Psalms 28:7 Commentary

The goodness of Jehovah — no human means — is the resource of the heart... He strengthens the heart. "Wait, I say, on Jehovah." This, indeed, is the secret of strength in the time of evil. There is, then, nothing to fear... It is remarkable how entirely absent is the thought of any other resource or help than that of Jehovah. And this it is maintains integrity, for Jehovah cannot help otherwise than in maintaining truth of heart... The enemies are then Jehovah's concern. This is the secret of our security and comfort in trial.

The heart connects itself with Jehovah in crying to Him. The cry implies Jehovah's interest in us, and our having this for our starting-point; also our avowed dependence on Him. Hence, crying and prayer to the Lord are important, and an index to the state of soul... Here the soul is spoken of as in extreme distress — the pit of sheol open before it. But the principle is ever true, even in interceding for others. Here faith is shown in crying, when all seemed to man's eye hopeless.

But here is more, and much more in Jehovah's deliverance of us than the fact of being delivered. He has delivered us. The heart was attached to Him, adored Him, looked up to Him, believed Him, and He has not failed us. Oh! how true this is! and how it attaches afresh the heart to Him. So here (v. 6, 7), "MY heart trusted in him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth, and with my song will I praise him." This looking with confidence to Jehovah is a real entering into His character, and conformity to it, in the sense of estimating, delighting in, and honouring it, in counting it impossible to be otherwise.

I am in circumstances where all is opposed to the probability or possibility of his coming in to help, but I am sure he will. I count with affection on what he is... He is to my mind superior to all circumstances, governed by His own excellence; and this is what I appreciate and reckon on... He has proved his interest in me in intervening. Thus, when God shall deliver the remnant, and when He delivers the Christian, they can say, "This is our God; we have waited for him."

The heart has trusted God's heart, and found it, and rejoices in it — has really honoured God, though only in waiting in assured confidence for Him. It is satisfied in what its mighty Friend is, and in His love. It rejoices in deliverance, for it suffered and was oppressed in weakness, but rejoices in heart — delights in the Deliverer.

The first part (vv. 1-5) expresses the intercession of the Spirit of Christ in His people, according to their desire not to be identified with the wicked and their sense of the evil which He will judge. The concluding portion (vv. 6-9), especially the last verse, is more direct supplication on their behalf. Verse 9 identifies Jesus with Jehovah.