But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.
Psalm 38 belongs to David and reflects his experience with implacable and treacherous foes. It stands as one of seven penitential psalms alongside Psalms 6, 25, 32, 35, 51 and 130, with Psalm 51 as the well-known example of the group. It is also one of the psalms that begins by expressing a deep sense of need and ends in triumph and confidence in God, and this verse belongs to that movement from distress toward trust.
The verse describes the speaker's enemies as lively and active, strong, and multiplied in number, hating him wrongfully and without cause. In that description it belongs to a prophetic picture of Christ that reveals His inner experience during His struggles with the enemy and helps show how He suffered when tempted.
The psalm shows that conscience was active under the old covenant, even though the word conscience does not appear in the Old Testament. It is an instructive and worshipful song that can help people in different conditions of life.
Psalm 38 belongs to David and reflects his experience with implacable and treacherous foes. It stands as one of seven penitential psalms alongside Psalms 6, 25, 32, 35, 51 and 130, with Psalm 51 as the well-known example of the group. It is also one of the psalms that begins by expressing a deep sense of need and ends in triumph and confidence in God, and this verse belongs to that movement from distress toward trust.
The verse describes the speaker's enemies as lively and active, strong, and multiplied in number, hating him wrongfully and without cause. In that description it belongs to a prophetic picture of Christ that reveals His inner experience during His struggles with the enemy and helps show how He suffered when tempted.
The psalm shows that conscience was active under the old covenant, even though the word conscience does not appear in the Old Testament. It is an instructive and worshipful song that can help people in different conditions of life.