Psalms 28:1

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֵ֘לֶ֤יךָ

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֨ה׀

H3068

O LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶקְרָ֗א

H7121

Unto thee will I cry

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

צוּרִי֮

H6697

my rock

properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)

אַֽל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תֶּֽחֱשֶׁ֥ה

H2790

to me lest if thou be silent

to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad

מִ֫מֶּ֥נִּי

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

פֶּן

H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

תֶּֽחֱשֶׁ֥ה

H2790

to me lest if thou be silent

to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad

#10

מִמֶּ֑נִּי

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#11

וְ֝נִמְשַׁ֗לְתִּי

H4911

to me I become

to liken, i.e., (transitively) to use figurative language (an allegory, adage, song or the like); intransitively, to resemble

#12

עִם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#13

י֥וֹרְדֵי

H3381

like them that go down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

#14

בֽוֹר׃

H953

into the pit

a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)

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 sovereignty 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?