Psalms 31:21

Authorized King James Version

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Blessed be the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city.

Original Language Analysis

בָּר֥וּךְ Blessed H1288
בָּר֥וּךְ Blessed
Strong's: H1288
Word #: 1 of 8
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
יְהוָ֑ה be the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֑ה be the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 2 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כִּ֥י H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 3 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הִפְלִ֘יא for he hath shewed me his marvellous H6381
הִפְלִ֘יא for he hath shewed me his marvellous
Strong's: H6381
Word #: 4 of 8
properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful
חַסְדּ֥וֹ kindness H2617
חַסְדּ֥וֹ kindness
Strong's: H2617
Word #: 5 of 8
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
לִ֝֗י H0
לִ֝֗י
Strong's: H0
Word #: 6 of 8
בְּעִ֣יר city H5892
בְּעִ֣יר city
Strong's: H5892
Word #: 7 of 8
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
מָצֽוֹר׃ in a strong H4692
מָצֽוֹר׃ in a strong
Strong's: H4692
Word #: 8 of 8
something hemming in, i.e., (objectively) a mound (of besiegers), (abstractly) a siege, (figuratively) distress; or (subjectively) a fastness

Analysis & Commentary

Blessed be the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city. David's lament transforms fully into praise as he declares God's covenant love demonstrated through deliverance. This models faith journey from petition through trust to thanksgiving—pattern of many Psalms and much Christian experience.

Blessed be the LORD initiates worship. Hebrew baruk means to bless, praise, adore. When humans bless God, we acknowledge His worthiness, goodness, power. We cannot add to God's blessedness, but honor Him by declaring His excellency. This blessing formula appears throughout Scripture, marking transitions from trial to testimony, petition to praise. David has moved from lament's darkness to worship's light.

For he hath shewed signals cause for blessing. Hebrew pala means to be wonderful, extraordinary, surpassing. God has done something remarkable beyond normal experience or expectation. His intervention was not merely adequate but marvelous—inspiring awe and wonder. This distinguishes God's works from human efforts; His deliverances reveal supernatural power and care.

His marvellous kindness translates chesed pala—extraordinary covenant love. Chesed is God's loyal, steadfast, faithful love rooted in covenant commitment. Not earned or merited but flows from God's character and promise. Modifying chesed with pala emphasizes God's love exceeded expectations—He lavishly exceeded minimum obligations. Grace upon grace, love beyond measure.

In a strong city (Hebrew 'ir matsor—fortified city, place of siege) provides geographical specificity or metaphor. God's kindness manifested powerfully in place of confinement and danger. Reformed theology emphasizes God's love is not abstract sentiment but concrete action—He shows kindness through tangible deliverance.

Historical Context

David experienced several instances where God delivered from besieged cities. Most notably, God warned him to leave Keilah before Saul arrived (1 Samuel 23:7-13). God's foreknowledge and timely revelation displayed marvellous kindness, preventing capture.

Phrase strong city may echo Psalm 31:21 in Hebrew texts, where similar language appears. Early church fathers interpreted strong city Christologically. Augustine saw it as church—city of God under assault by world but preserved by divine kindness.

Questions for Reflection