My Rock, Do Not Be Silent
Of David.
David's fear is silence: if his Father, his Rock, does not answer, he is already among the dead. He asks not to be dragged off with men who speak friendly words while hiding evil. Halfway through he is heard, and the prayer becomes thanks.
28 1To you, my Father, I call; my Rock, do not be deaf to me, for if you stay silent toward me, I will become like those who go down to the pit.
2Hear my pleas for mercy when I cry to you for help, when I lift up my hands toward your holy sanctuary.
3Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak friendly words to their neighbors while evil is in their hearts. 4Repay them according to their deeds, according to their evil actions; repay them according to the work of their hands; bring back upon them what they deserve. 5Because they care nothing for the works of my Father or for the work of his hands, he will tear them down and never build them up.
6Blessed be our Father, for he has heard my pleas for mercy. 7My Father is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I give thanks to him.
8My Father is the strength of his people; he is the saving stronghold of his anointed one. 9Save your people and bless your inheritance; shepherd them and carry them forever.