Psalm 28 is an individual lament that concludes with an expression of confidence in God. This is a familiar pattern in the psalms. The act of praying helps us to see the truth more clearly.
The psalmist calls upon God as "my rock." This metaphor, which is prominent in Deuteronomy 32 and is picked up in several psalms (18:2,31; 19:14; 73:26; 92:15; 144:1). God is strong and dependable and gives refuge and protection.
The psalmist expresses his dependence on God. He prays "toward your holy sanctuary" (v 2). Solomon, of course, asked that prayers directed toward the temple be heeded (1 Ki 8:35, 38, 42).
We may have a bit of a mixed metaphor in Psalm 28:1, since he asks the rock to "be not deaf to me," and rocks do not really have ears. But God is strong and dependable in taking action for his people, which is the full meaning of him "hearing" or "being not deaf.
He prays that he not suffer the fate of the wicked (v 3) and asks for justice to be done. Verses 4-5 say much about the works of God versus human works. The wicked disregard the works of God and work to undermine God's works with their own works. He prays that the wicked be judged according to their works.
Later in the psalm he praises God in anticipation of deliverance and vindication. He is no longer in despair but confident in "my strength and my shield" (v 7). God helped David and later anointed kings of Israel and Judah---he is "the saving refuge of his anointed," as verse 8 says.
He intercedes for God's people (v 9). "Be their shepherd and carry them forever," he concludes. We see such imagery elsewhere in Isaiah 40:11; 46:3-4; 63:9.
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