O Lord, I cry out!
My Protector, do not ignore me.
If you do not respond to me,
I will join those who are descending into the grave.
[[#Verse 02.]] Hear my plea for mercy when I cry out to you for help,
when I lift my hands toward your holy temple.
[[#Verse 03.]] Do not drag me away with evil men,
with those who behave wickedly,
who talk so friendly to their neighbors,
while they plan to harm them.
[[#Verse 04.]] Pay them back for their evil deeds.
Pay them back for what they do.
Punish them.
[[#Verse 05.]] For they do not understand the Lord’s actions,
or the way he carries out justice.
The Lord will permanently demolish them.
[[#Verse 06.]] The Lord deserves praise,
for he has heard my plea for mercy.
[[#Verse 07.]] The Lord strengthens and protects me;
I trust in him with all my heart.
I am rescued and my heart is full of joy;
I will sing to him in gratitude.
[[#Verse 08.]] The Lord strengthens his people;
he protects and delivers his chosen king.
[[#Verse 09.]] Deliver your people.
Empower the nation that belongs to you.
Care for them like a shepherd and carry them in your arms at all times!
## 📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary
###### Overall.
###### Verse 01.
###### Verse 02.
###### Verse 03.
###### Verse 04.
###### Verse 05.
###### Verse 06.
###### Verse 07.
###### Verse 08.
###### Verse 09.
## 🤔 Interesting Facts / Historical and Cultural Insights
1. The psalm turns sharply from plea (28:1-5) to praise (28:6-9), a common pattern in the lament psalms.
2. "The Pit" (28:1) is a poetic term for the grave or Sheol.
3. Lifting the hands (28:2) was a normal posture of prayer in Israel (Psalm 134:2; 1 Timothy 2:8).
4. The "inner sanctuary" (28:2) translates *debir*, the Most Holy Place where the ark was kept (1 Kings 6:19).
5. Speaking peace with neighbors while planning harm (28:3) is also condemned in Jeremiah 9:8.
6. Paul uses similar words about Alexander the coppersmith, "the Lord will repay him according to his deeds" (2 Timothy 4:14).
7. "Rock" is one of David's favorite names for God (Psalm 18:2), picturing stability and protection.
8. The "anointed one" (28:8) refers to the king. The Hebrew *mashiach* is the source of the word Messiah.
9. The closing picture of a shepherd who carries his flock (28:9) also appears in Isaiah 40:11.
10. Israel is called the Lord's inheritance or special possession (28:9; Deuteronomy 32:9).
## 🧠 Chapter Summary
> [!note] 🌱 Still growing. This section is on its way.
## ✝️ Christ in This Chapter
Christ is the Lord's Anointed and the Good Shepherd who carries His people (28:8-9; John 10:11). The Hebrew word for "anointed" (*mashiach*) gives us the title Messiah.
## 🔎 Key Principles / 🛟 Life Application
> [!note] 🌱 Still growing. This section is on its way.
## 💬 Discussion Questions
1. David is afraid that if God stays silent he will be like those who go down to the grave (28:1). Why does God's silence feel so heavy, and how do you respond to it?
2. The wicked speak friendly words while planning evil (28:3). How can we guard against both being deceived and being deceptive?
3. David moves from pleading (28:1-5) to praising (28:6-7). What helps you move from fear to trust when you pray?
## ✍️ Key Verses to Remember
- 📖 verse 1: David cries out to the Lord, his rock, not to ignore him.
- 📖 verse 7: The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped.
- 📖 verse 9: David prays for the Lord to save, bless, shepherd, and carry His people forever.
## 🔗 Related Passages/Cross Reference
- 🔗 [[John 10#Verse 11.|John 10:11]] - Jesus is the Good Shepherd.
- 🔗 [[Isaiah 40#Verse 11.|Isaiah 40:11]] - He carries the lambs in His arms.
- 🔗 [[Psalm 18#Verse 02.|Psalm 18:2]] - The Lord is my rock and fortress.
- 🔗 [[Jeremiah 09#Verse 08.|Jeremiah 9:8]] - Speaking peace while setting a trap.
- 🔗 [[1 Timothy 02#Verse 08.|1 Timothy 2:8]] - Lifting holy hands in prayer.
## 🙏 Devotional Reflection
📝 SOAP: [[Psalm 28- SOAP|The Lord Helps Us]]
## 📂 Internal Notes