31:title music director See note on 4:title.

A psalm of David See note on 3:title.

31:1 I have taken refuge The Psalms often speak joyfully and confidently about the refuge God provides.

Let me not be put to shame ever The Hebrew word used here that is related to shame, bosh, usually comes as a result of misplaced trust (Job 6:20; Isa 1:29). However, the psalmist proclaims that the one who trusts in Yahweh will never be put to shame.

righteousness Often refers to God’s just judgment. See note on Ps 4:1.

31:2 rock of refuge Refers to locations of security—emphasizing the protection and salvation Yahweh provides (see 18:1–3 and note).

31:3 my rock and my fortress After appealing to Yahweh (v. 2), the psalmist confidently asserts that Yahweh is his rock and fortress.

for the sake of your name The psalmist appeals to Yahweh’s own glory as he asks for His guidance. Yahweh should not provide guidance for the psalmist’s sake, but so that His own name will be glorified. See note on 23:3.

31:4 the net that they have secretly set The psalmist often portrays his enemies as setting traps or nets for him (119:85). Elsewhere, enemies fall into their own traps (7:15–16; 9:15–16; 57:7). See Job 18:8 and note.

31:5 I commit my spirit In the face of his troubles, which include sickness (Ps 31:9–10) and social alienation (vv. 11–13), the psalmist entrusts himself to Yahweh’s faithful care.

You have redeemed me The word padah (“to redeem”) frequently occurs in the context of ransoming people from trouble (Deut 7:8; Mic 6:4).

31:6 I hate those devoted to The psalmist declares his loyalty to Yahweh by showing that he hates idolatry.

31:7 I will exult In contrast with those who pay regard to idols, the psalmist finds contentment and satisfaction in Yahweh’s chesed (love) (see note on Exod 15:13). The psalmist is confident Yahweh will deliver him because of His faithful love.

Chesed Word Study

31:8 broad place Describes a place where the psalmist can stand securely (Ps 18:36; Job 36:16).

31:11 a disgrace The Hebrew word used here, cherpah, typically describes shame or disgrace that results from an action (Gen 34:14; 2 Sam 13:13). The psalmist describes how his affliction has made him an object of scorn and ridicule, despite his faithfulness to Yahweh (Ps 31:6).

31:12 like a destroyed vessel The psalmist compares himself to broken pottery, which people discard because it is useless (Jer 22:28).

31:13 they have plotted to take my life The psalmist is more than just an object of ridicule—people are actively plotting against him.

31:14 But as for me, I trust you In spite of his current suffering, the psalmist still trusts Yahweh will be faithful and deliver him (Ps 31:6).

31:15 in your hand A recognition of God’s sovereignty. Just as Job recognized that Yahweh gives and takes away (see Job 1:21 and note), the psalmist recognizes that all of his times, both good and bad, are in God’s hand. This and his belief in God’s faithfulness give him hope.

31:17 Sheol The Hebrew word she’ol is used here. See note on Job 14:13; note on 1 Kgs 2:6.

31:19 your goodness The psalmist is confident that Yahweh’s goodness, which is stored up for those who fear Him, will deliver him. Since he has taken refuge in Yahweh (Ps 31:1), the psalmist expects to receive Yahweh’s goodness.

31:21 Blessed is Yahweh Changing his tone to thanksgiving, the psalmist praises Yahweh for delivering him.

31:22 alarm The term chaphaz means “to make haste.” Apparently the psalmist concluded, at some point, that he had been cut off from Yahweh. He recognizes he reached this conclusion in haste; Yahweh was faithful and heard his cries for help.

31:24 all you who wait for Yahweh Describes eager hope and expectation for God’s deliverance (Isa 40:31).