This is a psalm of praise written after the Lord saved the psalmist’s life. Because of the word healed in Psalm 30:2, it is assumed that he was saved from a life-threatening illness. This cannot be proven as there are no other references to illness in the psalm, and healing can also refer to other forms of repair, see Psalm 147:3 and Jeremiah 17:13–14.

The temple mentioned in the inscription may refer to David’s palace. During the construction of this palace, he became severely ill. Therefore, it is possible that David composed this psalm to be used at the dedication of his palace. However, other commentators believe that the word temple refers to the tabernacle.