◄ Psalm 38 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
Do Not Rebuke Me in Your Anger (Psalm 6:1–10) A Psalm of David, for remembrance. 1 O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger or discipline me in Your wrath. 2For Your arrows have pierced me deeply, and Your hand has pressed down on me. 3There is no soundness in my body because of Your anger; there is no rest in my bones because of my sin. 4For my iniquities have overwhelmed me; they are a burden too heavy to bear. 5My wounds are foul and festering because of my sinful folly. 6I am bent and brought low; all day long I go about mourning. 7For my loins are full of burning pain, and no soundness remains in my body. 8I am numb and badly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart. 9O Lord, my every desire is before You; my groaning is not hidden from You. 10My heart pounds, my strength fails, and even the light of my eyes has faded. 11My beloved and friends shun my disease, and my kinsmen stand at a distance. 12Those who seek my life lay snares; those who wish me harm speak destruction, plotting deceit all day long. 13But like a deaf man, I do not hear; and like a mute man, I do not open my mouth. 14I am like a man who cannot hear, whose mouth offers no reply. 15I wait for You, O LORD; You will answer, O Lord my God. 16For I said, “Let them not gloat over me— those who taunt me when my foot slips.” 17For I am ready to fall, and my pain is ever with me. 18Yes, I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin. 19Many are my enemies without cause,a and many hate me without reason.b 20Those who repay my good with evil attack me for pursuing the good. 21Do not forsake me, O LORD; be not far from me, O my God. 22Come quickly to help me, O Lord my Savior. Footnotes: 19 a One DSS manuscript; MT My enemies are vigorous and strong 19 b See John 15:25 Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Psalm 38 Summary Do Not Rebuke Me in Your Anger Verses 1–4 – The Heavy Hand of Discipline David pleads for gentle correction, feeling God’s arrows and hand upon him. The weight of his guilt presses like a burden too heavy to bear. Verses 5–8 – Foul Wounds and Faint Heart Sin’s effects reach his body: festering sores, bent bones, relentless pain, and an anguished heart that groans aloud. Verses 9–10 – A Cry Heard by God Every sigh is open to the LORD. Strength fails, eyesight dims, yet God is shown as the Hearer of even unspoken longings. Verses 11–12 – Friends Far, Foes Near Companions stand at a distance; enemies lay traps and scheme for David’s fall, delighting in deception. Verses 13–14 – I Keep Silent He responds like a deaf man, refusing retaliation. His silence shows trust rather than weakness. Verses 15–16 – Hope in the LORD “My hope is in You, O LORD.” David believes God will answer and prevent his enemies’ triumph. Verses 17–18 – Confession and Contrition He owns his sin without excuse—“I confess my guilt; I am troubled by my sin”—pairing confession with grief. Verses 19–20 – Wronged by the Wicked Many hate him without cause and repay good with evil, opposing him because he follows what is right. Verses 21–22 – Final Plea for Presence and Rescue The psalm ends where it began: “Do not forsake me…come quickly to help me, O Lord, my Savior.” Psalm 38 is a deeply personal lament of David, marked by intense emotional and physical suffering. As a penitential psalm, it reflects David's remorse for his sins and his fervent plea for God's mercy. David vividly portrays his feelings of desolation, pain, and isolation, and amidst this profound suffering, his unyielding faith in God as his only source of hope and deliverance is strikingly apparent. Authorship and Occasion The superscription reads “A Psalm of David. To bring to remembrance.” Early Jewish and Christian writers treat it as David’s personal journal from a season of severe illness after sin. Its tone and language match Psalm 6, another penitential psalm. Nothing in the text forces a single event, but many place it after David’s sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11–12) when the prophet Nathan foretold trouble “from your own house.” Themes • God’s discipline of His children (Hebrews 12:5-6 echoes verses 1-2). • The inseparable link between sin and suffering in David’s life, though not every suffering is caused by personal sin (see John 9:3). • Isolation: friends withdraw; foes draw near. • Confession leads to hope. Physical and Emotional Symptoms Verses 3-8 pile up body language: “no health,” “wounds are foul,” “fever in my bones,” “heart pounds.” Ancient Near Eastern texts show sickness was often seen as divine reproof. Medical papyri from Egypt describe similar language for infected sores, underscoring how vivid David’s imagery would have felt to his first listeners. Social Fallout In an honor-shame culture, visible illness