PSALM 31: Cry of the Psalmist Heart

Psalm 31:

 Have mercy upon me,

O LORD,

for I am in trouble:

vs.9

Psalm 31: This psalm is uniquely composed of two rounds of lament (verses 1-6, 9-18), and praise (verses 7-8, 19-24).
Jeremiah frequently borrowed the phrase found (in verse 13), “fear was on every side” (Jer. 6:25; 20:10; 46:5; 49:29); and Jesus drew on the language (of verse 5), for His final words on the Cross (Luke 23:46).


This psalm contains more of David’s problems, prayers, and praises. David will again walk a road that takes him from anguish to assurance.

I.       The Originally Private Setting (31:1-18).

A.  His Testimony About Security and Salvation (31:1-5);

... be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me. vs.2

B.   His Testimony about Discernment and Deliverance (31:6-8);

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

C.   His Testimony about Reproach and Relief (31:9-18).

I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbors..vs.11

II.      The Ultimately Public Setting (31:19-24).

A.  His Testimonies and Divine Exaltation (31:19-22);

Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; vs.19

B.   His Testimonies and Human Exhortation (31:23-24).

O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful... vs.23

 

This is the ground of the petitions which follow; or the reason why the psalmist thus appeals to God. It was his firm confidence in Him; in His character; in His promises; and in His ability to deliver Him in the time of danger."

BooksOfTheBible

For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing:

my strength faileth because of mine iniquity,

and my bones are consumed.

vs.10