Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents

Psalm 31. This is a lament that seeks help from God for a faithful person worn out with trouble and beset by enemies who want to do him harm (vv. 4, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20). It is not hard to connect many of the particulars with the life of David, the author; but the wording is general enough for all kinds of people to find themselves in this prayer.

31:1-2 Hear My Prayer. The opening words, I take refuge, exhibit dependence and trust (cf. 5:11; 16:1; 25:20); this is the kind of person who may seek God's help. On be put to shame, see note on 25:2-3. God's righteousness here is his faithfulness to his promises; it is grounds for assurance, not for fear. The images of rock and fortress, using several different words, are common ways of describing God. Psalm 71:1-3 is very similar.