From Death to Life by David Jeremiah

From Death to Life You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness. Psalm 30:11 Some psalms have a superscription (historical note) at the beginning, as does Psalm 30: “A Song at the dedication of the house of David.” These notes are part of the original text of the psalm, not added by modern Bible translators. In the case of Psalm 30, the psalm was probably composed by David at the dedication of the first temple in Jerusalem. So why the dramatic reference to David having nearly been consigned to the grave as a result of God’s anger (verse 3)?

Recommended Reading: Isaiah 61:10

Because Jerusalem, the site of the proposed temple, was almost destroyed by God as a result of sin on David’s part (1 Chronicles 21). Instead, God’s mercy (1 Chronicles 21:13) prevailed and Jerusalem was spared (though thousands in Israel were judged). So, when the temple was dedicated, David composed a psalm of praise to God for His mercy and healing. Praise Him for deliverance, praise Him for His mercy, praise Him for turning your “mourning into dancing.” The burden of sin has been lifted, the decree for your death has been lifted because of “the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13) shed for you. When all Thy mercies, O my God, my rising soul surveys, transported with the view, I’m lost in wonder, love and praise.  Joseph Addison, hymnist