Psalms 39

Ps 39:1-13.

To Jeduthun

(1Ch 16:41, 42),

one of the chief singers. His name mentioned, perhaps, as a special

honor. Under depressing views of his frailty and the prosperity of the

wicked, the Psalmist, tempted to murmur, checks the expression of his

feelings, till, led to regard his case aright, he prays for a proper

view of his condition and for the divine compassion.

1. I said--or, "resolved."

will take heed--watch.

ways--conduct, of which the use of the tongue is a part

(Jas 1:26).

bridle--literally, "muzzle for my mouth" (compare

De 25:4).

while . . . before me--in beholding their prosperity

(Ps 37:10, 36).

2. even from good--

(Ge 31:24),

everything.

3. His emotions, as a smothered flame, burst forth.

4-7. Some take these words as those of fretting, but they are not

essentially such. The tinge of discontent arises from the character of

his suppressed emotions. But, addressing God, they are softened and

subdued.

make me to know mine end--experimentally appreciate.

how frail I am--literally, "when I shall cease."

5, 6. His prayer is answered in his obtaining an impressive view of

the vanity of the life of all men, and their transient state. Their

pomp is a mere image, and their wealth is gathered they know not for

whom.

7. The interrogation makes the implied negative stronger. Though

this world offers nothing to our expectation, God is worthy of all

confidence.

8-10. Patiently submissive, he prays for the removal of his

chastisement, and that he may not be a reproach.

11. From his own case, he argues to that of all, that the

destruction of man's enjoyments is ascribable to sin.

12, 13. Consonant with the tenor of the Psalm, he prays for God's

compassionate regard to him as a stranger here; and that, as such was

the condition of his fathers, so, like them, he may be cheered instead

of being bound under wrath and chastened in displeasure.