Psalm 28:4

Repay them according to their deeds and for their works of evil. Repay them for what their hands have done; bring back on them what they deserve.

Study Bible

Repay them according to their deeds
This phrase reflects the biblical principle of divine justice, where individuals are held accountable for their actions. The concept of retribution is seen throughout Scripture, such as in Proverbs 24:12, which emphasizes that God will repay each person according to their deeds. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of sowing and reaping, as found in Galatians 6:7. The psalmist's plea for justice is rooted in the understanding that God is a righteous judge who sees all actions and will administer justice accordingly.

and for their works of evil
The mention of "works of evil" highlights the moral and ethical dimensions of human actions. In the biblical context, evil deeds are those that go against God's commandments and disrupt the harmony of His creation. The psalmist's call for recompense for evil works underscores the seriousness with which God views sin. This is consistent with the teachings found in the Old Testament law, where specific consequences were prescribed for various transgressions (e.g., Leviticus 26:14-39).

Repay them for what their hands have done
The imagery of "hands" signifies the tangible actions and efforts of individuals. In ancient Near Eastern culture, hands were often symbolic of power and action. This phrase emphasizes personal responsibility and the direct correlation between one's actions and the resulting divine judgment. The Bible frequently uses the metaphor of hands to describe human activity, as seen in Isaiah 59:3, where hands are described as defiled with blood, indicating guilt and wrongdoing.

bring back on them what they deserve
This plea for retributive justice is a call for God to enact His righteous judgment. The idea of receiving what one deserves is a common theme in the wisdom literature, such as in Job 34:11, which states that God repays a person according to their deeds. The psalmist's request reflects a deep trust in God's justice system, where ultimate fairness is assured. This also foreshadows the New Testament teaching of final judgment, where each person will be judged according to their works (Revelation 20:12-13).

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The author of this psalm, David is expressing a plea for justice against his enemies. He is a central figure in the Old Testament, known for his deep relationship with God and his role as the King of Israel.

2. Enemies of David
While not named specifically in this verse, the context of the psalm suggests that David is referring to those who act wickedly and oppose him, and by extension, oppose God's will.

3. God
The ultimate judge and the one to whom David is appealing for justice. God is portrayed as righteous and just, capable of repaying individuals according to their deeds.

Teaching Points

Divine Justice
Trust in God's perfect justice. He sees all actions and will repay each person according to their deeds.

Prayer for Justice
Like David, we can bring our concerns about injustice to God in prayer, trusting Him to act in His perfect timing.

Personal Reflection
Reflect on our own actions and ensure they align with God's will, knowing that we too are accountable to Him.

Forgiveness and Trust
While seeking justice, we must also practice forgiveness, leaving room for God's judgment rather than taking matters into our own hands.

Hope in God's Righteousness
In a world where injustice seems prevalent, maintain hope in God's ultimate righteousness and His promise to set things right.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God's role as a just judge influence your response to personal injustices?

2. In what ways can you incorporate David's example of prayer for justice into your own prayer life?

3. How do the principles of sowing and reaping, as seen in Galatians 6:7, apply to your daily decisions and actions?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to ensure your actions align with God's will, knowing that He repays according to deeds?

5. How can you balance the call to forgive others with the desire for justice, as seen in the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Romans 12:19
This verse in the New Testament echoes the theme of leaving vengeance to God, emphasizing that God will repay and that believers should not take revenge into their own hands.

Proverbs 24:12
This proverb speaks to the idea that God will repay each person according to their deeds, reinforcing the concept of divine justice found in Psalm 28:4.

Galatians 6:7
This verse discusses the principle of sowing and reaping, which aligns with the idea that individuals will face consequences for their actions.