Psalms 31
Psalms 31 is part of “Book I: The Genesis Book” (1–41) in the outline of Psalms.
Psalms 31 summary
It is probable that David penned this psalm when he was persecuted by Saul; some passages in it agree particularly to the narrow escapes he had, at Keilah (Sa1 23:13), then in the wilderness of Maon, when Saul marched on one side of the hill and he on the other, and, soon after, in the cave in the wilderness of En-gedi; but that it was penned upon any of those occasions we are not told. It is a mixture of prayers, and praises, and professions of confidence in God, all which do well together and are helpful to one another. I. David professes his cheerful confidence in God, and, in that confidence, prays for deliverance out of his present…
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It is probable that David penned this psalm when he was persecuted by Saul; some passages in it agree particularly to the narrow escapes he had, at Keilah (Sa1 23:13), then in the wilderness of Maon, when Saul marched on one side of the hill and he on the other, and, soon after, in the cave in the wilderness of En-gedi; but that it was penned upon any of those occasions we are not told. It is a mixture of prayers, and praises, and professions of confidence in God, all which do well together and are helpful to one another. I. David professes his cheerful confidence in God, and, in that confidence, prays for deliverance out of his present troubles (Psa 31:1-8). II. He complains of the very deplorable condition he was in, and, in the sense of his calamities, still prays that God would graciously appear for him against his persecutors (Psa 31:9-18). III. He concludes the psalm with praise and triumph, giving glory to God, and encouraging himself and others to trust in him (Psa 31:19-24). To the chief musician. A psalm of David.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Key verses in Psalms 31
Psalms 31 (ASV)
American Standard Version (public domain)
Into Your Hand I Commit My Spirit
1For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. In thee, O Jehovah, do I take refuge; Let me never be put to shame: Deliver me in thy righteousness. 2Bow down thine ear unto me; deliver me speedily: Be thou to me a strong rock, A house of defence to save me. 3For thou art my rock and my fortress; Therefore for thy name’s sake lead me and guide me. 4Pluck me out of the net that they have laid privily for me; For thou art my stronghold. 5Into thy hand I commend my spirit: Thou hast redeemed me, O Jehovah, thou God of truth. 6I hate them that regard lying vanities; But I trust in Jehovah. 7I will be glad and rejoice in thy lovingkindness; For thou hast seen my affliction: Thou hast known my soul in adversities; 8And thou hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy; Thou hast set my feet in a large place. 9Have mercy upon me, O Jehovah, for I am in distress: Mine eye wasteth away with grief, [yea], my soul and my body. 10For my life is spent with sorrow, And my years with sighing: My strength faileth because of mine iniquity, And my bones are wasted away. 11Because of all mine adversaries I am become a reproach, Yea, unto my neighbors exceedingly, And a fear to mine acquaintance: They that did see me without fled from me. 12I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel. 13For I have heard the defaming of many, Terror on every side: While they took counsel together against me, They devised to take away my life. 14But I trusted in thee, O Jehovah: I said, Thou art my God. 15My times are in thy hand: Deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me. 16Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: Save me in thy lovingkindness. 17Let me not be put to shame, O Jehovah; for I have called upon thee: Let the wicked be put to shame, let them be silent in Sheol. 18Let the lying lips be dumb, Which speak against the righteous insolently, With pride and contempt. 19Oh how great is thy goodness, Which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee, Which thou hast wrought for them that take refuge in thee, Before the sons of men! 20In the covert of thy presence wilt thou hide them from the plottings of man: Thou wilt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. 21Blessed be Jehovah; For he hath showed me his marvellous lovingkindness in a strong city. 22As for me, I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: Nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications, When I cried unto thee. 23Oh love Jehovah, all ye his saints: Jehovah preserveth the faithful, And plentifully rewardeth him that dealeth proudly. 24Be strong, and let your heart take courage, All ye that hope in Jehovah.