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 (GNV)
Geneva Bible 1599 (public domain)
Into Your Hand I Commit My Spirit
1To him that excelleth. A Psalme of David. In thee, O Lord, haue I put my trust: let mee neuer be confounded: deliuer me in thy righteousnesse. 2Bowe downe thine eare to me: make haste to deliuer mee: be vnto me a stronge rocke, and an house of defence to saue me. 3For thou art my rocke and my fortresse: therefore for thy Names sake direct mee and guide me. 4Drawe mee out of the nette, that they haue layde priuilie for mee: for thou art my strength. 5Into thine hand I commend my spirit: for thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of trueth. 6I haue hated them that giue them selues to deceitfull vanities: for I trust in the Lord. 7I wil be glad and reioyce in thy mercie: for thou hast seene my trouble: thou hast knowen my soule in aduersities, 8And thou hast not shut me vp in the hand of the enemie, but hast set my feete at large. 9Haue mercie vpon mee, O Lord: for I am in trouble: mine eye, my soule and my bellie are consumed with griefe. 10For my life is wasted with heauinesse, and my yeeres with mourning: my strength faileth for my paine, and my bones are consumed. 11I was a reproch among all mine enemies, but specially among my neighbours: and a feare to mine acquaintance, who seeing me in the streete, fled from me. 12I am forgotten, as a dead man out of minde: I am like a broken vessell. 13For I haue heard the rayling of great men: feare was on euery side, while they conspired together against mee, and consulted to take my life. 14But I trusted in thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my God. 15My times are in thine hande: deliuer mee from the hande of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me. 16Make thy face to shine vpon thy seruant, and saue me through thy mercie. 17Let me not be confounded, O Lord: for I haue called vpon thee: let the wicked bee put to confusion, and to silence in the graue. 18Let the lying lips be made dumme, which cruelly, proudly and spitefully speake against the righteous. 19Howe great is thy goodnesse, which thou hast layde vp for them, that feare thee! and done to them, that trust in thee, euen before the sonnes of men! 20Thou doest hide them priuily in thy presence from the pride of men: thou keepest them secretly in thy Tabernacle from the strife of tongues. 21Blessed be the Lord: for hee hath shewed his marueilous kindenesse toward me in a strong citie. 22Though I said in mine haste, I am cast out of thy sight, yet thou heardest the voyce of my prayer, when I cryed vnto thee. 23Loue ye the Lord all his Saintes: for the Lord preserueth the faithfull, and rewardeth abundantly the proud doer. 24All ye that trust in the Lord, be strong, and he shall establish your heart.