Psalms 31:15
My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.
Original Language Analysis
מִיַּד
are in thy hand
H3027
מִיַּד
are in thy hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
1 of 6
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
עִתֹּתָ֑י
My times
H6256
עִתֹּתָ֑י
My times
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
2 of 6
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
הַצִּ֘ילֵ֤נִי
deliver
H5337
הַצִּ֘ילֵ֤נִי
deliver
Strong's:
H5337
Word #:
3 of 6
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
מִיַּד
are in thy hand
H3027
מִיַּד
are in thy hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
4 of 6
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
Cross References
Acts 1:7And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.John 17:1These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:John 7:6Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.Psalms 142:6Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.Job 24:1Why, seeing times are not hidden from the Almighty, do they that know him not see his days?2 Timothy 4:6For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.Psalms 143:3For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.Psalms 143:9Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.2 Samuel 7:12And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.Acts 27:24Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.
Historical Context
My times are in thy hand resonates with Israel's covenantal understanding. God determined times and seasons of Israel's history—400 years in Egypt, 40 years in wilderness, timing of judges and kings. God's control over times is fundamental to biblical history and prophecy.
Reformers emphasized this doctrine against Renaissance humanism's growing emphasis on human autonomy. Calvin wrote extensively on providence, arguing nothing occurs by chance—all events fall under God's wise governance. This doesn't make God author of sin but affirms He directs even evil toward good ends.
Questions for Reflection
- How does believing your times are in God's hand affect response to uncertain circumstances?
- Why doesn't God's sovereignty eliminate need for prayer? How does prayer function within providence?
- What is difference between fatalism (passive resignation) and trusting God's providence (active confidence)?
- How does recognizing God's control over timing help when deliverance seems delayed?
- In what practical ways can you live out conviction that your times are in God's hand?
Analysis & Commentary
My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me. Divine sovereignty over life's chronology while petitioning for deliverance—demonstrating that trusting God's control doesn't eliminate prayer but grounds it. Core Reformed convictions about providence and prayer.
My times are in thy hand declares God's sovereignty over David's life duration, circumstances, seasons. Hebrew 'eth means times, seasons, appointed moments. Plural suggests all of David's times—past, present, future; danger and safety; suffering and joy. All held in God's hand (yad—power, authority, control). This is not deistic observation but intimate, purposeful governance.
Deliver me from the hand of mine enemies juxtaposes God's hand with enemies' hands. Petition assumes God's sovereign hand controls whether enemies' hands succeed. David doesn't pray because circumstances are out of control but precisely because they're under God's control. He appeals to Sovereign to exercise sovereignty on David's behalf.
Reformed theology insists God's sovereignty doesn't eliminate secondary causes (enemies genuinely pursue) but governs them (God determines outcome). Prayer is means God appointed for His people to participate in His providential governance—not changing His mind but conforming to decreed purposes.