signaled divine displeasure. Friends could fear ritual impurity (Leviticus 13:45-46). That explains “my friends and companions stand aloof” (v. 11). Job felt the same void (Job 19:13-19). David’s Silence Keeping quiet (vv.13-14) recalls Isaiah’s picture of the Suffering Servant: “He was oppressed…yet He did not open His mouth” (Isaiah 53:7). Peter points to Christ’s silence under abuse (1 Peter 2:23). David’s choice anticipates Jesus, who answered nothing before Herod. God’s Discipline Across Scripture Old Testament: Proverbs 3:11-12—“whom the LORD loves He disciplines.” New Testament: Revelation 3:19—“Those I love, I rebuke and discipline.” Psalm 38 shows discipline not to devastate but to restore (Psalm 118:18). Key Hebrew Words • “Yahweh” (LORD) appears four times; covenant name highlights relationship. • “Yasha” in verse 22 (“my Savior”) means to deliver, same root as “Yeshua,” Jesus’ Hebrew name. Archaeological Notes • Arrow imagery (v.2) fits Late Bronze/Iron Age warfare: barbed arrows caused deep infections, a metaphor for lingering guilt. • Excavated Judean sling stones and arrowheads display the lethal technology David once mastered, now turned into a picture of God’s conviction. Connections to Christ David suffers for his own sin; Jesus suffers for ours. Yet parallels abound: abandoned by friends (Matthew 26:56), surrounded by mockers (Psalm 22:7-8), crying “My God” under the burden of sin. Verse 11 mirrors how disciples fled at Gethsemane. Verse 22’s plea, “O Lord, my Salvation,” foreshadows the name and mission of Jesus (Matthew 1:21). Practical Takeaways • Sin is never private; it spills into body, mind, and relationships. • Confession should be honest: David names both his sin and its cost. • Silence can be faith: we don’t have to answer every accusation. • God disciplines to restore, not discard. Outline 1. Plea under discipline (vv.1-2) 2. Burden of guilt (vv.3-4) 3. Physical collapse (vv.5-8) 4. Prayer of distress (vv.9-10) 5. Social alienation (vv.11-12) 6. Intentional silence (vv.13-14) 7. Hope in God (vv.15-16) 8. Confession and sorrow (vv.17-18) 9. Unjust opposition (vv.19-20) 10. Final plea for help (vv.21-22) Scripture Echoes • Psalm 6 (near twin). • Psalm 31:10—bones wasting. • Isaiah 1:5-6—wounds, welts, sores. • 2 Corinthians 7:10—godly sorrow leads to repentance. For Today When shame, pain, or illness hit, Psalm 38 teaches us to run toward God, not away. Honest confession and humble waiting invite the same God who disciplined David to lift the burden and restore joy (Psalm 51:12). Connections to Additional Scriptures Psalm 51 Another penitential psalm of David, emphasizing confession and the desire for a clean heart. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to find rest in Him, echoing the relief sought in Psalm 38. Romans 7:24-25 Paul's struggle with sin and his gratitude for deliverance through Jesus Christ. Teaching Points The Burden of Sin David begins by acknowledging the heavy burden of his sin, describing it as a heavy burden that is too heavy for me (Psalm 38:4). This highlights the spiritual and emotional weight that sin can impose on our lives. Physical and Emotional Anguish The psalm vividly describes the physical and emotional toll of sin, with David experiencing wounds that fester and stink (Psalm 38:5) and feeling feeble and utterly crushed (Psalm 38:8). Isolation and Abandonment David feels isolated, noting that his friends and companions avoid him (Psalm 38:11). This reflects the relational consequences of sin and the loneliness it can bring. A Cry for Mercy Despite his suffering, David turns to God, pleading, Do not forsake me, O LORD; be not far from me, O my God (Psalm 38:21). This demonstrates his reliance on God's mercy and his hope for restoration. Confession and Repentance David openly confesses his iniquity, stating, I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin (Psalm 38:18). This act of confession is crucial for receiving God's forgiveness. Practical Applications Acknowledge Sin's Impact Recognize the spiritual, emotional, and physical effects of sin in your life and the lives of others. Seek God's Mercy In times of distress, turn to God with a humble heart, seeking His mercy and forgiveness. Confess and Repent Regularly confess your sins to God and seek to turn away from them, embracing a life of repentance. Support Others Be mindful of those who may feel isolated due to their struggles and offer them support and encouragement. Trust in God's Presence Even when feeling abandoned, trust that God is near and ready to offer His healing and restoration. People 1. The Psalmist (David) The author of the psalm, traditionally identified as King David. He is expressing his anguish, guilt, and physical suffering due to his sins. He pleads for God's mercy and healing. 