Psalms 31:1-13 - Frederick Brotherton Meyer's Commentary

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a Cry out of Deep Trouble

Psalms 31:1-13

Some have supposed that this psalm was written during the Sauline persecutions; but it is more likely that it dates from Absalom's rebellion. It alternates between the depths of despondency and the heights of sublime faith, and well befits those who walk in darkness and have no light, Isaiah 50:10.

It sounds as if the soul were on a wind-swept moor, with no shelter from the storm. All is dark and wild; and it dreads to be caught in the entangling net, Psalms 31:4. What a magnificent prayer is that of Psalms 31:5! It supplied their last words to Stephen, Polycarp, Bernard, Hus, Luther, Melanchthon-above all, to our Lord, Luke 23:46; Acts 7:59. The Psalter was our Lord's prayer book. This verse is a suitable petition also, as we go forth into the unknown day, 2 Timothy 1:12.

Sin, slander, neglect make the heart break; but God is all-sufficient. Hide in Him; that life is safe which is God-encompassed. “Hid with Christ in God!” Colossians 3:1-4.

Related Commentaries of Psalms 31:1

Psalms 31:1-13

1 In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.

2 Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.

3 For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.

4 Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength.

5 Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.

6 I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD.

7 I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;

8 And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a large room.

9 Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly.

10 For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed.

11 I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me.

12 I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a brokena vessel.

13 For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.