Psalm 38 Study Notes

Ps 38 title The word remembrance may refer to a memorial offering that was a part of the grain offering in Israel (Lv 2:2,9,16; 5:12). A similar title appears in Ps 70. The request for the Lord to remember is another way of asking him to act in a situation (see note at 25:6-7). Both this psalm and Ps 70 are prayers and fit this concept.

38:1-2 God’s anger and discipline are often mentioned in lament psalms, indicating the belief that sin is the reason for suffering. Although in some cases it may only be an assumption (see note at 6:1), in this psalm the language is much more certain and indicates that sin is the primary issue. The arrows recall weapon imagery used of enemies (11:2) and of the Lord when he fights for his people (7:13; 18:14). However, this instance pictures the Lord as an enemy of the psalmist because of his sin.

38:3-8 The relationship between psychological suffering and physical pain is common in lament psalms (see note at 6:2-3). Bones seem to be used most frequently in relation to the image of physical pain (see note at 22:17-18). While the language need not be literal, it conveys the idea of intense pain and suffering that is clearly connected to the Lord’s discipline. It is significant how many times the phrase because of is used in this context. Its objects are your indignation . . . my sin . . . my foolishness, and the anguish of my heart. These make it clear why the psalmist was suffering.

38:9 The phrase in front of you means “in your presence.” Sin cannot dwell in God’s presence (see note at 5:4-5), but when there is a change in a person’s attitude toward sin, represented here by my every desire (or “longing”), God accepts and acts on it (55:16).

38:10 Light in one’s eyes is similar to “brightness” and represents vitality (see note at 13:3-4).

38:11-12 It is a common experience of a person who is suffering intensely that even friends reject him (88:8,18; Jb 19:14-15). Many scholars believe that the juxtaposition of friends in Ps 38:11 with enemies in v. 12 makes it possible that the friends had become like enemies (109:3-4; Lm 1:2; see note at Ps 31:11-12).

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.