Psalms 38

Psalms 38:1-2

David viewed his present suffering as an indication that God was very angry with him (cf. Psalms 6:1). He pictured God shooting arrows at him as though God were his enemy in battle and as pressing down on him with His cosmic hand.

Psalms 38:3-8

These verses articulate the psalmist’s lament over his sufferings. He had evidently lost good health and was in pain (cf. Psalms 6:2). His agony extended to his spirit as well as to his body. His sickness was punishment for his sin (Psalms 38:3; Psalms 38:5).

Psalms 38:9-12

His sufferings had also affected others. The Lord knew his condition (Psalms 38:9-10), his friends were avoiding him (Psalms 38:11), and his enemies were taking advantage of his weakness. They were trying to disparage and destroy him.

Psalms 38:13-16

David paid no attention to the threats of his enemies because he believed God would vindicate him in response to his prayers.

“How different is this sufferer from Job! This man is silently absorbed in his suffering, whereas Job was all too anxious to protest against his friends and to argue with God.” [Note: VanGemeren, p. 310. David was remarkable for his ability to wait for God (Psalms 38:15). His years of suffering at Saul’s hands, his critics in the tribe of Benjamin, and his treatment by Absalom taught him to do this.

Psalms 38:17-20

Evidently the psalmist felt as if he were at the end of his rope. He wanted God to respond to his calls for help very soon. David had confessed whatever sin had led to his painful condition (cf. James 5:15). He was anxious about its consequences, but there was nothing more he could do except wait for God to deliver him.

Psalms 38:21-22

The psalm closes with a supplication. David pleaded with God to come to his rescue soon. The Lord had forsaken him and had stood aloof from his suffering long enough. Now it was time to save. Sometimes believers bring physical, emotional, and interpersonal suffering on themselves by sinning. In such cases, God may discipline us with pain so we will learn not to do the same thing again. In the process, we should reaffirm our trust in God as our deliverer from all our woes.