By David.
David wrote this song while he was facing imminent death.
28:1 To you, O Lord, I cry out! My protector, do not ignore me!
If you do not respond to me, I will join those who are descending into the grave.
In verses 1-4, David offers up an urgent prayer to Jehovah. He addresses Jehovah as “my protector.” He urgently tells Jehovah that his life is in immediate and imminent danger.
28:2 Hear my plea for mercy when I cry out to you for help, when I lift my hands toward your holy temple!
David asked Jehovah to hear his prayers. David raised his hands towards the tabernacle, because the temple was not yet built. “Temple” is an English mistranslation of the Hebrew text.
28:3 Do not drag me away with evil men, with those who behave wickedly, who talk so friendly to their neighbors, while they plan to harm them!
David did not want to be dragged away and taken captive with other evil men who were experts at deceit and flattery.
28:4 Pay them back for their evil deeds! Pay them back for what they do! Punish them!
David asked Jehovah to take revenge upon his enemies.
28:5 For they do not understand the Lord’s actions, or the way he carries out justice. The Lord will permanently demolish them.
Verses 5-8 are addressed to the congregation. Unbelievers of the satanic world system are deceived by their unholy master, because they do not understand divine viewpoint.
28:6 The Lord deserves praise, for he has heard my plea for mercy!
Jehovah heard David’s plea for mercy, so the congregation should praise Jehovah.
28:7 The Lord strengthens and protects me; I trust in him with all my heart. I am rescued and my heart is full of joy; I will sing to him in gratitude.
David informed the congregation that Jehovah strengthens and protects him. David trusted in Jehovah with all of his intellect, so Jehovah listened to his prayer and rescued him. Therefore, David will sing to Jehovah in gratitude.
28:8 The Lord strengthens his people; he protects and delivers his chosen king.
David informed the congregation that Jehovah strengthens His own people. He protects the people and He delivers the anointed King of Israel.
28:9 Deliver your people! Empower the nation that belongs to you! Care for them like a shepherd and carry them in your arms at all times!
David returned to his prayer. He asked Jehovah to deliver Israel from their enemies. The Gentile nations were beasts who wanted to devour Israel. David asked Jehovah to empower Israel to be victorious against her enemies. He asked Jehovah to shepherd Israel and carry her like a lamb in His arms.