Psalms 39

¹ To the chief Musician, [even] to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.

² I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, [even] from good; and my sorrow was stirred.

³ My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: [then] spake I with my tongue,

⁴ LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it [is; that] I may know how frail I [am].

⁵ Behold, thou hast made my days [as] an handbreadth; and mine age [is] as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state [is] altogether vanity. Selah.

⁶ Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up [riches], and knoweth not who shall gather them.

⁷ And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope [is] in thee.

⁸ Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the foolish.

⁹ I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst [it].

¹⁰ Remove thy stroke away from me: I am consumed by the blow of thine hand.

¹¹ When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man [is] vanity. Selah.

¹² Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I [am] a stranger with thee, [and] a sojourner, as all my fathers [were].

¹³ O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more.

Overview of Psalm 39

Psalm 39 is a poignant reflection on the brevity of life and the struggles of human existence. The psalmist, traditionally attributed to David, expresses a deep sense of introspection and contemplation regarding mortality, the nature of speech, and the pursuit of meaning in life.

Structure of the Psalm

This psalm can be divided into several key sections that highlight its themes:

1. Verses 1-3: Restraint in Speech
   • The psalmist begins by expressing a desire to be cautious with his words.
   • He resolves to remain silent in the face of wickedness, indicating a struggle between the desire to speak out and the wisdom of restraint.
   • His silence leads to internal turmoil, suggesting that unexpressed emotions can lead to distress.
2. Verses 4-6: Reflection on Life’s Transience
   • The psalmist asks God to reveal the fleeting nature of life.
   • He reflects on the brevity of human existence, comparing life to a mere breath.
   • This section emphasizes the vanity of earthly pursuits and the inevitability of death.
3. Verses 7-11: Hope in God
   • In light of life’s transience, the psalmist turns to God for hope and refuge.
   • He acknowledges that true fulfillment cannot be found in material wealth or human endeavors.
   • The imagery of God as a shelter highlights the importance of divine support amidst life’s struggles.
4. Verses 12-13: A Plea for Mercy
   • The psalmist concludes with a personal plea, asking God to hear his prayer and to consider his plight.
   • He seeks deliverance from the consequences of his sins, demonstrating humility and the need for divine mercy.
   • The closing lines reinforce the theme of human vulnerability and the desire for God’s compassion.

Thematic Analysis

Psalm 39 encapsulates several profound themes that resonate with the human experience:

• The Nature of Speech:

  The psalmist grapples with the power of words and the wisdom of silence. This theme invites readers to consider the impact of their speech and the importance of thoughtful communication.

• The Brevity of Life:

  The acknowledgment of life’s fleeting nature serves as a reminder to value each moment and to prioritize what truly matters. The psalmist’s reflections encourage contemplation on mortality and the legacy one leaves behind.

• Divine Dependence:

  The transition from despair to hope highlights the necessity of relying on God for strength and guidance. The psalmist’s plea for mercy underscores the importance of faith in the face of life’s uncertainties.

• Human Vulnerability:

  The psalmist’s candid expression of his struggles invites readers to embrace their own vulnerabilities and seek solace in divine grace.

Conclusion

Psalm 39 serves as a powerful meditation on the complexities of life, the importance of speech, and the need for divine mercy. Its themes of mortality, hope, and human frailty resonate deeply, encouraging readers to reflect on their own lives and their relationship with God.