Psalms 31:10 - Exposition

For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing . The psalmist's grief is of old standing. It dates from the time of his great sin ( 2 Samuel 11:4-17 ), which is thought to have preceded the revolt of Absalom by the space of twelve years. This sin necessitated a lifelong repentance ( Psalms 38:17 ; Psalms 51:3 , etc.). My strength faileth because of mine iniquity. Other causes had, no doubt, contributed to produce the profound depression of the psalmist at this period, but none was of equal force with this (comp. Psalms 38:3-10 ; Psalms 51:1-14 , etc.). It caused his strength to fail utterly, and led to complete prostration both st mind and body. And my bones are consumed; i.e. racked with pain, as though they were being gnawed away.