Psalms 39:1 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Bible Comments

David's care of his thoughts. The consideration of the brevity and vanity of life. The reverence of God's judgments, and prayer, are the bridles of his impatience.

To the chief Musician, even to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David.

Title. לידתון למנצח lamnatseach liiduthun. See what has been observed on the title to the former psalm. This, being of the same kind, is generally supposed to have been written on the same occasion. Here, as well as in that, David endeavours to prevent the scandal which good men take, while they are under afflictions, at the prosperity of the wicked; though he shews that upon same occasions it is very difficult not to be disturbed at it. Jeduthun, mentioned in the title, was one of the chief musicians, as appears from 1 Chronicles 16:42; 1 Chronicles 25:1. 2 Chronicles 5:12. We may just remark, that some have supposed that the psalm was occasioned by the death of Absalom, after Joab had represented to the king the inconsistency of his grief. The first and second verses seem to allude to his resolution to stifle his grief in the presence of Joab: in Psalms 39:4 he prays for due preparation for his own death, and strongly alludes to the untimely end of Absalom. This is enforced Psalms 39:6 wherein he blames himself for making such ample provision for his heir, who was cut off in so sudden a manner. The reproach of the foolish, Psalms 39:8 might allude to the malicious interpretation which Joab or his other enemies might cast upon his affliction. The precariousness of human beauty, Psalms 39:11 might refer to Absalom's remarkable beauty, in which he is said to have excelled all Israel. And the strength mentioned Psalms 39:13 may allude to his loss of his two sons, Amnon and Absalom; children being frequently in Scripture styled the strength of their parents.

Psalms 39:1

1 I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my moutha with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.