2. The LORD (Yahweh) The psalmist addresses God directly, acknowledging His righteous anger and seeking His forgiveness and deliverance. The Hebrew name used here is "Yahweh," which signifies the covenantal relationship between God and His people. 3. Enemies These are individuals who seek to harm the psalmist, taking advantage of his weakened state. They are described as those who "lay snares" and "speak destruction" (Psalm 38:12). 4. Friends and Companions These are people who are close to the psalmist but have distanced themselves due to his afflictions. They are described as standing "aloof" and "afar off" (Psalm 38:11). 5. Those Who Seek My Life A specific group of adversaries who actively seek the psalmist's downfall and harm. They are characterized by their malicious intent and plotting (Psalm 38:12). In this psalm, the focus is primarily on the relationship between the psalmist and God, with the other individuals serving to highlight the psalmist's isolation and need for divine intervention. Places Psalm 38 in the Berean Standard Bible does not explicitly mention specific geographical places. Instead, it is a penitential psalm attributed to David, focusing on themes of personal suffering, sin, and a plea for God's mercy. Since there are no specific places mentioned in the text, a numbered list of places cannot be provided. The psalm primarily deals with internal and spiritual experiences rather than physical locations. If you have any other questions or need further analysis, feel free to ask! Events 1. David's Plea for Mercy David begins by asking the Lord not to rebuke him in anger or discipline him in wrath. This reflects a deep awareness of God's holiness and the seriousness of sin. The Hebrew word for "rebuke" (יָכַח, yakach) implies correction or chastisement. 2. Description of Physical and Emotional Suffering David describes his physical pain and emotional turmoil, saying, "Your arrows have pierced me deeply, and Your hand has pressed down on me" (Psalm 38:2). The imagery of arrows suggests a direct and personal affliction from God. 3. Acknowledgment of Sin David confesses his sin, stating, "My iniquities have overwhelmed me; they are a burden too heavy to bear" (Psalm 38:4). The Hebrew word for "iniquities" (עָוֹן, avon) denotes guilt or moral perversity. 4. Isolation and Abandonment He laments his isolation, noting that friends and companions avoid him because of his wounds (Psalm 38:11). This reflects the social consequences of his condition. 5. Enemies' Malice David describes how his enemies are plotting against him, seeking his life and speaking deceitfully (Psalm 38:12). The Hebrew term for "enemies" (אוֹיֵב, oyev) indicates adversaries or those who are hostile. 6. David's Silence and Hope in God Despite his suffering, David remains silent, expressing his hope in the Lord: "But I am like a deaf man; I do not hear, and like a mute man who does not open his mouth" (Psalm 38:13). This silence signifies trust and submission to God's will. 7. Cry for Help and Confession David cries out to God for help, acknowledging his sin and expressing his sorrow: "I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin" (Psalm 38:18). The Hebrew word for "confess" (יָדָה, yadah) involves an admission of guilt and a plea for forgiveness. 8. Final Plea for Deliverance The psalm concludes with a plea for God's presence and deliverance: "Do not forsake me, O LORD; be not far from me, O my God" (Psalm 38:21). The Hebrew root for "forsake" (עָזַב, azav) conveys abandonment or leaving behind. Lessons from Psalm 38 1. Acknowledge Your Need for God Psalm 38 begins with a heartfelt plea for mercy, reminding us of our dependence on God. The psalmist cries, "O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger or discipline me in Your wrath" (Psalm 38:1). This teaches us the importance of humbly recognizing our need for divine guidance and forgiveness. In our daily lives, acknowledging our limitations and seeking God's help can lead to spiritual growth and peace. 2. The Weight of Sin The psalmist vividly describes the burden of sin, saying, "For my iniquities have overwhelmed me; they are a burden too heavy to bear" (Psalm 38:4). This imagery reminds us that sin can weigh us down, affecting our spiritual and emotional well-being. By confessing our sins and seeking God's forgiveness, we can lighten this load and experience true freedom. 3. The Power of Honest Prayer Throughout Psalm 38, the psalmist pours out his heart to God, demonstrating the power of honest prayer. "I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart" (Psalm 38:8). This teaches us that we can bring our deepest struggles and emotions to God, trusting that He hears and understands us completely. 4. The Reality of Suffering The psalmist does not shy away from describing his suffering, acknowledging that pain is a part of life. "My wounds are foul and festering because of my sinful folly" (Psalm 38:5). This reminds us that while suffering is real, it can also be a catalyst for drawing closer to God and seeking His healing and comfort. 