Psalms 28:4

4 Pay them back for what they've done! Pay them back for their evil deeds! Pay them back for their handiwork! Give back to them exactly 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 Listen to my request for mercy when I cry out to you, when I lift up my hands to your holy inner sanctuary.

3 Don't drag me off with the wicked and those who do evil; the type who talk nice to their friends while evil thoughts are in their hearts!

4 Pay them back for what they've done! Pay them back for their evil deeds! Pay them back for their handiwork! Give back to them exactly what they deserve!

5 Because they have no regard for what the LORD has done, no regard for his handiwork, God will tear them down and never rebuild!

6 Bless the LORD because he has listened to my request for mercy!