Psalm 28 “Hear My Voice”

“Unto thee will I cry, O LORD my rock; be not silent to me: lest, if thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit” (v.1)

This Psalm probably belongs to the time of Absalom’s rebellion, although we don’t know for certain. What we do know is that it was written by David in the context of some kind of battle. And, if we have learned anything about David thus far through the Psalms, we know he is not shy about calling upon his God for help in time of need. David's big concern in the beginning of our text (for whatever reason), centers around his cry/prayer being answered, and his fear of death (going down to the pit) if God does not answer. 

This raises the questions, What does it mean when God is silent in our lives? And, How should we react when this seems to be the case? Scripture tells us that God is silent sometimes because; He loves us (Zeph. 3:17), other times to test our faith or stir up our zeal (Matt. 15:23), and sometimes because He has already spoken and we have not heeded His words (Matt. 26:62). As to how we should react, David again shows us the way: 1) continue in prayer (v.2), 2) bless the LORD for hearing our prayers (v.6), trust and worship Him (v.7), then rest in His protection as our great shepherd (vv.8-9). 

Even though David experienced this time of silence, he did not go to some other (unhallowed) source for help as king Saul had done when the Philistines encamped against him at Shunem (1 Samuel 28:4). But rather David prayed, worshiped, sang songs unto the LORD, and waited. After beginning this psalm by praying, “Hear my voice” he ends it by praying for others saying, “lift them up for ever.”

So often this is what occurs in prayer as we speak to God, our requests move from “our desires” to the needs of “others.” What a beautiful foreshadowing of King of Kings who would pray for those who persecuted Him.

The Truth:  “Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34)