Psalm 30 is described as “a song of David for the dedication of the temple .” It can be understood as both a personal testimonial by King David and as a corporate expression of faith for the people of God.

It should be remembered that David was not allowed to build the temple because of his violence and sinfulness. But he was allowed to prepare for it, both in procuring materials and apparently also in helping to prepare a liturgy, including composing this psalm.

The psalm assumes a somewhat complicated history and relationship between David and God, something most of us can identify with. Sometimes things go well for us, and sometimes they don’t. We might be tempted to question God about this. But then we should remember that sometimes we do well and are faithful to God, and sometimes we fail. We should be wary about getting into an argument with God about which of us is more faithful.

First, David praises God for answering his prayers and rescuing him from death: “I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit” (Psalm 30:1-3 NIV). Besides his wars against the Philistines and other enemies, David had been rescued from death when hunted by Saul and when threatened by Absolom’s rebellion.

There were also times when David felt “secure” and God “made my royal mountain stand firm” (verses 6-7). The mountain, of course, is Zion, the location of Jerusalem, which David conquered and made his capital and which was the future site for God’s temple. Jerusalem is called “the city of David.” David saw these good time blessings as also coming from God and praised Him.

But then God hid His face and David felt “dismayed” (verse 7). This might have been when David sinned (with Bathsheba and when taking a census of his fighting men, for example). God was not being fickle. It was David who had proved unfaithful, and God rightly withdrew His approval. The good news is that God’s mercy is greater than His judgement—”his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime” (verse 5), and so once again David pleaded for forgiveness, mercy, and help. Again, God restored David, and David responded again with praise, praise of God’s justice as well as His mercy.

What was true of David was true of Israel. Israel’s history is one of answered prayer, blessing, sin, repentance, and redemption. And so is ours. For this reason, we also should praise God.