Psalms 28:3
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 28:3
3 Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts.
Chapter Context
Psalms 28 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, truth, discipleship. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-9: Development of key themes
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 28:3
3 Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts.
Analysis
The prayer 'Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity' asks to be spared the wicked's fate. The description 'which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts' depicts hypocritical evil. Reformed theology sees total depravity—human hearts naturally deceive and scheme. The prayer for separation from such people reflects the doctrine of election: God distinguishes between wheat and tares, sheep and goats. Believers are preserved from sharing the wicked's judgment.
Historical Context
Israel experienced leaders who spoke peace while plotting evil (Jer. 6:14). Such hypocrisy characterized false prophets who promised prosperity while nation rushed toward judgment. Discernment required divine revelation.
Reflection
- How do you discern between those who 'speak peace' genuinely versus hypocritically?
- What does being 'drawn away' versus 'preserved' teach about God's electing grace?
Cross-References
- Sin: Psalms 7:14, 10:7, 26:9
- Peace: Micah 3:5
- Evil: Psalms 36:4, Matthew 25:41
- Parallel theme: Psalms 10:14, 12:2, 55:21, 62:4