Tyndale Open Study NotesPsalms 38

These verses introduce the psalmist's confession (Psalm 38:18) and describe his miserable state.

This psalm is a lament and a prayer for healing. The psalmist's suffering is linked to his unconfessed sin. He admits his sin and trusts the Lord with his situation.

The psalmist’s sins brought the Lord’s anger and rage. Because of this, the Lord disciplined and rebuked him, like arrows and blows striking him. As a result, his whole body is sick.

The meaning of this phrase is uncertain (also in 70:1).

Sin can lead to sickness and even death (1 Corinthians 11:30). The psalmist may have felt physically ill, or his sickness was a metaphor for emotional distress. He understood it came from God and endangered his life (see Psalms 32:3; 39:10).

The psalmist feels burdened because of sin (see Psalms 40:12; 41:4; compare Genesis 4:13).

The severity of God’s punishment brings anguish that affects every part of the psalmist’s being.

The psalmist wants to reconnect with God but feels distant. He feels lost and alone as his friends leave him.

The psalmist suffers quietly before his opponents (see Isaiah 53:7).

The Lord alone will resolve the conflict (Psalms 9:18; 27:14; 37:9, 34).

The psalmist, unable to bear his suffering and close to collapse (compare Psalm 15:5), admits his sin (see Psalm 32:5).

The psalmist feels more pain because his enemies hate him for no reason.

In the Psalms, people often ask the Lord to act quickly in times of great need (Psalms 22:19; 31:2; 40:13; 69:17; 70:1; 71:12; 79:8; 102:2; 141:1; 143:7). However, wisdom and experience show that God's people often need to wait for him to act (Psalms 27:14; 37:7; Isaiah 8:17; 40:31).