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Psalms 38

World English Bible

WEB

1A Psalm by David, for a memorial. Yahweh, don’t rebuke me in your wrath, neither chasten me in your hot displeasure. 2For your arrows have pierced me, your hand presses hard on me. 3There is no soundness in my flesh because of your indignation, neither is there any health in my bones because of my sin. 4For my iniquities have gone over my head. As a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me. 5My wounds are loathsome and corrupt because of my foolishness. 6I am in pain and bowed down greatly. I go mourning all day long. 7For my waist is filled with burning. There is no soundness in my flesh. 8I am faint and severely bruised. I have groaned by reason of the anguish of my heart. 9Lord, all my desire is before you. My groaning is not hidden from you. 10My heart throbs. My strength fails me. As for the light of my eyes, it has also left me. 11My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my plague. My kinsmen stand far away. 12They also who seek after my life lay snares. Those who seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and meditate deceits all day long. 13But I, as a deaf man, don’t hear. I am as a mute man who doesn’t open his mouth. 14Yes, I am as a man who doesn’t hear, in whose mouth are no reproofs. 15For I hope in you, Yahweh. You will answer, Lord my God. 16For I said, “Don’t let them gloat over me, or exalt themselves over me when my foot slips.” 17For I am ready to fall. My pain is continually before me. 18For I will declare my iniquity. I will be sorry for my sin. 19But my enemies are vigorous and many. Those who hate me without reason are numerous. 20They who give evil for good are also adversaries to me, because I follow what is good. 21Don’t forsake me, Yahweh. My God, don’t be far from me. 22Hurry to help me, Lord, my salvation.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Psalms 38 is a poignant expression of David's deep anguish and repentance before God. In this chapter, David cries out for mercy as he grapples with the weight of his sin and the physical and emotional suffering that accompanies it. He begins by pleading with the Lord not to rebuke him in anger or discipline him in wrath, recognizing that his transgressions have brought about his distress. The psalm vividly describes his physical ailments, which he attributes to his sin, illustrating the connection between spiritual and physical health. David's sorrow is so profound that he feels overwhelmed, stating, "There is no soundness in my flesh because of your indignation; there is no health in my bones because of my sin" (Psalms38:3).

As the psalm progresses, David acknowledges his guilt and the burden it brings, saying, "For I confess my iniquity; I am sorry for my sin" (Psalms38:18). His enemies take advantage of his suffering, and he feels isolated, yet he turns to God as his only hope. David's heartfelt plea culminates in a request for God to come quickly to his aid, affirming his trust in God's salvation. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of repentance and the assurance that God hears the cries of the brokenhearted, offering forgiveness and restoration to those who seek Him sincerely.

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Referenced by

  1. Job 6:4v2Job 6:4 describes the arrows of the Almighty as being within Job, a metaphor for intense suffering and divine affliction. Similarly, Psalm 38:2 uses the imagery of God's arrows to describe the psalmist's suffering, indicating a shared theme of experiencing God's discipline or judgment.
  2. Lamentations 1:20v8Lamentations 1:20 expresses deep distress and turmoil, akin to the personal lament and physical anguish described in Psalm 38:8.

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