PSALM 39 THE ARGUMENT This is reckoned one of David's penitential Psalms. It was composed upon occasion of some sore disease, or grievous calamity; which he rightly judged to be inflicted upon him for his sins. Either,
1. To God, 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,
2. To himself, 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 we are very apt to forget; and that others also might remember and consider what God had done to him, first in chastening, and then in restoring him, and might make use of his example for their benefit. David, being visited with sickness, rehearseth his woeful condition, Psalms 38:1-3, by reason of his sins, Psalms 38:4-8; prayeth for forgiveness, help, and favour, Psalms 38:9,10. He lays before God the unfaithfuless of his friends, Psalms 38:11-18, and the cruelty of his enemies, Psalms 38:19-22. I confess I both deserve chastisement and need it, and therefore I desire not that thou wouldst remove it, but only moderate it. See the same expression Psalms 6:1.