Psalm 38

This is the third of the penitential psalms; and, as you would expect, it has things in common with its predecessors (6; 32). Compare 6:1 with 38:1; 32:3 with 38:3, 8, 13-14; and 32:5 with 38:18. The description here of David’s physical condition is similar to the one in 32, so perhaps both psalms (along with 51) came out of the same sad situation. David’s sins (vv. 3, 4, 18) had brought God’s chastening to his life, and David was a very sick man. Not all affliction comes from disobedience (John 9:1-3), but physical troubles can be a consequence of sin (John 5:14). David doesn’t question the legitimacy of his suffering, for he admitted his sins (v. 18), but he wonders why his suffering is so severe. Like the prophet Habakkuk, David wanted God to remember to be merciful (Hab. 3:2). The title “to bring to remembrance” is found also at Psalm 70. The New American Standard Bible reads “for a memorial” and the New International Version “a petition.” For God to “remember” someone means that He begins to act on his or her behalf and meet some need (Gen. 8:1; 19:29; 30:22; 1 Sam. 1:19). David wanted God to remember him and grant forgiveness and healing. When God’s people suffer the consequences of sin and feel the chastening hand of God, they must choose one of three responses.