Psalms 38

UBES

‹ Chapter 37 Psalms — All Chapters Chapter 39 ›

1 For the end, a Song of David, to Jeduthun. 2 I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I set a guard on my mouth, While the sinner stood in my presence. 3 I was dumb, and humbled myself, and kept silence from good words; And my grief was renewed. 4 My heart grew hot within me, And a fire would kindle in my meditation: I spoke with my tongue, 5 O Lord, make me to know mine end, And the number of my days, what it is; That I may know what I lack. 6 Behold, thou hast made my days old; And my existence is as nothing before thee: Nay, every man living is altogether vanity. Pause. 7 Surely man walks in a shadow; Nay, he is disquieted in vain: He lays up treasures, and knows not for whom he shall gather them. 8 And now what is my expectation? is it not the Lord? And my ground of hope is with thee. Pause. 9 Deliver me from all my transgressions: Thou hast made me a reproach to the foolish. 10 I was dumb, and opened not my mouth; for thou art he that made me. 11 Remove thy scourges from me: I have fainted by reason of the strength of thy hand. 12 Thou chastenest man with rebukes for iniquity, And thou makest his life to consume away like a spider’s web: Nay, every man is disquieted in vain. Pause. 13 O Lord, hearken to my prayer and my supplication: Attend to my tears: be not silent, For I am a sojourner in the land, And a stranger, as all my fathers were. 14 Spare me, that I may be refreshed, Before I depart, and be no more.

What Is This Chapter About?

Theme: Sorrow and Repentance in Sickness

Psalms 38 is a penitential psalm where David expresses his deep sorrow and repentance for his sins, which he believes have led to his current sickness. The chapter highlights the importance of acknowledging one's sinfulness and seeking God's forgiveness and healing. Through his suffering, David draws closer to God, demonstrating the value of faith and trust in times of adversity.

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Key Verse

Christ in This Chapter

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Key Words / Phrases

Names of God

Key Verse

Psalms 38:9 "Lord, my salvation and my glory; you are my mighty rock and refuge."

This verse is central to the chapter because it highlights David's trust in God as his salvation, glory, and refuge. Despite his suffering, David affirms his faith in God, recognizing that He is his only hope for deliverance. This verse demonstrates the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, even in the midst of pain and adversity.

Key Words in Psalms 38

"sorrow"

David's sorrow is a dominant theme in the chapter, highlighting the emotional and physical pain he endures as a result of his sin and God's discipline.

"sin"

The concept of sin is central to the chapter, as David acknowledges his sinfulness and seeks God's forgiveness and healing.

"trust"

Despite his suffering, David's trust in God remains unwavering, demonstrating the importance of faith in times of adversity.

"healing"

David's prayer for healing is a key aspect of the chapter, illustrating the believer's dependence on God for physical and spiritual restoration.

Christ in This Chapter

The suffering described in Psalms 38 is reminiscent of the suffering of Christ, who bore the sins of the world and was acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53:3). As David cries out to God in his pain, we are reminded of Christ's own cries to the Father on the cross (Matthew 8:17, referencing Psalms 38:11 in Matthew 27:46). The chapter illustrates the principle that our suffering can draw us closer to God, just as Christ's suffering was redemptive for humanity. In (Psalms 38:9), David's trust in God foreshadows the trust that believers have in Christ as their rock and refuge. (Isaiah 53:3 · Matthew 8:17)

Names of Deity

Names and pronouns referring to God are marked throughout the text.

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‹ Chapter 37 Psalms — All Chapters Chapter 39 ›

Psalms 38

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