2 I was dumb H481 with silence, H1747 I held my peace, H2814 even from good; H2896 and my sorrow H3511 was stirred. H5916
Behold, my belly H990 is as wine H3196 which hath no vent; H6605 it is ready to burst H1234 like new H2319 bottles. H178 I will speak, H1696 that I may be refreshed: H7304 I will open H6605 my lips H8193 and answer. H6030
But I, as a deaf H2795 man, heard H8085 not; and I was as a dumb man H483 that openeth H6605 not his mouth. H6310 Thus I was as a man H376 that heareth H8085 not, and in whose mouth H6310 are no reproofs. H8433
And G2532 when G1722 he G846 was accused G2723 of G5259 the chief priests G749 and G2532 elders, G4245 he answered G611 nothing. G3762 Then G5119 said G3004 Pilate G4091 unto him, G846 Hearest thou G191 not G3756 how many things G4214 they witness against G2649 thee? G4675 And G2532 he answered G3756 G611 him G846 to G4314 never G3761 a G1520 word; G4487 insomuch G5620 that the governor G2232 marvelled G2296 greatly. G3029
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 39
Commentary on Psalms 39 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 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.