Psalms 105:28

Authorized King James Version

He sent darkness, and made it dark; and they rebelled not against his word.

Word-by-Word Analysis

שָׁ֣לַֽח

H7971

He sent

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

חֹ֭שֶׁךְ

H2822

darkness

the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness

וַיַּחְשִׁ֑ךְ

H2821

and made it dark

to be dark (as withholding light); transitively, to darken

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

מָ֝ר֗וּ

H4784

and they rebelled

to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)

אֶת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

דְּבָרֽוֹו׃

H1697

not against his word

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The historical context of the monarchic period, particularly David's reign (c. 1000-970 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Israelite monarchy with its temple worship, court life, and constant military threats created the liturgical and emotional context for these prayers and praises. The ancient Israelite worship practices and court culture would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 105 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?