Psalm 31 Overview

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Welcome to the Overview of Psalm 31

This page will introduce and provide orientation to Psalm 31 as a whole. It includes the following sections:


Introduction to Psalm 31

Author

David

Book

Book 1 of the Psalter (Chapters 1–41)

Psalm 31: A Brief Summary

Psalm 31 is like so many of David’s psalms: exalted confidence in YHWH stands side by side with deep distress. For David, both are equally true; he speaks just as strongly and passionately about times of triumph as about times of despair. Circumstances are regularly dire. YHWH’s people can still trust in him.

"In YHWH’s hand" This title is a memorable phrase that helps remember the unique character and content of this psalm.

The phrase “In YHWH’s hand” captures the hope of this psalm: no matter what happens, as long as David remains in YHWH’s hand, that is, in his power and under his protection, he can be at peace. As long as YHWH remains in control, David can rest.

Purpose The Purpose was the psalmist's probable intent or reason for writing this psalm.

To encourage others to trust YHWH despite dire circumstances.

Content The Content is a concise summary of the whole psalm's content.

YHWH, I am in a shameful state, but I trust you to rescue me. Though my enemies try to surround me, I know you protect those who take refuge in you.

Message The Message is the main idea the psalmist probably wanted the audience to remember upon or after hearing the psalm.

Trust YHWH! His people aren't forgotten, but sheltered in him!

Psalm 31 At-a-Glance

These sections divide the content of the psalm into digestible pieces , and are determined based on information from many of our layers, including Semantics, Poetics, and Discourse. The columns, left to right, contain: the verse numbers; the main title of the section; a brief summary of the content of that section (quote marks indicate the text is taken directly from the English text of the psalm (as per our Close-but-Clear translation); and an icon to visually represent and remember the content. Psalm 031 - At-a-glance Ps 31.jpg

Background Orientation for Psalm 31

Following are the common-ground assumptionsCommon-ground assumptions include information shared by the speaker and hearers. In our analysis, we mainly use this category for Biblical/Ancient Near Eastern background. which are the most helpful for making sense of the psalm.

  • After Saul became angry with him (1 Sam 20:30-34), Saul decided to kill David. When David fled from Saul, he lied to Ahimelech to secure food and weapons (1 Sam 21:1-9). Next David was forced to act like a madman to prevent Achish of Gath from killing him. So, Achish ridiculed him (1 Sam 21:10-15). After David saved the city of Keilah, Saul tried to capture him there by putting the city under siege (1 Sam 23:7-8). David heard the rumor that Saul was trying to surround him (1 Sam 23:9). As a result, David asked God whether the people of Keilah would surrender him into Saul's hand (1 Sam 23:12). God tells David that the people will betray him (1 Sam 23:12). David and his men escape into the countryside and hide in the strongholds (1 Sam 23:14). Even though Saul continued to pursue him, YHWH did not allow him to capture David (1 Sam 23:14).
  • Putting trust in one deity instead of many is a risky proposition, because it will lead to shame if that deity does not protect you (TDOT 1977, 2:52-53). Ancient Israel was a monotheistic society. Other cultures appealed to numerous gods in the hope that one of them would respond positively. If YHWH did not respond positively to him, David would look foolish for ignoring other deities who may have been willing to help.
  • YHWH's ability to provide protection may be compared to rock-like features and human-made fortresses (cf. Deut 32:37; 2 Sam 22:3; Ps. 18:3; 144:2; cf. Zion Isa 14:32). A rock is a fixed structure that provides shade and, depending on the size can provide physical safety. A fortress is a man-made structure designed to protect someone from an enemy. YHWH, by his very nature, is able to provide protection from enemies.
  • A person that is physically deformed is a social outcast (1 Sam 11:2; cf., Jezebel's corpse 2 Kgs 9:37).

Background Situation for Psalm 31

The background situation is the series of events leading up to the time in which the psalm is spoken. These are taken from the story triangle – whatever lies to the left of the star icon. Psalm 031 - Background Situation.jpg

Participants in Psalm 31

There are 7 participants/characters in Psalm 31:

YHWH
"my rock" (v. 4)
"my stronghold" (v. 4)
"God of faithfulness" (v. 6)

David / Psalmist
"servant"

Righteous/Israel
"those who fear" (v. 20)
"those who take refuge" (v. 20)
"loyal ones" (v. 24)
"faithful"

All people

Enemies
"adversaries" (v. 12)
"many people" (v. 14)
"pursuers"(v. 16)
Sinners
"those who worship worthless idols" (v. 7)
"the evil ones" (v. 18)
"lying lips" (v. 19)
"those that speak" (v. 19)
"people [who scheme]" (v. 21)
"contentious people" (v. 21)
"those who act pridefully" (v. 24)

Dead Person

Neighbors
"friends" (v. 12)
"those who see me" (v. 12)

  • David: During his time as the king of Israel, David faced many conflicts and endured hardship. He fled as a fugitive from King Saul (1 Sam 19:8ff) and faced exile during Absalom's coup (2 Sam 15:1ff). While nothing in this psalm identifies a particular event in David's life as the inspiration for the poem, one could imagine any number of scenarios from his life as the background for this psalm.
  • Enemies: As with the specific event in David's life, nothing in this psalm identifies a specific set of enemies. Instead, they are characterized in general terms. They are opposed to YHWH (cf. v. 7) and seek to trap and kill David physically (vv. 5, 14). When the enemies are described in relation to the righteous, David describes them as liars (vv. 19, 21) and people who act pridefully (v. 24).