Psalms 39:1-11

1 I said, "I will watch my ways so that I do not sin with my tongue. I will bridle my mouth while wicked people are in my presence."

2 I remained totally speechless. I kept silent, although it did me no good. While I was deep in thought, my pain grew worse.

3 My heart burned like a fire flaring up within me. Then I spoke with my tongue:

4 "Teach me, O LORD, about the end of my life. Teach me about the number of days I have left so that I may know how temporary my life is.

5 Indeed, you have made the length of my days [only] a few inches. My life span is nothing compared to yours. Certainly, everyone alive is like a whisper in the wind. Selah

6 Each person who walks around is like a shadow. They are busy for no reason. They accumulate riches without knowing who will get them."

7 And now, Lord, what am I waiting for? My hope is in you!

8 Rescue me from all my rebellious acts. Do not disgrace me in front of godless fools.

9 I remained speechless. I did not open my mouth because you are the one who has done this.

10 Remove the sickness you laid upon me. My life is over because you struck me with your hand.

11 With stern warnings you discipline people for their crimes. Like a moth you eat away at what is dear to them. Certainly, everyone is like a whisper in the wind. Selah

Psalms 39:1-11 Meaning and Commentary

To the chief Musician, [even] to Jeduthun, a Psalm of David. Some take Jeduthun to be the name of a musical instrument, as Jarchi, on which, and others the first word of a song, to the tune of which, this psalm was sung, as Aben Ezra; though it seems best, with Kimchi and others, to understand it as the name of the chief musician, to whom this psalm was sent to be made use of in public service; since Jeduthun was, with his sons, appointed by David to prophesy with harps and psalteries, and to give praise and thanks unto the Lord, 1 Chronicles 16:41; he is the same with Ethan {s}. The occasion of it is thought, by some, to be the rebellion of his son Absalom; so Theodoret thinks it was written when he fled from Absalom, and was cursed by Shimei; or rather it may be some sore affliction, which lay upon David for the chastisement of him; see Psalm 39:9; and the argument of the psalm seems to be much the same with that of the preceding one, as Kimchi observes.

{s} Vid. Hiller. Onomastic. Sacr. p. 513, 805.