Psalm 30
The Bible tells us about the occasion surrounding Psalm 30. It was composed at the time of the dedication of King David’s palace. This festival took place shortly after David had recovered from a severe illness.
Section one, verses 1 to 3, praises God for David’s deliverance from illness. Instead of giving credit to the physicians, David gives glory to God for answering his prayers. David describes his illness as falling into a deep well or pit, out of which the Lord “lifted me up;” and as the grave, being near death. With the Lord’s healing, God prevented David’s enemies from rejoicing that he had died. When we are sick or afflicted, we also need to thank God for delivering us from death and restoring our health so that we can continue to praise God in this world.
Verses 4 to 5 in section two call upon belivers (“the saints”) to “sing praise to the Lord” and to “give thanks” as they remember God’s holy name, that is, the Word which God has revealed in the Bible. For through His Word God reveals His gracious will to bring salvation to all people through His Son. David has experienced how God works in his life: “God’s anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life.” Though God allows grief and weeping, believers know that this is for their good and that it will not endure any longer than necessary. For through trials, God deals with us as His children (Hebrews 12) in order that He might show them mercy in the morning that lasts into eternity.
In Section three, verses 6 to 7, David reveals why this illness and correction was necessary. In his power and prosperity, David had begun to think that he was especially favored by God and he began to trust in himself, boasting that “You have made my mountain stand strong.” When God withdrew His favor and brought David near death, David became frightened, realizing that salvation never comes from our works.
David did not despair of God’s goodness. In section four, verses 8 to 10, David cried to the Lord in prayer. David’s prayer consists of two thoughts: (1) If David should die, then he would not be able to praise God or declare His truths—the main purpose of his life, and the life of any believer; (2) a plea that God would have mercy on him and help.
Section five, verses 11 and 12, David rejoices in God’s gracious answer to his prayer. God turned his mourning over his illness into dancing for joy at his healing. Sackcloth was used as a garment showing repentance for sin. Through restored health, David was now clothed in gladness for his deliverance and for his salvation in the Messiah. David’s ransomed soul rejoiced at God’s mercy and salvation. Every believer has had this same experience, and with David, should praise God throughout his life and into eternity.