I am like a man who cannot hear, whose mouth offers no reply.
David composed this psalm as a memorial, knowing how quickly God's chastisements slip from our minds even though they ought to instruct us all our lives. The title points to his purpose: to keep the lessons of affliction alive in himself and in others.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 38:1-22
Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs. He repeats the fact of his silence that we may note it, admire it, and imitate it. We have an advocate, and need not therefore plead our own cause. The Lord will rebuke our foes, for vengeance belongs to him; we may therefore wait patiently and find it our strength to sit still.
David's enemies are relentless: they lay snares all day long, speaking mischief one to another. When he stumbles, they magnify themselves against him as though he were already ruined. Worst of all, they render him evil for good, repaying his kindness with hatred and deceit. Such is the enmity of the serpent's seed.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 38:12-22