Psalms 38:4. For mine iniquities— i.e. The punishment of them; as Psalms 31:10; Psalms 32:5.—Are gone over my head, is an allusion to the boisterous waves of the sea; under which a man who is shipwrecked is just ready to sink. This comparison is frequent in the psalms. Compare Psalms 42:7; Psalms 69:2; Psalms 124:4-5. read more
Psalms 38:5. Because of my foolishness— i.e. "As a just punishment of my folly; whereby, to satisfy my unreasonable desires, I have inconsiderately offended thee." See 2 Samuel 11:2-4. David in the next verse represents the greatness of his affliction by the posture in which mourners walked at funerals; I am bowed down greatly, &c. Compare Psalms 35:14. read more
Psalms 38:7. For my loins are filled, &c.— An anonymous writer on the psalms, who differs in opinion from Dr. Delaney, observes, that these words are not to be taken literally, but as figurative expressions, signifying the excessive misery and extreme wretchedness of the Psalmist's condition. We find the same way of speaking, and almost the same words, used in Scripture, for the same purpose, by the prophets. Thus Ezekiel 21:6. Sigh therefore, thou son of man! with the breaking of thy... read more
Psalms 38:12. Lay snares for me— Use violence against me. read more
Psalms 38:15-16. For in thee, O Lord, &c.— For I wait for thee, O Lord; thou shalt answer, O Lord my God: Psalms 38:16. For I thought with myself, lest they triumph over me: when my foot slippeth, &c. David seems to give this 16th verse as a reason why he should not undertake his own defence, but leave himself wholly to God. For if he should attempt to do it in the weak condition wherein he then was, overwhelmed with his pains and sins, he should only give the enemy a fresh opportunity... read more
PSALM 38 :-. To bring to remembrance, or, remind God of His mercy and himself of his sin. Appealing to God for relief from His heavy chastisement, the Psalmist avows his integrity before men, complains of the defection of friends and persecution of enemies, and in a submissive spirit, casting himself on God, with penitent confession he pleads God's covenant relation and his innocence of the charges of his enemies, and prays for divine comfort and help. read more
1-4. He deprecates deserved punishment, which is described ( :-), under the figure of bodily disease [ :-]. read more
2. arrows . . . and thy hand—the sharp and heavy afflictions he suffered ( :-). read more
1-4. He deprecates deserved punishment, which is described ( :-), under the figure of bodily disease [ :-]. read more
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Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Psalms 38:2
Psalms 38:2. For thine arrows, &c.— For thine arrows are entered deep into me, and thy hand is come down upon me. Mudge. read more