Psalm 31 is a personal lament, a cry for deliverance from enemies and affliction. It is attributed to David, along with most of the psalms in the first book of Psalms, 1-41, though we do not know its origin in detail, nor its precise date. Many of the Psalms were collected as part of the oral tradition of Israel’s worship over the centuries, first into smaller collections, and then only brought together into the larger collection we now know very late in Old Testament times.  It is presumed the psalms were used in the worshipping community as part of temple services and private devotions, and were often set to music (though this Psalm does not specify a tune as some possibly do).

In v. 1, the psalmist seeks refuge in the Lord, and prays not to be put to shame. The writer appeals to God’s righteousness, which contrasts with the wickedness of the adversaries. While in v. 1 the psalmist approaches God, in v. 2, the writer asks God to incline to him and to rescue him. He uses the metaphor of a rock of refuge and that of a strong fortress in which he can shelter. The theology of the psalmist echoes the sentiment that we can draw near to God (only) as God draws near to us.

In v. 3, the psalmist spells out that God is indeed a rock and fortress to him. He appeals to God’s good name in calling for God to lead and guide him, to deliver him from the hidden net set for him. This is in keeping with much of the prophetic spirit in Israel, that saw the fortunes of God’s people reflecting on the honour of God and God’s good name. It is an appeal for God to save, lest those around the psalmist conclude that his God is not responsive or caring. Similar sentiments were included in Psalm 23 last week.

In v. 5, the psalmist commends his spirit to God in the words echoed by Christ on the cross, “Into your hand I commit my spirit”.  In the following portion of this verse (not quoted by Christ, but perhaps implied in the first statement), the psalmist is thankful for the faithful deliverance God has shown.

The verses chosen for the lectionary reading skip over the main body of the psalm, which includes a recitation of the psalmist’s woes and a graphic account of his fear over the scheming of his enemies. The poetry is moving, but general enough in its images that people with a variety of laments might make this prayer their own.

In v. 15 the lectionary again takes up the psalm with the affirmation, “My times are in your hand,” an acknowledgement that the psalmist’s life rests with God. He then prays, “deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors,” a cry for deliverance. In v. 16, he asks for a sense of God’s presence, “let your face shine upon your servant,” and again for deliverance, “save me in your steadfast love.” This is an appeal to God’s hesed, his longsuffering care (‘loyalty’ etc.) for his people.

The theology of this psalm implies that God is responsive to those who call upon God, that it is in God’s nature to deliver and save God’s people when they are afflicted by illness or enemies, and to hear them when they cry.  There is a quiet confidence in God’s love and willingness to help that is at the heart of faith. The assurance that in God, the person of faith may find refuge accords well with the gospel of the day, in which Jesus encourages his followers to believe in God, who has prepared a place for them (John 14). Our celebration of the resurrection of Jesus in this Easter season, by no means leaves behind the turmoil and troubles of this life. All now are seen, and prayed about, in the context of the promise and power of God seen in the resurrection of Jesus.

Return to OT Lectionary Readings contents page