Bible Quiz – Psalm 31 (Subjective questions)

 

Bible Quiz – Psalm 31 (Subjective questions) 

Psalm 31 is a heartfelt prayer of trust, protection, and deliverance. It reflects King David’s cry for God’s refuge during times of distress and danger. This quiz will test your understanding of the psalm and encourage reflection on God’s faithfulness in trials.

 

Instructions:

Read each question carefully.

Answer in your own words or refer to the scripture for guidance.

Check the answers and reference verses after the quiz.

Use this quiz as a tool to meditate on God’s protection, guidance, and faithfulness.

 

Questions

 

1.        How does the psalmist describe his relationship with God in times of trouble?

 

2.        What does David ask God to do for him in verses 1–3?

 

3.        How does the psalmist express his feelings about enemies and adversaries?

 

4.        In what ways does Psalm 31 encourage trust in God’s timing and deliverance?

 

5.        Which verse in Psalm 31 emphasizes rejoicing in God even during suffering, and what does it teach?

 

6.        How does the psalmist demonstrate his confidence in God’s protection?

 

7.        What does David mean when he says, “Into your hand I commit my spirit”?

 

8.        How does the psalmist describe God’s mercy and steadfast love in this chapter?

 

9.        What role does prayer play in David’s expression of faith in Psalm 31?

 

10.  Which verses can inspire someone facing fear, anxiety, or betrayal today, and why?

 

Answers with Complete Reference Verses

 

1.        Relationship with God in trouble:

David portrays God as his rock, refuge, and strong fortress — a source of protection and hope during distress.

Reference: Psalm 31:2 – “Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me!”

 

2.        David’s request to God (verses 1–3):

He asks for deliverance, guidance, and protection from enemies, seeking God’s mercy and strength to endure trials.

Reference: Psalm 31:1–3 – “In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me! …”

 

3.        Feelings about enemies:

David expresses anguish over deceitful and malicious people but relies on God to handle them justly.

Reference: Psalm 31:13 – “For I hear the whispering of many—‘Terror is on every side!’—as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life.”

 

4.        Trust in God’s timing and deliverance:

David encourages patience and faith, knowing God delivers in His perfect timing.

Reference: Psalm 31:14–15 – “But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ … My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies.”

 

5.        Rejoicing in God during suffering:

Psalm 31:7 – “I will be glad and rejoice in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have known the distress of my soul.”

It teaches gratitude and joy despite hardship.

 

6.        Confidence in God’s protection:

David calls God his refuge, acknowledging that deliverance comes from Him alone.

Reference: Psalm 31:20 – “In the shelter of your presence you hide them from human plots; you keep them safe in your dwelling from accusing tongues.”

 

7.        Commitment of his spirit:

David entrusts his life and soul to God, expressing ultimate surrender and faith.

Reference: Psalm 31:5 – “Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.”

 

8.        God’s mercy and steadfast love:

David highlights God’s unfailing kindness and compassion, offering comfort in distress.

Reference: Psalm 31:21 – “Blessed be the Lord, for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me when I was in a besieged city.”

 

9.        Role of prayer:

David constantly calls on God in prayer, showing that communication with Him brings strength, peace, and guidance.

Reference: Psalm 31:22 – “I hate those who pay regard to worthless idols, but I trust in the Lord.”

 

10.  Verses for encouragement during fear, anxiety, or betrayal:

Psalm 31:24 – “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!”

This encourages courage and hope amidst fear and uncertainty.

 

Reflection:

Psalm 31 reminds us that even in our darkest hours, God is our refuge and strength. Take a moment to meditate on these verses, pray for courage in your trials, and share this quiz to inspire friends to trust in God’s steadfast love.

 

Bible Quiz – Psalm 31 (Advanced “Trick the Scholar” Round)

This round is designed to test your deep understanding of Psalm 31. The questions focus on subtle nuances, word choices, and implied meanings. Only careful readers and reflective thinkers will master this round.

 

Instructions:

Read each question carefully; some may seem obvious but contain subtle traps.

Answer in your own words, using the psalm as a guide.