5. The Importance of Repentance Repentance is a central theme in Psalm 38. The psalmist declares, "I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin" (Psalm 38:18). This highlights the importance of turning away from sin and seeking God's forgiveness. Repentance is not just a one-time event but a continual process that leads to spiritual renewal. 6. Trust in God's Timing In the midst of his distress, the psalmist waits patiently for God's intervention. "I wait for You, O LORD; You will answer, O Lord my God" (Psalm 38:15). This teaches us to trust in God's perfect timing, even when we don't see immediate results. Patience and faith go hand in hand as we rely on God's wisdom and plan. 7. The Value of Community Support The psalmist laments the absence of friends and family during his time of need, saying, "My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds" (Psalm 38:11). This underscores the importance of surrounding ourselves with a supportive community. As believers, we are called to bear one another's burdens and offer encouragement and love. 8. God's Unfailing Love Despite his struggles, the psalmist remains confident in God's unfailing love. "Do not forsake me, O LORD; be not far from me, O my God" (Psalm 38:21). This assurance reminds us that God's love is constant and unwavering, providing us with hope and strength in every circumstance. 9. The Role of Humility Humility is a recurring theme in Psalm 38, as the psalmist acknowledges his weaknesses and seeks God's help. "I am about to fall, and my pain is ever with me" (Psalm 38:17). Embracing humility allows us to recognize our need for God's grace and to approach Him with a sincere heart. 10. The Promise of Deliverance The psalm concludes with a plea for deliverance, reflecting the psalmist's trust in God's power to save. "Come quickly to help me, O Lord my Savior" (Psalm 38:22). This promise of deliverance encourages us to hold onto our faith, knowing that God is our ultimate source of salvation and hope. Topics 1. Divine Rebuke and Discipline Psalm 38 begins with a plea for mercy in the face of divine rebuke and discipline: "O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger or discipline me in Your wrath" (Psalm 38:1). The Hebrew word for "rebuke" (תּוֹכֵחָה, tokhechah) implies correction or chastisement, highlighting the psalmist's awareness of God's righteous judgment. 2. Physical and Emotional Suffering The psalmist describes intense physical and emotional suffering: "Your arrows have pierced me deeply, and Your hand has pressed down on me" (Psalm 38:2). The imagery of arrows (חֵץ, chetz) suggests deep, penetrating pain, both physically and spiritually. 3. Confession of Sin Acknowledgment of personal sin is central: "For my iniquities have overwhelmed me; they are a burden too heavy to bear" (Psalm 38:4). The Hebrew term for "iniquities" (עָוֹן, avon) conveys a sense of guilt and moral failing, underscoring the need for repentance. 4. Isolation and Abandonment The psalmist feels isolated and abandoned by friends and loved ones: "My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds; my neighbors stay far away" (Psalm 38:11). This reflects the social stigma and loneliness often associated with suffering and sin. 5. Enemies and Persecution The presence of enemies and their persecution is a recurring theme: "Those who seek my life lay snares; those who wish me harm speak destruction, plotting deceit all day long" (Psalm 38:12). The Hebrew word for "snares" (מוֹקֵשׁ, moqesh) indicates traps or schemes set by adversaries. 6. Desperation and Cry for Help The psalmist expresses desperation and cries out for divine intervention: "I am like a deaf man who cannot hear, like a mute who cannot open his mouth" (Psalm 38:13). This metaphor of being unable to respond highlights the depth of the psalmist's helplessness. 7. Hope in the LORD Despite the suffering, there is hope in the LORD: "For I wait for You, O LORD; You will answer, O Lord my God" (Psalm 38:15). The Hebrew verb "wait" (קָוָה, kavah) implies an expectant hope and trust in God's deliverance. 8. Plea for Salvation The psalm concludes with a plea for salvation and deliverance: "Come quickly to help me, O Lord my Savior" (Psalm 38:22). The term "Savior" (יְשׁוּעָה, yeshuah) emphasizes God's role as a deliverer and redeemer, reinforcing the psalmist's reliance on divine grace. Themes 1. Divine Discipline and Anguish Psalm 38 opens with a plea for mercy in the face of divine discipline: "O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger or discipline me in Your wrath" (Psalm 38:1). The Hebrew word for "rebuke" (תּוֹכֵחָה, tokhechah) implies correction or chastisement, highlighting the psalmist's awareness of God's righteous judgment and his own suffering as a result. 