Psalm 38:4

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 38:1-11

The title of this psalm is very observable; it is a psalm to bring to remembrance; the 70th psalm, which was likewise penned in a day of affliction, is so entitled. It is designed, 1. To bring to his own remembrance. We will suppose it penned when he was sick and in pain, and then it teaches us that times of sickness are times to bring to remembrance, to bring the sin to remembrance, for which God contended with us, to awaken our consciences to deal faithfully and plainly with us, and set our... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 38:4

For mine iniquities are gone over mine head ,.... Like an inundation of waters, as the waves and billows of the sea; for the waters to come up to the neck or chin shows great danger; but when they go over the head the case is desperate, and a person is sinking and drowning; compare with this Psalm 69:1 ; the simile may denote both the number and weight of sins, and also signifies the overwhelming distress the psalmist was in, under a view of them; as an heavy burden, they are too heavy... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 38:4

Mine iniquities are gone over mine head - He represents himself as one sinking in deep waters, or as one oppressed by a burden to which his strength was unequal. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 38:4

Verse 4 4.For my iniquities have passed over my head. Here he complains that he is overwhelmed by his sins as by a heavy burden, so that he utterly faints under their weight; and yet he again confirms the doctrine which we have already stated, that he deservedly suffered the wrath of God, which had been inflicted on him in a manner so severe and dreadful. The word עון, avon, which we have translated iniquities, no doubt often signifies punishment, but this is only in a secondary and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 38:1-22

The psalm is ascribed to David by the title, but is not generally allowed to be his. It is assigned commonly to an unknown sufferer. Still, some modern critics, notably Canon Cook, in the 'Speaker's Commentary,' accept the statement of the title, and find the psalm very suitable to the circumstances of David "at the period just preceding the revolt of Absalom." Canon Cook holds that "at that time there are indications that David was prostrate by disease, which gave full scope to the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 38:1-22

Sin stinging like an adder. This has been called one of the penitential psalms. It may be called so without any severe strain of language; and yet its penitential tone is very far removed from that of either the thirty-second or the fifty-first psalm. There is little doubt that there is a sincere acknowledgment of the sin; but here the main stress of the grief seems to be attributable rather to the suffering consequent upon the sin, than to the guilt of the sin itself. And we cannot... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 38:1-22

Thoughts in affliction. The preacher saith, "In the day of adversity consider" ( Ecclesiastes 7:14 ). We should "call to remembrance"— I. THE HAND OF GOD IN AFFLICTION . Our afflictions may be various, and have various causes. But we should look higher than mere human instrumentality, or the action of natural laws. We should acknowledge the hand of God ( Psalms 38:2 ). What a change this makes l It soothes our resentments. It calms our fears. God sees all. He knows... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 38:1-22

A fearful picture of the sufferings which a great sin can cause. Supposed to be one of David's penitential psalms. I. COMPLICATED MENTAL AND BODILY SUFFERING . ( Psalms 38:1-8 .) 1 . Dread of God ' s further anger. Guilt makes a man full of fear and apprehension ( Psalms 38:1 ). 2 . His sin was realized as an intolerable burden. ( Psalms 38:4 .) A load that he was unable to carry; or a great wave passing over his head and threatening to overwhelm him. 3... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 38:4

For mine iniquities are gone over mine head ; i.e. they overwhelm me like waves of the sea. Together with my bodily pain is mingled mental anguish—a sense of regret and remorse on account of my ill-doing, and a conviction that by my sins I have brought upon me my sufferings. As an heavy burden they are too heavy for me . They press me down, crush me to the earth, are more than I can bear. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 38:4

Conviction of sin an element of true Christian life. "As a heavy burden." Jonah, when carried down in his living tomb to "the roots of the mountains," with the sea-weeds about his head, was not plunged in a deeper sea of trouble than David in the experience this psalm records (comp. Psalms 32:3-5 ). He felt that his troubles were the just and wise chastisement of his sins; and they lead him to confession (verse 18). He humbly bows under God's hand; but only prays that he may feel that... read more

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