King James Version

What Does Psalms 28:2 Mean?

“Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle. thy: or, the oracle of thy sanctuary”

Context

A Psalm of David. Unto thee will I cry, O LORD my rock; be not silent to me: lest, if thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit. to me: Heb. from me

Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle. thy: or, the oracle of thy sanctuary

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.

Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavours: give them after the work of their hands; render to them their desert.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **Lift up my hands.**—For interesting illustrations of this Oriental custom see Exodus 9:29; 1Kings 8:22, &c. Compare the well-known line:— “If, knowing God, they lift not hands of prayer.” TENNYSON: *Morte d’Arthur.* **Holy oracle.**—Better, *the shrine of thy sanctuary *(see margin)—*i.e., *the holy of holies, the adytum, or inner recess of the Temple in which the ark was placed, as we see from 1Kings 6:19-22. The Hebrew word, which is of doubtful derivation, is, with the exception of this place, only found in Kings and Chronicles. The margin, “the oracle of thy sanctuary,” is a better rendering than the text.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 28:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.