Psalm 28: Deliver Me From Temptation
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David faced the prospect of fighting his own kinsmen.
Such a battle would split the nation apart and destroy any hope of ruling by popular acclaim. David was puzzled because he had repeatedly prayed, but God had not responded to his plea for guidance (Psalm 28:1, 2). Not wishing to be grouped with evildoers, David prays God will not number him among those who will ultimately receive just punishment (vv. 3, 4). Many psalms request God to punish David’s enemies.
This seems contrary to Christ’s statement given during the Sermon on the Mount: “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:44, 45).
But David understood the final judgment of the wicked would come as a result of their choice to follow a course of evil. He likewise knew God would not follow momentary wishes but rather would deal justly with those who did not walk in the paths of righteousness. During Old Testament times, people equated sin and the sinner as one entity.
As such, calling for the destruction of the sinner was synonymous with calling for the destruction of evil. David had been anointed of God.
The Hebrew nation was chosen to represent God on Earth.
An attack against either was an attack against God.
Wherever sin is found, David feels justified in calling it by its right name and asking God to eradicate it (Psalm 28:5). David therefore thanks God for saving His anointed people (see 1 Peter 2:5, 9). “The wicked will be destroyed, not because of their malice toward the psalmist, but because of their malice toward God.” “Anywhere with Jesus I can safely go, / Anywhere He leads me in this world below; / Anywhere without Him, dearest joys would fade; / Anywhere with Jesus I am not afraid.”