Check your answers with the provided verses to see how closely you captured the meaning.

Reflect on how these insights reveal God’s character and faithfulness.

 

Questions

 

1.                Psalm 31:1 starts with “In you, O Lord, do I take refuge.” What does the original Hebrew term for “refuge” imply about David’s sense of safety?

 

2.        In verses 3–4, David refers to God as both “rock” and “fortress.” How do these metaphors differ in nuance, and why might both be used together?

 

3.        Psalm 31:13 mentions enemies whispering and plotting. What literary device is being used here to heighten the sense of danger?

 

4.        Verse 5, “Into your hand I commit my spirit,” is famously echoed by another biblical figure. Who is it, and why is this connection significant?

 

5.        Psalm 31:9 contains a plea for mercy and deliverance. Identify a subtle shift in tone between verses 9 and 10, and explain its significance.

 

6.        Verse 15 states, “My times are in your hand.” How does this phrase reflect both trust and surrender? Could it also imply something about David’s view of human control?

 

7.        In verses 18–19, David contrasts the wicked and the faithful. What subtle insight does he give about the ultimate outcome for both groups?

 

8.        Verse 22 mentions hatred for “worthless idols.” What does this reveal about David’s spiritual priorities, even in deep distress?

 

9.        Psalm 31:24 encourages courage for those who wait for the Lord. Why is the waiting emphasized, and how does it relate to the psalm’s overall theme?

 

10.  Psalm 31 mentions God’s steadfast love multiple times. How does the repetition of this theme function as a literary and theological device?

 

Answers with Complete Reference Verses

 

1.        Meaning of “refuge”:

The Hebrew word machseh implies a secure hiding place or a stronghold, suggesting total safety and protection.

Reference: Psalm 31:1 – “In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.”

 

2.        Rock vs. fortress:

“Rock” implies stability and unmovable strength; “fortress” implies protection from external attacks. Together, they emphasize both stability and active defense.

Reference: Psalm 31:2–3 – “…Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me!”

 

3.        Literary device:

David uses onomatopoeia and imagery; the “whispering of many” heightens suspense and fear, emphasizing the enemy’s deceit.

Reference: Psalm 31:13 – “For I hear the whispering of many—‘Terror is on every side!’”

 

4.        Figure echoing verse 5:

Jesus quotes this in Luke 23:46 on the cross. This shows ultimate trust and surrender to God, linking David’s faith to Christ’s example.

Reference: Psalm 31:5 – “Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.”

 

5.        Tone shift verses 9–10:

Verse 9 emphasizes personal anguish; verse 10 shifts to describe physical and emotional suffering. This deepens the sense of vulnerability and dependence on God.

Reference: Psalm 31:9–10 – “Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; … My eye wastes away with grief.”

 

6.        “My times are in your hand”:

Shows trust in God’s sovereign timing and surrender of personal control; implies humans are not ultimately in charge of life events.

Reference: Psalm 31:15 – “My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies.”

 

7.        Contrast of wicked and faithful (verses 18–19):

The wicked face ruin, while God protects and blesses the faithful. Subtle insight: God’s protection is both present and eschatological.

Reference: Psalm 31:18–19 – “…But the Lord’s steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts him.”

 

8.        Hatred for idols:

Even in distress, David prioritizes fidelity to God over false objects of hope, showing unwavering spiritual integrity.

Reference: Psalm 31:22 – “I hate those who regard worthless idols, but I trust in the Lord.”

 

9.        Emphasis on waiting (v. 24):

Waiting reflects active hope and patience; courage is rooted in faith, not circumstances. Ties into the psalm’s theme of trusting God under pressure.

Reference: Psalm 31:24 – “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!”

 

10.  Repetition of steadfast love:

Literary device: refrain/motif; theological function: reinforces God’s unchanging faithfulness as a source of comfort and hope.

Reference: Psalm 31:7, 21 – “…I will be glad and rejoice in your steadfast love; …Blessed be the Lord, for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me.”

