Read Psalms chapter 31 online with LogosAI Bible study tools, highlights, and cross references.
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 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).
1 For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David. In you, LORD, I take refuge. Let me never be disappointed. Deliver me in your righteousness.
2 Bow down your ear to me. Deliver me speedily. Be to me a strong rock, a house of defense to save me.
3 For you are my rock and my fortress, therefore for your name’s sake lead me and guide me.
4 Pluck me out of the net that they have laid secretly for me, for you are my stronghold.
5 Into your hand I commend my spirit. You redeem me, LORD, God of truth.
6 I hate those who regard lying vanities, but I trust in the LORD.
7 I will be glad and rejoice in your loving kindness, for you have seen my affliction. You have known my soul in adversities.
8 You have not shut me up into the hand of the enemy. You have set my feet in a large place.
9 Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am in distress. My eye, my soul, and my body waste away with grief.
10 For my life is spent with sorrow, my years with sighing. My strength fails because of my iniquity. My bones are wasted away.
11 Because of all my adversaries I have become utterly contemptible to my neighbors, a horror to my acquaintances. Those who saw me on the street fled from me.
12 I am forgotten from their hearts like a dead man. I am like broken pottery.
13 For I have heard the slander of many, terror on every side, while they conspire together against me, they plot to take away my life.
14 But I trust in you, LORD. I said, “You are my God.”
15 My times are in your hand. Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.
16 Make your face to shine on your servant. Save me in your loving kindness.
17 Let me not be disappointed, LORD, for I have called on you. Let the wicked be disappointed. Let them be silent in Sheol.
18 Let the lying lips be mute, which speak against the righteous insolently, with pride and contempt.
19 Oh how great is your goodness, which you have laid up for those who fear you, which you have worked for those who take refuge in you, before the sons of men!
20 In the shelter of your presence you will hide them from the plotting of man. You will keep them secretly in a dwelling away from the strife of tongues.
21 Praise be to the LORD, for he has shown me his marvelous loving kindness in a strong city.
22 As for me, I said in my haste, “I am cut off from before your eyes.” Nevertheless you heard the voice of my petitions when I cried to you.
23 Oh love the LORD, all you his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, and fully recompenses him who behaves arrogantly.
24 Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the LORD.