39:7 The psalmist cast himself on the Lord trusting Him to make the rest of his life enjoyable.
39:8-9 David's suffering was due to God's chastening. Perhaps he had sinned with his mouth and therefore felt compelled to guard his speech closely (cf. vv. 1-2).
39:10-11 Relief was necessary. David spoke as though he felt God was chewing up his life as a moth eats a garment. The long duration of his affliction made him feel the brevity of life. God was disciplining him (cf. Heb. 12:5-11).
39:12-13 In closing David asked God to remove His chastening, whatever it was, so he could enjoy his final years of life.
The brevity of life impresses one increasingly as he or she grows older. We are more conscious of this in times of sorrow than in happy times. It is natural for a believer to want God to teach him or her to live wisely and to be patient with our sinfulness in view of life's shortness.
