I am numb and badly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart. I am numbThe Hebrew word used here is "pug," which conveys a sense of being benumbed or feeble. This word reflects a state of physical and emotional exhaustion. In the context of the psalm, David is expressing a profound sense of helplessness and vulnerability. This numbness can be seen as a result of overwhelming guilt and the weight of sin, which is a recurring theme in the penitential psalms. It serves as a reminder of the human condition and the need for divine intervention and grace. and badly crushed
The phrase "badly crushed" comes from the Hebrew "daka," meaning to be broken or crushed. This word is often used in the Old Testament to describe a state of being oppressed or afflicted. David's use of this term highlights the severity of his suffering, both physically and spiritually. It is a vivid depiction of the consequences of sin and the heavy burden it places on the soul. Historically, this reflects the understanding of sin as not only a spiritual failing but also something that can have tangible, detrimental effects on one's life. I groan
The Hebrew word "sha'ag" is used here, which means to roar or groan. This word is often associated with the cries of a wounded animal, emphasizing the depth of David's pain and distress. In the scriptural context, groaning is a form of lamentation, a raw and honest expression of suffering before God. It is a reminder that God hears the cries of His people and is compassionate towards their suffering. This groaning is not just physical but also spiritual, reflecting a deep yearning for relief and redemption. in anguish of heart
The phrase "anguish of heart" is derived from the Hebrew "haga," which means to moan or meditate, and "leb," meaning heart. The heart in Hebrew thought is the center of one's emotions, thoughts, and will. David's anguish is not just a fleeting emotion but a profound, all-encompassing distress that affects his entire being. This phrase captures the essence of true repentance, where the heart is deeply troubled by sin and earnestly seeks God's forgiveness and healing. It serves as an inspiration for believers to approach God with sincerity and humility, trusting in His mercy and love. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 38, David is expressing deep personal anguish and repentance. This psalm is often considered a penitential psalm, reflecting David's sorrow over his sins and the resulting physical and emotional suffering. 2. GodThe ultimate recipient of David's lament. David is directing his cries and pleas to God, seeking relief and forgiveness. 3. IsraelWhile not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of the psalm reflects the broader experience of Israel in seeking God's mercy and forgiveness. Teaching Points Acknowledgment of Sin and SufferingDavid's expression of being "numb and badly crushed" is a candid acknowledgment of the weight of sin and its consequences. Believers are encouraged to be honest about their struggles and bring them before God. The Role of Lament in FaithLament is a vital part of the believer's relationship with God. It allows for the expression of deep sorrow and the seeking of divine intervention and comfort. Dependence on God for ReliefIn times of deep anguish, believers are reminded to turn to God as their source of relief and healing, trusting in His mercy and grace. The Hope of RestorationWhile the psalm expresses deep distress, it also implies hope in God's ability to restore and heal. Believers can find comfort in God's promises of restoration. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's expression of being "numb and badly crushed" resonate with your own experiences of distress or guilt? How can you bring these feelings before God in prayer? 2. In what ways does the theme of lament in Psalm 38:8 connect with other biblical examples of lament, such as in the Book of Job or Lamentations? 3. How can acknowledging our own sin and suffering lead to a deeper relationship with God, as seen in David's example? 4. What practical steps can you take to incorporate lament into your spiritual practice, and how might this impact your faith journey? 5. How does the hope of restoration and healing, as implied in Psalm 38, encourage you in your current life circumstances? What other scriptures reinforce this hope? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 6Another penitential psalm where David expresses similar feelings of distress and seeks God's mercy. Job 30:16-17Job's lamentation over his suffering parallels David's expression of being crushed and in anguish. Romans 7:24Paul's cry of wretchedness and need for deliverance from sin echoes the deep anguish David feels. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10Paul's teaching on finding strength in weakness can be seen as a response to the kind of suffering David describes. People David, Jeduthun, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Agitation, Anguish, Badly, Benumbed, Beyond, Broken, Bruised, Crushed, Cry, Disquietness, Disquietude, Excess, Faint, Feeble, Grief, Grievously, Groan, Groaned, Heart, Lion, Measure, Moaning, Reason, Roar, Roared, Severely, Smitten, Sore, Spent, Tumult, UtterlyDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 38:8 5017 heart, renewal
5559 stress Psalm 38:1-14 8713 discouragement Psalm 38:1-22 5888 inferiority Psalm 38:2-8 6227 regret Psalm 38:3-8 6024 sin, effects of Psalm 38:3-10 5933 restlessness Psalm 38:3-11 5136 body Psalm 38:7-8 5782 agony Library "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 BinningQuestion Lxxxii of Devotion
I. Is Devotion a Special Kind of Act? Cardinal Cajetan, On the Meaning of the Term "Devotion" S. Augustine, Confessions, XIII. viii. 2 II. Is Devotion an Act of the Virtue of Religion? III. Is Contemplation, that is Meditation, the Cause of Devotion? Cardinal Cajetan, On the Causes of Devotion " " On the Devotion of Women IV. Is Joy an Effect of Devotion? Cardinal Cajetan, On Melancholy S. Augustine, Confessions, II. x. I Is Devotion a Special Kind of Act? It is by our acts that we merit. But …
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life Out of the Deep of Suffering and Sorrow.
Save me, O God, for the waters are come in even unto my soul: I am come into deep waters; so that the floods run over me.--Ps. lxix. 1, 2. I am brought into so great trouble and misery: that I go mourning all the day long.--Ps. xxxviii. 6. The sorrows of my heart are enlarged: Oh! bring Thou me out of my distress.--Ps. xxv. 17. The Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping: the Lord will receive my prayer.--Ps. vi. 8. In the multitude of the sorrows which I had in my heart, Thy comforts have refreshed …
Charles Kingsley—Out of the Deep Christ's Resurrection Song.
