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Book of Psalms Psalm 31

A Mighty Fortress is Our God

Every human weakness is an opportunity for us to trust in God’s strength. This was Paul’s testimony (2 Cor. 12:9-10). Some psalms are about God. This one is directed to Him. In Psalm 31, David’s anguish turned into assurance. This psalm revolves around three things: David’s problems, his prayers, and his praise. First, he describes his problems: he is trapped in a net (vs. 4); he is facing many troubles (vs. 7); he is suffering physical pain (vs. 9-10); he is despised by people who know him well (vs. 11); he is disregarded and forgotten (vs. 12); he is being slandered and plotted against (vs. 13); he is being persecuted (vs. 15); and he is being lied about (vs. 18). Secondly, David prays for God to do several things in the midst of his problems: deliver him (vs. 1); listen to him (vs. 2); protect him (vs. 2); lead him (vs. 3); rescue him (vs. 4); have mercy on him (vs. 9); show favor to him (vs. 16); and take vengeance on his enemies (vs. 18). Finally, he praises the Lord for many things: God is trustworthy (vs. 1); He is a defender (vs. 3); He is the God of truth (vs. 5); He is a deliverer (vs. 15); He is a provider (vs. 19); He is s shelter (vs. 20); He is a preserver and an avenger (vs. 23); and He is an encourager (vs. 24). We will take a close look at Ps. 31, which was first given to “the chief musician” or music minister.

1. David’s plea for protection (vs. 1-5)

A. He asks for deliverance – The first three verses are similar to Ps. 71:1-3. Ps. 31:1 was a key verse in the life of Martin Luther. Many psalms describe God as rock, refuge, or fortress. Psalms 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalms 91:1-2 1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Matthew Henry is correct in saying “prayer and faith must go together.” David put his trust in Jehovah (vs. 1, Heb., hasa, to flee for protection or take shelter in). God was his protection, his ultimate defense from the enemy. David had often found refuge in caves or rocks of the wilderness (1 Sam. 23:25; 24:2), but his real security was in the Lord. David knew that his enemies had set traps for him, but he trusted God to deliver him. Verse 2 is an urgent request for God to listen (Ps. 102:2). David needed God’s protection and also His direction. He made his request based on God’s name and not his own worthiness (vs. 3; see Ps. 23:3).

B. He admits his dependence – Verse 5 was quoted by Jesus (Lk. 23:46) and Stephen (Acts 7:59). His outward troubles increased David’s concern for his soul. This may have been David’s usual prayer on the battlefield. David put his life in the Lord’s hands. It is a picture of total trust and absolute dependence.

2. David’s praise for deliverance (vs. 6-8)

A. He rejects all false gods – David rejected all people who rejected God (Ps. 26:5; 139:21- 22). All false idols were lying vanities. They were deceptive and worthless. David trusts in Jehovah, the true and living God. “Trust” (vs. 6) means to lean upon Him. Jonah may have had vs. 6-7 in mind when he prayed inside the great fish (Jon. 2:7-8).

B. He rejoices in the true God – He found joy in knowing that God was aware of his circumstances and had a personal interest in him. God would not abandon him, but would set his feet in a large room. This means God would give him firm footing in a spacious place so he could escape the impending danger that threatened him.

3. David’s pain in tribulation (vs. 9-13)

A. The pain of emotional sorrow (vs. 9) – His eyes were consumed with grief because he had shed many tears. David pleaded for mercy in his great misery.

B. The pain of physical suffering (vs. 10) – He felt drained and sapped of all strength.

C. The pain of personal scorn (vs. 11-12) – He was shamed by his enemies. Even His friends and acquaintances had ignored him like a dead man and discarded him like a piece of broken pottery.

D. The pain of verbal slander (vs. 13) – He heard the slander of many. Some tried to scare him with death threats. The most destructive weapon used against David was the tongue.

