For in thee, O Lord, &c.— For I wait for thee, O Lord; thou shalt answer, O Lord my God: Psalms 38:16. For I thought with myself, lest they triumph over me: when my foot slippeth, &c. David seems to give this 16th verse as a reason why he should not undertake his own defence, but leave himself wholly to God. For if he should attempt to do it in the weak condition wherein he then was, overwhelmed with his pains and sins, he should only give the enemy a fresh opportunity of insult; for his mouth could then utter nothing but his sins and pains, and this would be matter of triumph for them. Mudge.
REFLECTIONS.—1st,
1. David earnestly deprecates the wrath of God, the sense of which was the most intolerable part of his sufferings.
2. He spreads his distressing case before the Father of mercies, bewailing his wretchedness, but most bewailing his sins.
3. Though perplexed, he is not in despair. Hope supported his fainting heart; God knew that his groaning was no feigned sorrow; and his desire, all his desire was before him, who saw his deep distress, and what above all things he sought, even pardon and peace with God. Note; It is some comfort that when the penitent feels the sense of guilt, his compassionate God sees his anguish.
2nd, While within were fears, without were fightings. His enemies took advantage of his sickness and distress to insult and assail him.
1. He complains of them to God, who was not an unconcerned spectator of their wickedness. Note; (1.) The great quarrel against the people of God is because of his image that they bear; whatever pretext is made use of, this enmity against God is at the bottom. (2.) So fixed is the hatred of the wicked against goodness for its own sake, that, though benefited by it, they detest it, abhor the prayers offered for them, and can scarcely give a civil answer to the kindest inquiries. (3.) When the views of our utter helplessness lead us to seek Divine strength, then shall we out of weakness be made strong.
2. He mentions, with satisfaction, his own unruffled temper under these provocations, and the cause of it; namely, that he committed his case to God, his covenant God, not doubting but in him to find a friend when all forsook him; and that he would hear, or answer for him; hear his prayer to help him, and answer for him by appearing in judgment as his vindicating God. Note; (1.) To be calm and composed under severe provocation, is the mark of a truly blessed spirit. (2.) It is wise to appear ignorant of many unkindnesses done us. (3.) When answering will but exasperate, we must be content silently to suffer. (4.) Thus did the Lamb of God appear dumb before his shearers. (5.) Hope in God is the great support against oppression and wrong. (6.) They who contentedly leave their cause with him, shall not be disappointed, nor want an advocate to plead for them.
3. Though he was silent before man, he is not silent before God, in whose presence he desires to humble his soul. To him he declares his iniquity, which had been the just cause of all his sufferings; and with unfeigned sorrow bewails his sins. Note; (1.) A sense of our own offences against God, will serve to make us patient under the provocation of men. (2.) They who have a true sight and sense of sin, cannot but be deeply sorry for having offended a God so holy, and grieved him who is so gracious.
4. He directs his prayer to God for help, for present help; forsake me not, O Lord; though left of all beside, let thy presence comfort, thy power support me: O my God, be not far from me; my God in whom, by promise, I have an interest; whose nearness to me I now peculiarly need; make haste to help me, for I am ready to halt, under such complicated and continual sorrow; make haste then, O Lord, my salvation; on thee I place my hope; from thee alone my help must come, and cheerfully I resign myself up to thee. Let us then in the deepest affliction, still trust in the Lord.