WHEN the blessed Lord appeared in the midst of His disciples and they beheld the risen One in His glorified body of flesh and bones and He ate before them, He told them that all things which were written in the Law of Moses, and the Prophets and in the Psalms concerning Him, had to be fulfilled (Luke xxiv:44). While on the way to Emmaus He said to the two sorrowing and perplexed disciples "Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory? And beginning at Moses and all …
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory The Acceptable Sacrifice;
OR, THE EXCELLENCY OF A BROKEN HEART: SHOWING THE NATURE, SIGNS, AND PROPER EFFECTS OF A CONTRITE SPIRIT. BEING THE LAST WORKS OF THAT EMINENT PREACHER AND FAITHFUL MINISTER OF JESUS CHRIST, MR. JOHN BUNYAN, OF BEDFORD. WITH A PREFACE PREFIXED THEREUNTO BY AN EMINENT MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL IN LONDON. London: Sold by George Larkin, at the Two Swans without Bishopgates, 1692. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The very excellent preface to this treatise, written by George Cokayn, will inform the reader of …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Question Lxxxiii of Prayer
I. Is Prayer an Act of the Appetitive Powers? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer based on Friendship II. Is it Fitting to Pray? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer as a True Cause S. Augustine, On the Sermon on the Mount, II. iii. 14 " On the Gift of Perseverance, vii. 15 III. Is Prayer an Act of the Virtue of Religion? Cardinal Cajetan, On the Humility of Prayer S. Augustine, On Psalm cii. 10 " Of the Gift of Perseverance, xvi. 39 IV. Ought We to Pray to God Alone? S. Augustine, Sermon, cxxvii. 2 V. …
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life His Past Work.
His past work was accomplished by Him when he became incarnate. It was finished when He died on Calvary's cross. We have therefore to consider first of all these fundamentals of our faith. I. The Work of the Son of God is foreshadowed and predicted in the Old Testament Scriptures. II. The incarnation of the Son of God. III. His Work on the cross and what has been accomplished by it. I. Through the Old Testament Scriptures, God announced beforehand the work of His Son. This is a great theme and one …
A. C. Gaebelein—The Work Of Christ What Manner of Man Ought not to Come to Rule.
Wherefore let every one measure himself wisely, lest he venture to assume a place of rule, while in himself vice still reigns unto condemnation; lest one whom his own guilt depraves desire to become an intercessor for the faults of others. For on this account it is said to Moses by the supernal voice, Speak unto Aaron; Whosoever he be of thy seed throughout their generations that hath a blemish, he shall not offer loaves of bread to the Lord his God (Lev. xxi. 17). And it is also immediately subjoined; …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness, Suffering
Text: 1 Peter 5, 5-11. 5 Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; 7 casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 whom withstand stedfast …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III Cæsarius of Arles.
He was born in the district of Chalons-sur-Saone, A. D. 470. He seems to have been early awakened, by a pious education, to vital Christianity. When he was between seven and eight years old, it would often happen that he would give a portion of his clothes to the poor whom he met, and would say, when he came home, that he had been, constrained to do so. When yet a youth, he entered the celebrated convent on the island of Lerins, (Lerina,) in Provence, from which a spirit of deep and practical piety …
Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places Christian Meekness
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth Matthew 5:5 We are now got to the third step leading in the way to blessedness, Christian meekness. Blessed are the meek'. See how the Spirit of God adorns the hidden man of the heart, with multiplicity of graces! The workmanship of the Holy Ghost is not only curious, but various. It makes the heart meek, pure, peaceable etc. The graces therefore are compared to needlework, which is different and various in its flowers and colours (Psalm 45:14). …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Notes on the Third Century
Page 161. Line 1. He must be born again, &c. This is a compound citation from John iii. 3, and Mark x. 15, in the order named. Page 182. Line 17. For all things should work together, &c. See Romans viii. 28. Page 184. Lines 10-11. Being Satan is able, &c. 2 Corinthians xi. 14. Page 184. Last line. Like a sparrow, &c. Psalm cii. Page 187. Line 1. Mechanisms. This word is, in the original MS., mechanicismes.' Page 187. Line 7. Like the King's daughter, &c. Psalm xlv. 14. Page 188. Med. 39. The best …
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations How is Christ, as the Life, to be Applied by a Soul that Misseth God's Favour and Countenance.
The sixth case, that we shall speak a little to, is a deadness, occasioned by the Lord's hiding of himself, who is their life, and "the fountain of life," Ps. xxxvi. 9, and "whose loving-kindness is better than life," Ps. lxiii. 3, and "in whose favour is their life," Ps. xxx. 5. A case, which the frequent complaints of the saints manifest to be rife enough, concerning which we shall, 1. Shew some of the consequences of the Lord's hiding his face, whereby the soul's case will appear. 2. Shew the …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
OR, A DISCOURSE TOUCHING PRAYER; WHEREIN IS BRIEFLY DISCOVERED, 1. WHAT PRAYER IS. 2. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT. 3. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT AND WITH THE UNDERSTANDING ALSO. WRITTEN IN PRISON, 1662. PUBLISHED, 1663. "For we know not what we should pray for as we ought:--the Spirit--helpeth our infirmities" (Rom 8:26). ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. There is no subject of more solemn importance to human happiness than prayer. It is the only medium of intercourse with heaven. "It is …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 38:8 NIVPsalm 38:8 NLTPsalm 38:8 ESVPsalm 38:8 NASBPsalm 38:8 KJV
Psalm 38:8 Commentaries
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