A psalm. A song. For the dedication of the temple [or palace]. Of David.

A. Praise for God’s Wonderful Acts
30:1 I will exalt you [the content of this psalm is nestled between parenthesis of praise (see last line)], Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths [metaphor meaning “to draw up out of the water” as a bucket drawing water from the depths of a well; the meaning is “you saved me” out of the grips of Sheol] and did not let my enemies gloat [to be happy over another’s misfortune or suffering; same root as “joy” in verse 11 = “You did not let me enemies be joyous over me, instead you clothed me with joy.”] over me.

30:2 Lord [Yahweh (God’s revealed name)] my [intimate relationship between the psalmist and his God; “In the intimacy of communion lies the secret of answered prayer.” (Expositor’s, Vol. 5, p. 259)] God, I called to you for help, and you [A] healed me [this ended the gloating of his enemies].

30:3 You, Lord, [B] brought me up from the realm of the dead [the sickness that he had experienced had brought him close to death]; you [C] spared me from going down to the pit.



B. God’s Favor and Anger

30:4 Sing [“Grace has lifted us up from the pit of hell … have we no song to offer for all this?” (Spurgeon)] the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people [members of the covenant community; those who are loyal to the Lord]; praise his holy name.

30:5 For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping [that results from suffering or repentance] may stay [remain] for the night [a short time or season], but rejoicing comes in the morning [a metaphor for blessing, restoration, healing].

30:6 When I felt secure [the self-confident feeling we have in times of prosperity or when things are going our way; “No temptation is so bad as tranquility.” (Spurgeon)], I said [boastfully], “I will never be shaken.”

30:7 Lord, when you favored me [or “in your favor”], you made my royal mountain [the psalmist regained strength like a mountain] stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed [to be greatly troubled; ”This proves, first, that David was a genuine saint, for no hiding of God’s face on earth would trouble a sinner; and, secondly, that the joy of the saint is dependent upon the presence of his Lord.” (Spurgeon)].



C. Praise for God’s Wonderful Acts

30:8 To you, Lord, I called [to keep on calling; “Prayer is the unfailing resource of God’s people. If they are driven to their wit’s end, they may still go to the mercy seat.” (Spurgeon)]; to the Lord I cried for mercy:

30:9 [only God can answer the first two questions…] “What is gained if I am silenced, if I go down to the pit? [man can answer the last two questions…] Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness?



Note: David complained,“What is gained if I am silenced, if I go down into the pit? Will the dust praise? Will it proclaim your faithfulness?” God alone can answer the first question. However, those who remain behind after the death of a loved one can answer the other questions. The fact of the matter is that our dust will speak for us after we die. Remember that you are writing the script for your dust one day at a time. And remember also that you are making the payments on the gifts that will either be a blessing or a curse to your survivors. So, invest today in the kinds of gifts that will keep on giving long after you are gone. Leave a legacy that money can’t buy.



30:10 Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me; Lord, be my help [“…when God helps, difficulties vanish.” (Spurgeon)].”

30:11 You [the Lord is the great Vindicator] turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

30:12 that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent [“It would be a shameful crime if, after receiving God’s mercies, we should forget to praise Him. God would not have our tongues lie idle while so many themes for gratitude are spread on every hand.” (Spurgeon)]. Lord my God, I will praise [“What is praise? The rent we owe to God; and the larger the farm the greater the rent should be.” (G.S. Bowes)] you forever [the content of this psalm is nestled between parenthesis of praise (see first line)].