1. huic David intellectus beati quorum remissæ sunt iniquitates et quorum tecta sunt peccata
2. beatus vir cui non inputabit Dominus peccatum nec est in spiritu ejus dolus
3. quoniam tacui inveteraverunt ossa mea dum clamarem tota die
4. quoniam die ac nocte gravata est super me manus tua conversus sum in ærumna mea dum configitur mihi spina diapsalma
5. delictum meum cognitum tibi feci et iniustitiam meam non abscondi dixi confitebor adversus me iniustitiam meam Domino et tu remisisti impietatem peccati mei diapsalma
6. pro hac orabit ad te omnis sanctus in tempore oportuno verumtamen in diluvio aquarum multarum ad eum non adproximabunt
7. tu es refugium meum a tribulatione quæ circumdedit me exultatio mea erue me a circumdantibus me diapsalma
8. intellectum tibi dabo et instruam te in via hac qua gradieris firmabo super te oculos meos
9. nolite fieri sicut equus et mulus quibus non est intellectus in camo et freno maxillas eorum constringe qui non adproximant ad te
10. multa flagella peccatoris sperantem autem in Domino misericordia circumdabit
11. lætamini in Domino et exultate justi et gloriamini omnes recti corde
Footnotes:
31:1-3 - The psalmist seeks refuge in God, affirming his trust in Him as his safe haven. This passage emphasizes the importance of turning to God in times of trouble, acknowledging His protection (see also Psalm 16:1 and Psalm 46:1).
31:4-5 - Committing one's life to God demonstrates total trust and surrender. The psalmist expresses his faith in God as his Savior, reflecting the personal and intimate relationship we should have with the Lord (see also Luke 23:46 and Acts 7:59-60).
31:6-8 - The psalmist acknowledges God's faithfulness in the midst of suffering and persecution. The assurance that God is just and that He cares for His children offers comfort and encouragement to persevere in faith (see also Psalm 34:18 and 2 Timothy 4:18).
31:9-13 - The psalmist's lament is a sincere plea for help. He expresses vulnerability and the pain of being persecuted, showing that honesty in our prayers is essential to an authentic relationship with God (see also Psalm 42:9-10 and Psalm 102:1-2).
31:14-16 - Trust and hope in God's love are reaffirmed. The psalmist cries out for light and salvation, evidencing his certainty that God will hear his prayer and deliver him (see also Psalm 33:18-22 and Romans 8:38-39).
Verses related to Liber Psalmorum, 31:
Psalm 31 is a prayer of confidence in times of distress. How does the psalmist find refuge in God? This psalm of David alternates between laments and declarations of faith, expressing total trust in God in the midst of adversity. The text addresses themes such as God's faithfulness, unjust persecution and hope in divine liberation. Psalm 31 inspires believers to persevere through trials. Consider with us five biblical passages that correlate with the confidence demonstrated in this comforting psalm.
Luke 23:46: "Jesus cried out in a loud voice: 'Father, into your hands I commit my spirit'. Having said this, he expired." - Jesus quotes Psalm 31:5 in his final moments on the cross, demonstrating his trust in God.
1 Peter 2:23: "When insulted, he did not retaliate; When he suffered, he did not threaten, but surrendered himself to the one who judges justly." - This verse reflects the attitude of trust in God in the midst of suffering, a central theme of Psalm 31.
Jeremiah 20:10: "I hear many whispering: 'Terror everywhere! Report him! Let's report him!' All my friends are waiting for me to stumble and fall, saying, 'Perhaps he will be deceived; so we can defeat him and take revenge on him.'" - This verse echoes the feeling of persecution expressed in Psalm 31:13.
Romans 10:11: "As the Scripture says: 'Whoever trusts in him will never be put to shame'." - Paul quotes a portion of Psalm 31:1, emphasizing the security found in trusting God.
Isaiah 49:23: "Kings will be their guardians, and queens will be their nurses; They will fall down before you with their faces to the ground and lick the dust from your feet. Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed." - This verse reflects the theme of Psalm 31:24, encouraging hope in the Lord.
FAQ:
What does the psalmist ask of God in Psalm 31?
The psalmist asks for God's protection, deliverance, and mercy, trusting in His justice and power to rescue from distress. (Psalm 31:1-2)
How is God described in Psalm 31?
God is described as a safe refuge, a rock, and a fortress. He is trustworthy in times of trouble. (Psalm 31:3)
What does the psalmist say about enemies?
The psalmist mentions that his enemies speak evil of him, but he trusts in God to protect him and save him from shame. (Psalm 31:13-15)
How does the psalmist express his trust in God?
He affirms that his life is in God's hands and that the Lord is faithful to deliver him from all dangers. (Psalm 31:14-15)
What can we learn about prayer from Psalm 31?
The Psalm teaches us to trust in God even in times of distress, making Him our refuge and seeking His intervention. (Psalm 31:22)