Explanation: In Psalm 31 . The occasion for the Psalm is unknown; but the two most troublesome times in David's life came at the hands of Saul and of Absalom. In today's Psalm the nature of David's grief and shock seems to best match his conflicts with Saul. In the Absalom incident David exhibited more confidence than he did under Saul's persecution; so this Psalm with its great distress would match that historical period under Saul.
     The painting above is of Christ because Christ quoted verse 5 on the cross, and because David and Christ arrived at the same solution to their grief and distress: they commended their soul to the LORD God.

          [ THEMATICALLY AND CHRONOLOGICALLY RELATED SCRIPTURES: Luke 23:46. 1 Samuel 19-31. 2 Samuel 15-18. John. Messianic Psalms: Psalm 2. Psalm 8. Psalm 16. Psalm 22. Psalm 34. Psalm 35. Psalm 40. Psalm 41. Psalm 45. Psalm 68. Psalm 69. Psalm 89. Psalm 102. Psalm 109. Psalm 110. Psalm 118. ]

          [ CHRONOLOGY: General. Patriarchs (Traditional). Judges # 1. Judges # 2. Kings # 1. Kings # 2. Prophets # 1. Prophets # 2. NT # 1. NT # 2. NT # 3. ]

          [ MAPS: Maps # 1. Maps # 2. Maps # 3. Maps # 4. Maps # 5. ]

          [ COMMENTARIES, ETC: GENERAL: Bible Study Tools; Bible Hub: Study Light; Blue Letter Bible // PSALMS: Monergism: Precept Austin: The Treasury of David; John Gill; John Calvin - Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

          [ MUSIC: GENERAL: The Cyber Hymnal // PSALMS: Genevan Psalter (Instrumental). Psalm 31 - #1. Psalm 31 - #2. Psalm 31 - #3. Psalm 31 - #4. ]

     David trusts God, so he asks him to never let him be ashamed and to deliver him in his righteousness. He asks him to bow down his ear, to be his rock, his house of defense, his fortress, and his guide for his name's sake (1-3). He asks to be delivered from the net they laid for him. He confesses that the LORD, the God of truth, has redeemed him; so he speaks the words of trust later quoted by Christ as he hung on the Cross: "Into thine hand I commit my spirit" (4-5). David says that he hates those who regard lying vanities; but he trusts in the LORD. He looks forward to being glad and rejoicing in God's mercy because he remembers that the LORD helped him in trouble and drew close to him in his adversities. He realizes, too, that the LORD had not shut him up into the hand of the enemy, Rather, he sat him in a large room (6-8). So he asks God for mercy in his trouble, and grief, and waning strength, and sense of guilt (9-10). He mourns for the reproach he suffered both from his enemies and his neighbors and friends. They fled from him, forgot him, treated him as something worthless, slandered him, made him afraid, took counsel against him, and plotted to kill him (11-13). But he trusted in the LORD because he was his God. He recognized that his times were in God's hand. So he asked Him for deliverance and favor. He prayed, as previously, that he would not be ashamed. Rather, he said, let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave so that their lying, their grievous words, their proud speeches, and their contempt might cease (14-18). He praised God for his goodness which he keeps in store and gives to those who fear him. God hides them in his presence and keeps them safe from injurious words. So, remembering the LORD's blessing in a strong city when he thought he was cut-off from God's face, he blesses the LORD for hearing his urgent prayer (19-22). And, addressing his readers, he exhorts them to love the LORD because he preserves the faithful and judges the proud. He tells them to "Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all you that hope in the LORD" (23-24).