Psalm 31:1-24
Q.1. What were David’s circumstances in this Psalm? What was his petition, and where was his confidence? How does this Psalm relate to the sufferings of Christ? – (Ps.31:1-14)
David was in fear of his life at the hands of his enemies, who had set a trap against him (Ps.31:4,8,11). He cried out for deliverance and prayed that he might maintain his integrity in the midst of his trials (Ps.31:1-2). He affirmed his commitment and confidence in God (Ps.31:3-5). The Psalm is Messianic and an amazing insight into the sufferings of Christ – Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have ransomed me, O Lord, God of truth … Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; My eye is wasted away from grief, my soul and my body also (Ps.31:5,9 c.f. Lk.23:46). It particularly described the mocking of Jesus on the cross – 11 Because of all my adversaries, I have become a reproach, especially to my neighbours, and an object of dread to my acquaintances; Those who see me in the street flee from me. 12 I am forgotten as a dead man, out of mind; I am like a broken vessel. 13 For I have heard the slander of many, terror is on every side; While they took counsel together against me, they schemed to take away my life (Ps.31:11-13 c.f. Mt.27:1,27-31,39-44). This Psalm also expresses the confidence of Jesus in His Father, even in the face of death – As for me, I trust in You, O Lord (Ps.31:14 c.f. Lk.23:46).
Q.2. How did David respond to his own sufferings? What does God do for those who fear Him? How close was David to death? What did his deliverance do for him? – (Ps.31:14-24)
David revealed his attitude to suffering and rejection – 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 upon Your servant; Save me in Your lovingkindness. 17 Let me not be put to shame, O Lord, for I call upon You … (Ps.31:15-17). He shared the confidence His children can have in the Lord – How great is Your goodness, which You have stored up for those who fear You, which You have wrought for those who take refuge in You, before the sons of men! (Ps.31:19). This included trusting God with our reputation, even if slandered – You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the conspiracies of man; You keep them secretly in a shelter from the strife of tongues (Ps.31:20). It is clear that David had despaired, regarding dying in a besieged city – … Nevertheless, You heard the voice of my supplications when I cried to You (Ps.31:22). David called on those who have been saved to give praise to God, even as he did for his deliverances – 23 O love the Lord, all you His godly ones! The Lord preserves the faithful and fully recompenses the proud doer. 24 Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord (Ps.31:23-24).