Psalm 38:1-22
Q.1. What had happened to David? Who ultimately inflicted the wounds on David? How did this also apply to the sufferings of Jesus on the cross? –(Ps.38:1-12 c.f. Lk.23:49; 1 Pet.2:24)
We do not know what David had done that caused him to cry out to God for mercy – O Lord, rebuke me not in Your wrath, and chasten me not in Your burning anger (Ps.38:1). Though God was using others including his friends to punish him, David had done something that incurred the ‘burning anger’ of God (Ps.38:1-2, 4 c.f. Ps.38:11-12). David knew that it was God Who was chastening him. Beyond all that, the Psalm is also Messianic, and gives us an insight into the sufferings of Christ upon the cross. It described the vicarious sufferings of Jesus as our sin-bearer (Ps.38:4), His acute suffering from crucifixion (Ps.38:5-10), and God’s wrath against Jesus, as – He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross (Ps.38:1-3 c.f. 1 Pet.2:24). It even described the fleeing of His disciples, and the helpless watching by His friends (Lk.23:49). It also made mention of all His mockers – who seek my life lay snares for me; And those who seek to injure me have threatened destruction, and they devise treachery all day long (Ps.38:12). Yet the Saviour entrusted Himself to His Father, Who knows His heart’s motivation – Lord, all my desire is before You; And my sighing is not hidden from You (Ps.38:9 c.f. 1 Pet.2:23).
Q.2. How did David respond to his opponents? What was his prayer to God? Where was his focus during his trials? For what was he looking from the Lord? – (Ps.38:13-22)
We often explain our actions and defend ourselves. However, as did Jesus at His trial and crucifixion, David exercised the wisdom of not retaliating or talking back – 13 But I, like a deaf man, do not hear; And I am like a mute man who does not open his mouth. 14 Yes, I am like a man who does not hear, and in whose mouth are no arguments (Ps.38:13-14). How did he do this? – For I hope in You, O Lord; You will answer, O Lord my God (Ps.38:15). David was aware of his hovering enemies but elected to place his case before the Lord (Ps.38:16-17). He was much more concerned about his own sinfulness than that of his enemies (Ps.38:17-18). He was not ignorant of the schemes of his enemies, or that they despised him for following what was good (Ps.38:20). He cried out to His Lord – 21 Do not forsake me, O Lord; O my God Do not be far from me! 22 Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation! (Ps.38:21-22).