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.