 

Reflection:

Psalm 31 teaches that even when enemies whisper, plans fail, and life feels out of control, God’s steadfast love and protection remain sure. Use this advanced round to challenge your friends or personal study group and encourage one another to trust fully in God’s timing and care.

 

Bible Quiz – Psalm 31 (Cross-Reference Traps Round)

This round is for those who think they know Psalm 31 inside out. The questions focus on cross-references—how Psalm 31 connects to other parts of Scripture. Some answers may seem obvious but careful attention to wording is key.

 

Instructions:

Read each question carefully. Look for links to other Bible passages.

Answer in your own words, but check the cross-references for full insight.

Reflect on how these connections reveal God’s consistency across Scripture.

 

Questions

 

1.                Psalm 31:5 says, “Into your hand I commit my spirit.” Which New Testament event quotes this verse, and what does it signify?

 

2.        Psalm 31:15 mentions, “My times are in your hand.” Which verse in Ecclesiastes reflects a similar view of human life and divine timing?

 

3.        Psalm 31:9–10 describes physical and emotional distress. Which other psalm shows a similar lament, connecting suffering to reliance on God?

 

4.        Psalm 31:13 speaks of enemies whispering against David. Which Psalm also mentions enemies scheming and plots, reinforcing a recurring theme of adversaries?

 

5.        Verse 21 praises God’s steadfast love in a besieged city. Which Old Testament story reflects God showing deliverance in a literal besieged situation?

 

6.        Psalm 31:22 contrasts trust in God with hatred for idols. Which prophet makes a similar contrast between idolatry and true reliance on the Lord?

 

7.        Psalm 31:7 celebrates rejoicing in God’s steadfast love. Which New Testament verse echoes this theme of rejoicing in God despite trials?

 

8.        Psalm 31:24 encourages courage for those who wait for the Lord. Which verse in Isaiah also exhorts the faithful to wait and take heart?

 

9.        Psalm 31 frequently emphasizes God as a “rock” and “fortress.” Which other psalm or passage uses similar metaphors for God’s protection?

 

10.  Psalm 31:5 shows complete surrender to God. Which part of Proverbs emphasizes trusting God with all your heart in a similar spirit of surrender?

 

Answers with Complete Reference Verses

 

1.        NT event quoting Psalm 31:5:

Jesus on the cross says, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

Reference: Luke 23:46 – “Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!’ And having said this, he breathed his last.”

 

2.        Ecclesiastes connection:

Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”

Both verses emphasize God’s timing and sovereignty over human life.

 

3.        Similar lament in another psalm:

Psalm 6:6–7 – “I am weary with my groaning; all night I flood my bed with weeping; I drench my couch with tears.”

Both describe physical and emotional distress while relying on God.

 

4.        Enemies scheming cross-reference:

Psalm 35:19 – “Many are asking, ‘Who will give witness against him?’… They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my friendship.”

Reinforces the recurring theme of deceitful adversaries.

 

5.        Besieged city deliverance story:

2 Kings 19:35 – God delivers Jerusalem during King Hezekiah’s siege.

Shows God’s protection in literal sieges, paralleling David’s trust in Psalm 31:21.

 

6.        Contrast of idols and trust in God:

Jeremiah 10:10 – “But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King.”

Both verses highlight fidelity to God over false idols.

 

7.        Rejoicing in trials (NT echo):

James 1:2 – “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.”

Connects David’s joy in God’s love to New Testament perseverance and rejoicing.

 

8.        Waiting and courage in Isaiah:

Isaiah 40:31 – “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles.”

Both verses highlight patience and trust in God amid challenges.

 

9.        Rock/fortress metaphor elsewhere:

Psalm 18:2 – “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge.”

Shows consistent biblical imagery of God as strong protector.

 

10.  Surrender connection in Proverbs:

Proverbs 3:5–6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”

Both verses reflect full reliance on God rather than human control.

 

Reflection:

Psalm 31 cross-references show that God’s protection, steadfast love, and timing are themes woven throughout Scripture—from David to Isaiah to Christ. Challenge yourself or your friends to explore these connections, and share insights about God’s consistent faithfulness across the Bible.