Thy Strong Word – Psalm 30: Joy Comes with the Morning

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Rev. Ryan Ankersen, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fremont, Nebraska, joins host Rev. AJ Espinosa to study Psalm 30.

Psalm 30 contains one of the best-known lines of the entire Psalter: “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” It has been quoted and adapted countless times, such as in the classic hymn “The Church’s One Foundation.” What is the rest of the psalm talking about though, and what real-life events does it describe?

The first question comes from the title: “A Psalm of David. A Song at the Dedication of the Temple.” Which dedication? When did these things happen to David? What kind of healing is meant in verse 2? The psalm comes to life as we consider things like Jerusalem’s geography and the kind of clothing worn in times of celebration and mourning. Finally, we see how the psalm is ultimately fulfilled in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.

Underwriter of Thy Strong Word

Thy Strong Word is a daily in-depth study of the books of the Bible with host Rev. AJ Espinosa and guest pastors from across the country. Thy Strong Word is graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation and produced by the LCMS Office of National Mission.

Psalm 30

Joy Comes with the Morning

A Psalm of David. A song at the dedication of the temple.

30 I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up
and have not let my foes rejoice over me.
2 O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,
and you have healed me.
3 O Lord, you have brought up my soul from Sheol;
you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.[a]

4 Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints,
and give thanks to his holy name.[b]
5 For his anger is but for a moment,
and his favor is for a lifetime.[c]
Weeping may tarry for the night,
but joy comes with the morning.

6 As for me, I said in my prosperity,
“I shall never be moved.”
7 By your favor, O Lord,
you made my mountain stand strong;
you hid your face;
I was dismayed.

8 To you, O Lord, I cry,
and to the Lord I plead for mercy:
9 “What profit is there in my death,[d]
if I go down to the pit?[e]
Will the dust praise you?
Will it tell of your faithfulness?
10 Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me!
O Lord, be my helper!”

11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
you have loosed my sackcloth
and clothed me with gladness,
12 that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!

Footnotes:

Psalm 30:3 Or to life, that I should not go down to the pit

Psalm 30:4 Hebrew to the memorial of his holiness (see Exodus 3:15)

Psalm 30:5 Or and in his favor is life

Psalm 30:9 Hebrew in my blood

Psalm 30:9 Or to corruption

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org