Psalm 38:2 NIV

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 38:2

For thine arrows stick fast in me ,.... Meaning either words with which as a father the Lord rebuked him; and which were sharp and cutting, entered into him and abode with him, and gave him much pain and uneasiness; and by which he concluded that his rebukes were in wrath and hot displeasure; such as those in 2 Samuel 12:11 ; so the words of men are compared to arrows, Psalm 57:4 or outward afflictions, attended with inward trouble of soul; for as judgments are the arrows of God, such as... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 38:2

Thine arrows stick fast in me - This no doubt, refers to the acute pains which he endured; each appearing to his feeling as if an arrow were shot into his body. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 38:2

Verse 2 2.For thy arrows go down in me. He shows that he was constrained by dire necessity to ask an alleviation of his misery; for he was crushed under the weight of the burden which he sustained. This rule is always to be observed in our prayers — to keep God’s promises present to our view. But God has promised that he will chastise his servants, not according to their deserts, but as they are able to bear. This is the reason why the saints so often speak of their own weakness, when they are... 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 38:2

For thine arrows stick fast in me . (On the "arrows" of the Almighty, see above, Psalms 7:13 ; and comp. Job 6:4 ; Psalms 18:14 ; Psalms 45:5 ; Psalms 64:7 ; Psalms 77:17 , etc.) It has been maintained that by "God's arrows" only sickness is meant (Hitzig); but the contrary appears from Deuteronomy 32:1-52 :23425. Hengstenberg is right, "The arrows of the Almighty denote all the chastisements of sin depending on God." And thy hand presseth me sore. The verb used is the same in... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 38:2

For thine arrows stick fast in me - See the notes at Job 6:4. The word rendered “stick fast” - נחת nâchath - means properly to go or come down; to descend; and the literal idea here would be, “thine arrows come down upon me.” It is not so much the idea of their “sticking fast” when in the wound or flesh; it is that they come down upon one, and pierce him. The meaning is, that he was afflicted “as if” God had wounded him with arrows - arrows which pierced deep in his flesh. Compare the notes at... read more

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

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 38:2

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 38:2

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 38:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 38:1-22

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 38:1-22

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 38:1-22

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 38:1-22

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 38:2

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 38:2

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