4. David’s prayer for help (vs. 14-18)

A. He asks for rescue – In spite of all the personal attacks, David trusted in the Lord and His providential control. Since the hand of his enemy was against him (vs. 8, 15), he could find safety in the hand of God (vs. 5, 15). Two things comforted David in his troubles: he knew God personally (vs. 14); and he knew God was in control of his life (vs. 15). He understood that all people, events, and circumstances were in God’s hands. Warren Wiersbe refers to this as “the Old Testament version of Romans 8:28.” David asks God to bless him with the shining of His face (Num. 6:25; Ps. 4:6; 44:3; 67:1; 80:3, 7, 9). David understood the shame and dishonor that would result if his enemies overcame him. Since David was God’s anointed king ultimately the honor of God was at stake.

B. He asks for vengeance – David did not take matters into his own hands, but realized that vengeance belongs to God. He knew that God could silence the mouths of his enemies.

5. David’s praise for protection (vs. 19-22)

A. God’s abundant goodness – David knew that God is perfectly good (Ps. 34:8)) and He is the source of good things for those who fear Him (Ps. 119:68). God’s people are described as those who fear Him and trust Him. David trusted God to hide him in His presence and give him shelter. Only God could protect him from their pride and slander.

B. God’s amazing grace – David blessesd God for his marvelous kindness (covenant love). Even when he thought he was about to die, God was faithful to hear his prayer for help.

6. David’s proclamation of hope (vs. 23-24)

A. A call to love the Lord – After praising God, he urged other believers to love the Lord. We can always count on Him to preserve the faithful and punish the proud.

B. A call to lean on the Lord – The command in verse 24 is found about 20 times in the Old Testament, especially in anticipation of battle (Josh. 1:6-7). Our all-knowing, all- powerful, infinite God is so much greater than the limited people who may threaten us.

Book of Psalms Psalm 31

A Mighty Fortress is Our God

1. David’s______(vs. 1-5)

A. He asks for______– The first three verses are similar to Ps. 71:1-3. Ps. 31:1 was a key verse in the life of Martin Luther. Many psalms describe God as rock, refuge, or fortress. Psalms 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalms 91:1-2 1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

B. He admits______– Verse 5 was quoted by Jesus (Lk. 23:46) and Stephen (Acts 7:59). His outward troubles increased David’s concern for his soul. This may have been David’s usual prayer on the battlefield.

2. David’s______(vs. 6-8)

A. He rejects______– David rejected all people who rejected God (Ps. 26:5; 139:21-22). All false idols were lying vanities. They were deceptive and worthless. David trusts in Jehovah, the true and living God.

B. He rejoices______– He found joy in knowing that God was aware of his circumstances and had a personal interest in him.

3. David’s______(vs. 9-13)

A. The pain of______(vs. 9)

B. The pain of______(vs. 10)

C. The pain of______(vs. 11-12)

D. The pain of______(vs. 13)

4. David’s______(vs. 14-18)

A. He______– In spite of all the personal attacks, David trusted in the Lord and His providential control. Since the hand of his enemy was against him (vs. 8, 15), he could find safety in the hand of God (vs. 5, 15). Two things comforted David in his troubles: he knew God personally (vs. 14); and he knew God was in control of his life (vs. 15). He understood that all people, events, and circumstances were in God’s hands. Warren Wiersbe refers to this as “the Old Testament version of Romans 8:28.” David asks God to bless him with the shining of His face (Num. 6:25; Ps. 4:6; 44:3; 67:1; 80:3, 7, 9).

B. He______– David did not take matters into his own hands, but realized that vengeance belongs to God.

5. David’s______(vs. 19-22)

A. God’s______– David knew that God is perfectly good (Ps. 34:8)) and He is the source of good things for those who fear Him (Ps. 119:68). God’s people are described as those who fear Him and trust Him.

B. God’s______– David blessesd God for his marvelous kindness (covenant love). Even when he thought he was about to die, God was faithful to hear his prayer for help.

6. David’s______(vs. 23-24)

A. A call to______– After praising God, he urged other believers to love the Lord. We can always count on Him to preserve the faithful and punish the proud.

B. A call to______– The command in verse 24 is found about 20 times in the Old Testament, especially in anticipation of battle (Josh. 1:6-7). Our all-knowing, all-powerful, infinite God is so much greater than the limited people who may threaten us.