Psalms 38
DOYLY— to bring to remembrance.] That is, either that by this humble and mournful prayer he might prevail with God to remember and pity him; for now He seemed quite to have forgotten him: or that, by reviewing this Psalm afterwards, he might call to mind his former danger and misery, and God’s wonderful mercy in delivering him from them; which all are too apt to forget. And that others also might remember and consider what God had done for him; first in chastening, and then in restoring him; and might make use of his example for their benefit. Poole.
Ver. 2. — thine arrows &c.] The arrows, and the hand of God, are his judgments on sin; those internal pangs which pierce the soul, and those external afflictions which weigh down the spirits. Bp. Horne.
Psalms 38:4
- For mine iniquities are gone over mine head.] That is, my sins have brought so many evils upon me, that they overwhelm me like a flood. Bp. Patrick.
Psalms 38:5
- — because of my foolishness.] Meaning, the affliction had been justly brought upon him by his sin foolishly committed. Bp. Hall.
Psalms 38:33
- The Lord will not leave &c.] God will find means to clear his innocence, though he be pronounced guilty by his enemies. Dr. Wells.
— nor condemn him] Nor suffer him to be condemned. Edwards.
Psalms 38:35
- — like a green bay tree.] This should rather be rendered, as in the margin, “like a flourishing tree in its native soil.” Green.
The original simply signifies, “a native tree;” a tree growing in its native soil, not having suffered by transplantation: such a tree spreads itself luxuriantly. Script. illust. Expos. Ind.
Psalms 38:36
- Yet he passed away, &c.] Yet, firm as he seemed to stand, he vanished on a sudden like a cloud: I looked about for him, to see whether he might not, like a tree, be transplanted to some other spot; but there was no such man to be seen. Bp. Patrick.
Psalms 38:38
- — the end of the wicked shall be cut off.] They and their posterity shall be destroyed. Dr. Hammond.
The design of this whole Psalm is, to convince men of the justice of God’s dealings with all his people; to persuade them not hastily to conclude or judge of the ways of Providence, but to wait to see the end; not to depend upon their own reason, but to apply to God for light and satisfaction; for human reason, being too short to pass judgment upon the ways of an infinitely wise and just God, would only lead men into doubts and fears, and rush censures of his providence. Bp. Wilson.
The “meek,” mentioned at ver. 11, are they, who bear their own adversities, and the prosperity of their enemies, without envy, anger, or complaint. For these there is a possession in the kingdom and city of the Prince of “peace,” which “the Lord the righteous Judge shall give them at that day.” “Blessed are the meek,” saith that Lord and Judge Himself, “for they shall inherit the earth,” Matt. v. 5. In the mean time, they, and they only, possess the present earth, as they go towards the kingdom of heaven, by being humble, and cheerful, and content with what their good God has allotted them. They have no turbulent, repining, vexatious thoughts that they deserve better; nor are vexed, when they see others possessed of more honour, or more
them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.