For I said, "Let them not gloat over me--those who taunt me when my foot slips." For I saidThis phrase indicates a personal declaration or prayer from the psalmist, David. In the Hebrew text, the word "אמרתי" (amarti) is used, which is a form of the verb "to say." This reflects David's intimate communication with God, expressing his vulnerability and reliance on divine intervention. Historically, David often found himself in situations where he needed to articulate his dependence on God, showcasing a model of faith and humility. Let them not gloat over me those who taunt me when my foot slips Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 38, David is expressing his deep distress and seeking God's intervention against his adversaries. 2. Adversaries The unspecified enemies who are taunting and seeking to gloat over David's missteps. 3. God The divine being to whom David is directing his plea for help and protection. 4. The Psalmist's Foot Symbolic of David's stability and righteousness, which he fears may falter. 5. Taunting The act of mocking or deriding, which David's enemies are doing in his time of vulnerability. Teaching Points Reliance on God in Times of WeaknessDavid's plea highlights the importance of turning to God when we feel vulnerable or when our "foot slips." The Reality of Adversaries Believers should be aware that adversaries may seek to exploit their weaknesses, but God is their ultimate protector. Humility and Repentance Recognizing one's own faults and seeking God's help is crucial, as David does in acknowledging his potential to falter. Guarding Against Pride Just as David asks God to prevent his enemies from gloating, believers should guard against pride and not rejoice in others' failures. Prayer as a Weapon David's prayer is a powerful example of using prayer to combat spiritual and emotional battles. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's plea in Psalm 38:16 reflect his relationship with God, and what can we learn from it about our own relationship with God?2. In what ways can we identify with David's fear of his "foot slipping," and how can we seek God's help in those moments? 3. How do the themes of adversaries and taunting in Psalm 38:16 relate to the New Testament teachings on loving and praying for our enemies? 4. What practical steps can we take to ensure we do not gloat over others' misfortunes, in light of Proverbs 24:17-18? 5. How can we apply the principle of resisting the devil, as mentioned in James 4:7, to the challenges we face from our own "adversaries"? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 73This psalm also deals with the theme of the righteous struggling while the wicked seem to prosper, echoing David's concern about his adversaries gloating over him. Proverbs 24:17-18 These verses caution against rejoicing over the downfall of one's enemy, which connects to David's plea for his enemies not to gloat. 1 Peter 5:8-9 This passage warns believers to be vigilant against the adversary, the devil, who seeks to exploit moments of weakness, similar to David's concern about his foot slipping. Matthew 5:44 Jesus' teaching to love and pray for one's enemies provides a New Testament perspective on dealing with adversaries. James 4:7 Encourages believers to submit to God and resist the devil, which aligns with David's reliance on God for protection against his enemies.
People David, Jeduthun, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Boast, Exalt, Foot, Glad, Gloat, Lest, Lifted, Magnified, Magnify, Moved, Otherwise, Pride, Rejoice, Slipped, Slippeth, Slipping, Slips, ThemselvesDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 38:1-22Library "Come unto Me, all Ye that Labour, and are Wearied," &C. Matth. xi. 28.--"Come unto me, all ye that labour, and are wearied," &c. It is the great misery of Christians in this life, that they have such poor, narrow, and limited spirits, that are not fit to receive the truth of the gospel in its full comprehension; from whence manifold misapprehensions in judgment, and stumbling in practice proceed. The beauty and life of things consist in their entire union with one another, and in the conjunction of all their parts. Therefore it would not be a fit way … Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Question Lxxxii of Devotion Out of the Deep of Suffering and Sorrow. Christ's Resurrection Song. The Acceptable Sacrifice; Question Lxxxiii of Prayer His Past Work. What Manner of Man Ought not to Come to Rule. Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness, Suffering Cæsarius of Arles. Christian Meekness Notes on the Third Century How is Christ, as the Life, to be Applied by a Soul that Misseth God's Favour and Countenance. I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also- Psalms Links Psalm 38:16 NIVPsalm 38:16 NLT Psalm 38:16 ESV Psalm 38:16 NASB Psalm 38:16 KJV Psalm 38:16 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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