Psalms 28:4

4 Pay them back for their deeds, as befits their evil acts; repay them for what they have done, give them what they deserve.

Psalms 28:4 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 28:4

Give them according to their deeds
According to the demerit of them, which is death, even death eternal;

and according to the wickedness of their endeavours;
for though wicked men do not always succeed; yet their want of success does not excuse their wickedness;

give them after the work of their hands;
see ( 2 Timothy 4:14 ) ;

render to them their desert;
what their iniquities, in thought, word, and deed, deserve: such petitions are not contrary to that Christian charity which the Gospel recommends; nor do they savour 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 given up to a reprobate 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 was the will of God in this case; see ( Psalms 28:5 ) ; and therefore these petitions of his are not to be drawn into an example in common and ordinary cases.

Psalms 28:4 In-Context

2 Hear the sound of my prayers when I cry to you, when I lift my hands toward your holy sanctuary.

3 Don't drag me off with the wicked, with those whose deeds are evil; they speak words of peace to their fellowmen, but evil is in their hearts.

4 Pay them back for their deeds, as befits their evil acts; repay them for what they have done, give them what they deserve.

5 For they don't understand the deeds of ADONAI or what he has done. He will break them down; he will not build them up.

6 Blessed be ADONAI, for he heard my voice as I prayed for mercy.