TEHILLIM 38

TOJB

‹ Chapter 37 TEHILLIM — All Chapters Chapter 39 ›

1 (Mizmor Dovid. For the memorial portion of the mincha) 2 Hashem, rebuke me not in Thy wrath; neither chasten me in Thy hot displeasure. 3 For Thine khitzim (arrows) pierce me, and Thy Yad presseth upon me. 4 There is no health in my basar because of Thine anger; neither is there any shalom in my atzmot because of my chattat. 5 For mine avonot (iniquities) are gone over mine head; as a weighty massa (burden) they are too heavy for me. 6 My chaburot (wounds) are foul and festering because of my wicked folly. 7 I am bent down; I am brought low ad me’od; I go about mourning all day long. 8 For my loins are filled with burning; and there is no health in my basar. 9 I am feeble and broken ad me’od; I have groaned by reason of the disquietness of my lev. 10 Adonoi, all my ta’avah (desire, longing) is before Thee; and my groaning is not hid from Thee. 11 My lev panteth, my ko’ach faileth me; as for the ohr of mine eyes, it also is gone from me. 12 My loved ones and my re’a stand aloof from my nega; and my neighbors stand afar off. 13 They also that seek after my nefesh lay snares for me; and they that seek my hurt speak of ruin, and plot mirmot (deceptions, deceits) all the day long. 14 But I, like a cheresh (deaf man), heard not; and I was like a mute that openeth not his mouth. 15 Thus I was like an ish that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no tokhachot (reproofs). 16 For I wait for Thee, Hashem; Thou wilt hear, Adonoi Elohai. 17 For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should gloat over me; when my regel slippeth, they magnify themselves against me. 18 For I am ready to fall, and my sorrow is before me tamid. 19 For I will declare mine avon; I will be in anguish over my chattat. 20 But mine oveyim are chayyim (vigorous), and they are strong; and they that hate me sheker (wrongfully) are multiplied. 21 They also that repay ra’ah for tovah are mine adversaries; because I pursue the thing that is tov. 22 Forsake me not, Hashem Elohai; be not far from me. 23 Make haste to help me, Adonoi Teshuati (L-rd of my salvation).

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.

Enable Study Highlights

Key Verse

Christ in This Chapter

Holy Spirit

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.

Highlight names of God

‹ Chapter 37 TEHILLIM — All Chapters Chapter 39 ›

TEHILLIM 38

Cite / Share This Page