2. Physical and Emotional Suffering The psalmist vividly describes his physical and emotional pain: "There is no soundness in my body because of Your anger; there is no rest in my bones because of my sin" (Psalm 38:3). The Hebrew word for "soundness" (מְתֹם, metom) suggests wholeness or health, indicating the depth of his affliction. 3. Confession of Sin Acknowledgment of personal sin is a central theme: "For my iniquities have overwhelmed me; they are a burden too heavy to bear" (Psalm 38:4). The Hebrew term for "iniquities" (עֲוֹנוֹת, avonot) refers to moral perversity or guilt, underscoring the psalmist's recognition of his wrongdoing. 4. Isolation and Abandonment The psalmist experiences profound loneliness: "My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds; my neighbors stay far away" (Psalm 38:11). This theme of isolation is intensified by the Hebrew word for "avoid" (נִגְעִים, nigga'im), which can also mean to be stricken or plagued. 5. Plea for Deliverance Despite his suffering, the psalmist earnestly seeks God's deliverance: "Come quickly to help me, O Lord my Savior" (Psalm 38:22). The Hebrew root for "help" (עָזַר, azar) conveys the idea of support or assistance, reflecting the psalmist's reliance on God's intervention. 6. Hope in God's Faithfulness The psalm concludes with a note of hope and trust in God's faithfulness: "For I wait for You, O LORD; You will answer, O Lord my God" (Psalm 38:15). The Hebrew word for "wait" (קָוָה, kavah) implies an expectant hope, emphasizing the psalmist's confidence in God's response. Prayer Points Confession Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal any unconfessed sin in your life and for the courage to confess it to God. Mercy and Forgiveness Ask God for His mercy and forgiveness, trusting in His promise to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Healing and Restoration Pray for healing from the physical and emotional effects of sin and for restoration in your relationship with God. Support for Others Lift up those who are struggling with sin and isolation, asking God to provide them with comfort and community. Trust in God's Presence Pray for a deeper awareness of God's presence in your life, especially during times of distress and loneliness. Answering Tough Questions 1. How can Psalm 38:3 link physical sickness directly to divine anger without any natural or scientific explanation? 2. If David wrote Psalm 38, is there historical or archaeological evidence supporting his severe affliction described here? 3. Why does Psalm 38:7 portray God’s punishment as an ailment when other Scriptures emphasize mercy and healing? 4. Does Psalm 38:5 contradict modern understanding of disease by attributing festering wounds solely to sin? 5. How do we reconcile Psalm 38’s extreme self-condemnation with other biblical passages that offer hope and forgiveness? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does David express his physical and emotional suffering in Psalm 38? Can you relate to these feelings in your own life? 2. In verses 1-8, how does David perceive God's hand in his affliction? 3. How does David's acknowledgment of his sin influence his understanding of his suffering? 4. Why do you think David's friends and companions stand aloof from his affliction? 5. What do David's pleas to God reveal about his relationship with Him? 6. How does David express his isolation in verses 9-14? How can we find solace in God when experiencing loneliness? 7. In verses 15-22, what does David's plea for deliverance say about his faith in God? 8. How does David reconcile his belief in a loving God with his current affliction? 9. How can this Psalm inform our prayers when we face affliction, sin, or guilt? 10. How can you apply David's faith and trust in God to your present-day situations? 11. How might you respond to a friend or family member who feels as David does in this Psalm? 12. What practical steps can you take to remain faithful, like David, amidst trials and challenges? 13. How can we use David's plea for mercy as a model for repentance in our own lives? 14. What role does acknowledgment of sin play in our personal growth and spiritual maturity? 15. How does this Psalm challenge you to confront your own sins and guilt? 16. How can we seek God's mercy and forgiveness in our everyday lives? 17. How does Psalm 38 demonstrate the importance of vulnerability in our relationship with God? 18. In what ways can we interpret David's hope in God as an antidote to despair? 19. How does this Psalm inspire you to persevere in your faith during times of affliction? 20. In the face of personal distress and conflicts, how can we maintain our dependence on God as David does in this Psalm? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions