Psalm 30 (World English Bible Version)
1 I will extol you, Yahweh, for you have raised me up,
and have not made my foes to rejoice over me.
2 Yahweh my God, I cried to you,
and you have healed me.
3 Yahweh, you have brought up my soul from Sheol.
You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.
4 Sing praise to Yahweh, you saints of his.
Give thanks to his holy name.
5 For his anger is but for a moment.
His favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may stay for the night,
but joy comes in the morning.
6 As for me, I said in my prosperity,
“I shall never be moved.”
7 You, Yahweh, when you favored me,
made my mountain stand strong;
but when you hid your face, I was troubled.
8 I cried to you, Yahweh.
I made supplication to the Lord:
9 “What profit is there in my destruction, if I go down to the pit?
Shall the dust praise you?
Shall it declare your truth?
10 Hear, Yahweh, and have mercy on me.
Yahweh, be my helper.”
11 You have turned my mourning into dancing for me.
You have removed my sackcloth, and clothed me with gladness,
12 To the end that my heart may sing praise to you, and not be silent.
Yahweh my God, I will give thanks to you forever.
Background and Related Details
Psalm 30 is a psalm of thanksgiving attributed to David. The superscription says it was written for “the dedication of the house,” which could refer to the dedication of the Temple (though David did not build it) or his own royal palace. Some scholars believe it may have been used later in the dedication of the Second Temple after the Babylonian exile.
This psalm reflects David’s personal experience of deliverance from illness or distress. He acknowledges that his previous sense of security was shaken when God temporarily withdrew His favor, leading him to cry out for mercy. God answered, bringing restoration and joy.
Themes in Psalm 30 include:
- God’s deliverance – David testifies that God rescued him from the brink of death (Sheol, the grave).
- The contrast between sorrow and joy – Weeping lasts for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
- The fleeting nature of human security – Prosperity can make people feel invincible, but true security is in God.
- Praise and gratitude – David pledges to give thanks forever.
Prayer Inspired by Psalm 30
Heavenly Father,
I praise You for lifting me up when I have fallen and for keeping me in Your care. When I cry out to You, You hear me; when I am weak, You strengthen me. Even in my darkest nights, I trust that joy will come in the morning.
Lord, forgive me when I grow complacent in times of blessing. Help me to always depend on You, knowing that my strength comes from Your hand. When trials come, remind me that You are my helper and my salvation.
Thank You for turning my mourning into dancing, for removing my sackcloth and clothing me with joy. May my heart never cease to praise You, for You are worthy forever and ever.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
5 Questions to Test Understanding
- What does David mean when he says, “You have brought up my soul from Sheol”?
- How does the psalm contrast God’s anger and favor?
- What lesson does David learn about security and prosperity in this psalm?
- What does the phrase “joy comes in the morning” signify in the context of this psalm?
- How does Psalm 30 encourage believers to respond to God’s deliverance?
Is Psalm 30 Referenced in the New Testament?
Psalm 30 is not directly quoted in the New Testament. However, its themes of deliverance, mourning turning to joy, and God’s faithfulness align with many New Testament teachings. The idea that “weeping may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning” resonates with the resurrection of Jesus and the promise of eternal joy found in Him (John 16:20; Revelation 21:4). Additionally, the transformation from mourning to rejoicing parallels the message of salvation through Christ.