Psalm 38

In this psalm David expressed penitence that he had sinned against God and had thereby incurred His discipline. This discipline came in the form of opposition from enemies that the psalmist asked God to remove.

The title "memorial"(NASB) or "petition"(NIV) literally means, "to bring to remembrance."It also occurs in the title of Psalm 70.

"Since with God to remember is to act, this word speaks of laying before Him a situation that cries out for His help."⁹²

 1. God's discipline 38:1-12

38:1-2 David viewed his present suffering as an indication that God was very angry with him. He pictured God shooting arrows at him as though God was his enemy in battle and as pressing down on him with His cosmic hand.

38:3-8 These verses articulate the psalmist's lament over his sufferings. He had evidently lost good health and was in pain (cf. 6:2). His agony extended to his spirit as well as to his body. His sickness was punishment for his sin (vv. 3, 5).

38:9-12 His sufferings had also affected others. The Lord knew his condition (vv. 9-10), his friends were avoiding him (v. 11), and his enemies were taking advantage of his condition. They were trying to disparage and destroy him.

 2. David's hope 38:13-22

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. David was remarkable for his ability to wait for God (v. 15). His years of suffering at Saul's hands, his critics in Benjamin, and his treatment by Absalom had taught him to do this.

38:17-20 Evidently the psalmist felt as if he was 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.

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 ourselves 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.