Psalms 28:5. He shall destroy them, and not build them up. David often foresaw that Saul's army and party would perish in war. This prayer, Psalms 28:4-5, is in unison with the forms of prayer used in christian churches for their sovereigns in times of war and danger; “giving him the victory over all his enemies.” Yet we are not allowed to pray against but for our opposers.
Psalms 28:8. The Lord is their strength. The LXX, the strength of his people.
REFLECTIONS.
This prayer of David was uttered under some new excitement of the Benjamites. They had flattered him with fair speeches, having mischief in their hearts. Therefore he saw that God would not establish their houses, as princes and nobles in the land. Let us trace the designations of providence, that we may revere and follow them. Many live in constant forgetfulness of God, because they regard not his works. This is the cause why so many that know God, in works deny him and rebel against him; they overlook the majesty of his power, and the displays of his wrath against sinners. Let it therefore be our resolution, that we will meditate on his works, and consider the operation of his hands.
Let us learn from hence to cultivate a deep concern for the good of the public, and to offer fervent prayers for its prosperity. That is a short, excellent, and comprehensive prayer in the conclusion of the psalm, which we should improve; that God would save his people, and bless his inheritance, those who profess his pure religion and are devoted to his service; that he would save them from their enemies, and bless them with victory and prosperity; feed them with plenty of earthly and spiritual blessings, lift them out of their troubles into a state of security and triumph, and do it for ever for his people, through all succeeding generations. This is a very proper prayer for our country at all times, and should be offered up with great earnestness; then may we hope that God will be the strength of his people, and the saving strength of his anointed; that the king may reign in righteousness, and princes decree justice.