Psalm 38 Study Notes

38:13-14 The psalmist was speechless and had no arguments (defense) because he knew that God was the one punishing him for his sins. This is much different from the suffering of the innocent where there is a plea for God to act based on his promises to the faithful (Pss 17; 26). In this instance the only thing the Lord will hear is a confession of sin, which is also the only chance for relief from the suffering (32:3-5).

38:15-16 On the rejoicing of enemies over the psalmist’s misfortune, see note at 30:1-2.

38:17 Fall in this case is not a moral fall—since the psalmist was already in sin—but defeat and perhaps death. It is a term often applied to the downfall of one’s enemies (5:10; 35:8).

38:18 Iniquity is parallel to sin and means a liability for punishment, not just a subjective feeling of guilt (see note at 32:5). Sin is why the psalmist was deserving of punishment.

38:19-22 Once the confession took place, the problem of the enemies still existed. In fact, it probably was more intense since the psalmist was now pursuing good, and his enemies were repaying evil for good. The big difference is that God would no longer be against him as well. Instead, the psalmist could legitimately ask for the Lord not to abandon him; he could ask for his help and be confident that God would respond.