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Psalms Chapter 38 (ACV)

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Psalm 38 - O LORD, Rebuke Me Not in Thy Wrath
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1 O Jehovah, rebuke me not in thy wrath, nor chasten me in thy hot displeasure.

2 For thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presses me severely.

3 There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine indignation, nor is there any health in my bones because of my sin.

4 For my iniquities have gone over my head. As a heavy burden they are too heavy for me.

5 My wounds are loathsome and corrupt, because of my foolishness.

6 I am pained and bowed down greatly. I go mourning all the day long.

7 For my loins are filled with burning, and there is no soundness in my flesh.

8 I am faint and severely bruised. I have groaned because of the disquietness of my heart.

9 Lord, all my desire is before thee, and my groaning is not hid from thee.

10 My heart throbs, my strength fails me. As for the light of my eyes, it also is gone from me.

11 Those I love and my friends stand aloof from my plague, and my kinsmen stand afar off.

12 Those also who seek after my life lay snares for me. And those who seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and meditate deceits all the day long.

13 But I, as a deaf man, hear not. And I am as a mute man who opens not his mouth.

14 Yea, I am as a man who hears not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs.

15 For in thee, O Jehovah, do I hope. Thou will answer, O Lord my God.

16 For I said, Lest they rejoice over me. When my foot slips, they magnify themselves against me.

17 For I am ready to fall, and my sorrow is continually before me.

18 For I will declare my iniquity. I will be sorry for my sin.

19 But my enemies are energetic, and are strong, and those who hate me wrongfully are multiplied.

20 They also who render evil for good are adversaries to me, because I follow the thing that is good.

21 Forsake me not, O Jehovah. O my God, be not far from me.

22 Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Psalm 38 describe?
Psalm 38 is a penitential prayer describing physical suffering linked to sin -- 'There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger' (v.3) -- alongside abandonment by friends (v.11) and enemies plotting harm (v.12), ending in a plea for help (v.22).
What physical suffering does the psalmist describe?
He describes wounds that 'stink and are corrupt' (v.5), a heart that 'panteth' with failing strength, and fading eyesight (v.10), all tied to his sense of guilt.
How does the psalm end?
It closes with an urgent plea: 'Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me. Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation' (vv.21-22), a cry similar to the one in Psalms 40:12.

Today's Verse

In overflowing wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting lovingkindness will I have mercy on thee, saith Jehovah thy Redeemer.

Isaiah 54:8 | ASV

Verse Of The Day

Even as lovers and friends stand aloof and enemies multiply, David resolves to declare his iniquity and be sorry for his sin, closing with "forsake me not, O LORD." His weakened strength is echoed in Psalms 40:12; move from Psalms 37 to Psalms 39.