Although this psalm has twenty-two verses, it is not an acrostic like Psalm 37 (see our study yet to come). The inscription tells us David wrote this psalm. Many argue with this because the biblical account does not contain a sickness of David like this. This thought implies that everything that happened to David was written in the Bible, which is absurd. The inscription also states that this psalm is for the memorial offering (NRSV), which implies it is used as part of the service. The NASB does not include the word “offering,” which would mean it is used to remember what has happened and to learn from it (Psalm 70 contains the same inscription). It is also the third in the penitential type psalms. These are written for our benefit that we may know how to pray in repentance and in hope due to our sin. This psalm is normally read in higher churches on Ash Wednesday in preparation for the time of Easter. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent.
This psalm is reminiscent of the book of Job wherein Job suffers, though not due to sin, and is mistreated by his friends, then turns to his only Hope, God. Verses 9, 15, and 21 gives us this hope too. In spite of our sin, we can still pursue God but only in repentance will He be found (see the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15.11-31).
- Verse 1-David opens in prayer asking God to remove His anger from him.
- Verses 2-10-The usage of arrows throughout Scripture is of interest. This metaphor is used to show God’s discipline for His children and judgment on those who are not His children. If a study is desire, please post a request. These verses describe in detail what David was suffering physically. David’s body was filled with disease, there is no soundness in his flesh, his bones ache, his body agonized with a sense of burning, his heart palpitated, his strength and sight were failing.
- Verses 11-20-These verses describe in detail what David was suffering mentally due to his sin and by those around him. Instead of doing what God has called them to do, restore one who is repentant (Galatians 6.1), this community was attacking David (16).
- Verses 21-22-David ends this psalm with a plea to God not to deliver him from his suffering but to be with him through it all.
Have you examined your heart today? Do you suffer? Is it from sin? If not, what is God doing in and through you for His glory?
Suffering
David sees what is happening to him as judgment from God due to his sins (18). We see this association in Psalm 51 and 32 as-well (see our study of Psalm 51 and Psalm 32). This can be the case (cf. 1 Corinthians 11.30-32 and Hebrews 12.5-11). But it is not always the case as Jesus presents in John 9.3 and 11.4. In both these incidents, the man born blind and the death of Lazarus, Jesus proclaims the sole purpose was to glorify God. This implies that we cannot determine the reason a person is suffering, unless they inform us that they are trapped in sin and are suffering for it. We can only determine why we are suffering. If we are in sin, our suffering may be due to that; if we are not bound by sin, we need to examine our heart to see if that is a truth. Whether it is due to sin or due to other factors, we must always give God glory for it. So that, in all circumstances, He might receive the praise and glory.
If further discussion on the topic of suffering is desired, please post.
Because of God’s love for us, He has given us mercy and freedom from our sins by sacraficing His son.
As Christians, we will, however, still experience suffering. But, we need to praise Him despite our circumstances. We also need to endure our troubles and persevere, knowing that our troubles are only temporary, and that someday all our suffering will end and we will be with Him for eternity.