Psalm 28 Continued…
Psalm 28:3 Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts.
Do not drag me away with the wicked
At this point in His prayer, he expresses a strong desire not to be united with wicked people in sentiment or in destiny, in life or in death, on earth or in the future state. The reason for the prayer seems to have been that David, at this time was experiencing a strong temptation to associate with wicked persons, and feeling the force of the temptation, was afraid that he might “yield” to it, and become involved with them—socialize and spend time with them. Being deeply conscious of this danger, he earnestly prays that he would be kept from yielding to the power of the temptation, and fall into sin. The Savior knew that we, like David, would face temptations in our lives, so in Matthew 6:13 He taught us to pray, “And lead us not into temptation.” Anyone who desires to serve God should make this request daily. Today the temptations of the world are stronger than ever before, and the amusements in which the world indulges are so brilliant and fascinating (I-pads, computer games, the internet, etc.). Those who invite us to participate in their pleasures are often so elevated in their social position, so refined in their manners, and so cultivated by education—the list is long—and it includes athletes, movie stars and well-known entertainers. The inclinations of our hearts for such indulgences are naturally strong; habits formed before our conversion are still so powerful; and the prospect of worldly advantages from compliance with the customs of those around us are often so great that we cannot help but feel that it is proper for us to go to the throne of grace, and to plead earnestly with God that He will keep us from falling into the snare of temptation. This is especially true of those who before they were converted had indulged in alcohol and drugs, or in illicit sexual pleasures, and who are invited by their old companions in sin to join them again in their activities. All the power of the former habit returns, and there is a fierce struggle for victory between conscience and the old habits; those who are tempted in this way need the grace of God to keep them from “yielding.” This prayer is especially appropriate at this time; “Do not drag me away with the wicked.”
With those who do evil
The KJV uses the phrase “workers of iniquity,” they are those people who do evil things—anything that God has designated sin in the Old and New Testaments. The Ten Commandments are still in effect. Jesus didn’t do away with them, He raised them to a new level. The command is, ‘You shall not murder’; Jesus said, ‘if you are angry with your brother you have committed murder in your heart.’ The command is, ‘You shall not commit adultery’; Jesus said, ‘if you lust, you have committed adultery in your heart.’ Realizing we have a sinful nature and are prone to sin, we avoid temptation when possible and pray, “Lord, keep me from temptation.”
Who speak cordially with their neighbors
Often the evil doers are friendly and likable. They “seem” to be encouraging you to do that which is for your own good, or something which will bring you enjoyment. They appear to be your friends; they profess to be so. They use flattering words while they tempt you to go astray. Their arguments are plausible and cloak their real motives, which are selfish and meant to bring you down to their level.
but harbor malice in their hearts
We are describing here God-haters, not those who just ignore God and consider religion irrelevant, but those who don’t want it around, and will do what they can to disgrace it. They act like your friends but are secretly plotting your ruin; urging you to join them in something that will embarrass you and the church. They want to lead you into a situation where you are tempted and may fall into sin, so that you may dishonor religion, and disgrace your testimony. Under plausible pretenses, they tempt the good, corrupt and seduce the innocent, and they entice God’s friends in order to bring shame and reproach upon the cause of religion.
Psalm 28:4 Repay them for their deeds and for their evil work; repay them for what their hands have done and bring back upon them what they deserve.
Repay them for their deeds
Give them their just deserts; deal righteously with them; recompense them as they deserve. It is proper for them to suffer as they have acted, that they reap what they have sown.
And for their evil work
Do unto them as they have done to others; treat them according to the wickedness of their deeds, their schemes, their works, and their plans. Although wicked men do not always succeed; yet their lack of success does not excuse their wickedness.
Repay them for what their hands have done
Reward them according to what they do, and deal with them as they have dealt with others. Paul had to deal with many wicked people; one of them was Alexander the metalworker, of whom Paul said, “Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done.” (2 Timothy 4:14). This seems to have been the person mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:20: “Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.” He was probably one of the Judaizing teachers, who violently opposed the true doctrine of the gospel. Paul wanted the “Lord to reward him according to his works”
And bring back upon them what they deserve.
Treat them according to what their wicked ways, in thought, word, and deed, deserve: such prayers are not contrary to that Christian goodwill which the Gospel recommends; nor do they indicate the presence of a spirit of revenge, which is condemned by the word of God; for it should be observed, that these things are said with respect to men who have a degenerate mind; and that the psalmist does not seek to avenge himself, nor to gratify his own mind; but he sought the glory of God, and moreover spoke by a prophetic spirit, knowing what the will of God was in this case (see verse 5); and therefore these petitions of his are not to be considered an example of common and ordinary cases.
This whole verse is a prayer that God would deal “justly” with them. There is no evidence that there is anything of vindictiveness or malice in the prayer. There is no impropriety in praying that “justice” may be done. This prayer is evidently a prophecy that God will, sooner or later, render to all unrepentant sinners according to what they deserve—see the next verse—also Psalm 5:10: “Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you.”
It is hard for us to see God’s wrath and justice as a worthy content of prayer. But it is not only appropriate, it shouldn’t be avoided. We should pray that if those who reject God won’t repent then God will justly punish them for the wickedness.
PRAY
Father, help me to love your Word, your justice and your judgments.