My heart pounds, my strength fails, and even the light of my eyes has faded. My heart poundsThe Hebrew word for "heart" here is "לֵב" (lev), which often represents the inner self, including emotions, thoughts, and will. In the context of this psalm, David is expressing a deep, visceral anxiety and distress. The pounding of the heart can be seen as a physical manifestation of his spiritual and emotional turmoil. Historically, the heart was considered the center of one's being, and its pounding signifies an overwhelming sense of fear or guilt. This phrase invites believers to reflect on the times when their own hearts have been troubled and to seek solace in God's presence. my strength fails
The Hebrew word for "strength" is "כֹּחַ" (koach), which denotes physical power, capacity, or vigor. David's admission of failing strength is a poignant acknowledgment of human frailty. In the biblical narrative, strength is often associated with God's provision and support. When David's strength fails, it underscores his dependence on God. This phrase encourages Christians to recognize their own limitations and to rely on God's strength, as echoed in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." and even the light of my eyes has faded
The "light of my eyes" is a poetic expression found in Hebrew literature, often symbolizing life, vitality, and hope. The fading of this light suggests a deep sense of despair and loss. In ancient times, the eyes were considered windows to the soul, and their brightness was a sign of health and well-being. David's lament here is not just physical but also spiritual, indicating a dimming of hope and joy. This phrase serves as a reminder of the times when life's burdens seem to extinguish our inner light, urging believers to seek renewal through faith and the promises of God. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 38, David is expressing deep personal anguish and a sense of physical and spiritual weakness. 2. GodThe ultimate recipient of David's lament, as David seeks divine intervention and healing. 3. JerusalemWhile not directly mentioned in this verse, it is often the backdrop for David's life and psalms, representing a place of worship and divine presence. 4. EnemiesImplicit in the context of the psalm, as David often writes about adversaries who contribute to his distress. 5. IllnessThe psalm reflects a period of physical and emotional suffering, possibly due to illness or divine discipline. Teaching Points Acknowledging Human FrailtyRecognize that physical and emotional weaknesses are part of the human experience, and they can drive us to seek God's strength. The Importance of LamentUnderstand that expressing our pain and struggles to God is a biblical practice that can lead to spiritual healing and growth. Dependence on GodEmphasize the need to rely on God's strength when our own fails, trusting in His ability to sustain and restore us. Spiritual VisionConsider how spiritual clarity can fade during times of distress and the importance of seeking God's light to guide us. Community SupportEncourage seeking support from fellow believers during times of weakness, as God often works through His people to provide comfort and strength. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's expression of physical and emotional weakness in Psalm 38:10 resonate with your own experiences of distress? 2. In what ways can acknowledging our frailty lead to a deeper reliance on God, as seen in both Psalm 38 and 2 Corinthians 12? 3. How can the practice of lament, as demonstrated by David, be incorporated into your personal prayer life? 4. What steps can you take to ensure that your spiritual vision remains clear, even when facing physical or emotional challenges? 5. How can you be a source of support and encouragement to others who are experiencing similar struggles, in light of the teachings of Psalm 38:10 and related scriptures? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 6:6-7Similar expressions of physical weakness and emotional distress, highlighting the theme of seeking God's mercy. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10Paul's acknowledgment of weakness and reliance on God's strength, paralleling David's dependence on divine help. Job 17:7Job's lament about his failing strength and dimming vision, echoing the physical and spiritual struggles found in Psalm 38. Isaiah 40:29-31God's promise to renew the strength of those who wait on Him, offering hope to those in David's condition. Matthew 11:28-30Jesus' invitation to the weary and burdened, providing rest and relief, akin to David's plea for divine intervention. People David, Jeduthun, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Faileth, Fails, Fluttereth, Forsaken, Goes, Heart, Pain, Panteth, Panting, Pounds, Power, Strength, Throbbeth, Throbs, WastingDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 38:10 5134 blindness, natural Psalm 38:1-14 8713 discouragement Psalm 38:1-22 5888 inferiority Psalm 38:3-10 5933 restlessness Psalm 38:3-11 5136 body Library "Come unto Me, all Ye that Labour, and are Wearied," &C.
Matth. xi. 28.--"Come unto me, all ye that labour, and are wearied," &c. It is the great misery of Christians in this life, that they have such poor, narrow, and limited spirits, that are not fit to receive the truth of the gospel in its full comprehension; from whence manifold misapprehensions in judgment, and stumbling in practice proceed. The beauty and life of things consist in their entire union with one another, and in the conjunction of all their parts. Therefore it would not be a fit way …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh BinningQuestion Lxxxii of Devotion
I. Is Devotion a Special Kind of Act? Cardinal Cajetan, On the Meaning of the Term "Devotion" S. Augustine, Confessions, XIII. viii. 2 II. Is Devotion an Act of the Virtue of Religion? III. Is Contemplation, that is Meditation, the Cause of Devotion? Cardinal Cajetan, On the Causes of Devotion " " On the Devotion of Women IV. Is Joy an Effect of Devotion? Cardinal Cajetan, On Melancholy S. Augustine, Confessions, II. x. I Is Devotion a Special Kind of Act? It is by our acts that we merit. But …
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life Out of the Deep of Suffering and Sorrow.
Save me, O God, for the waters are come in even unto my soul: I am come into deep waters; so that the floods run over me.--Ps. lxix. 1, 2. I am brought into so great trouble and misery: that I go mourning all the day long.--Ps. xxxviii. 6. The sorrows of my heart are enlarged: Oh! bring Thou me out of my distress.--Ps. xxv. 17. The Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping: the Lord will receive my prayer.--Ps. vi. 8. In the multitude of the sorrows which I had in my heart, Thy comforts have refreshed …
Charles Kingsley—Out of the Deep Christ's Resurrection Song.
WHEN the blessed Lord appeared in the midst of His disciples and they beheld the risen One in His glorified body of flesh and bones and He ate before them, He told them that all things which were written in the Law of Moses, and the Prophets and in the Psalms concerning Him, had to be fulfilled (Luke xxiv:44). While on the way to Emmaus He said to the two sorrowing and perplexed disciples "Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory? And beginning at Moses and all …
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory The Acceptable Sacrifice;
OR, THE EXCELLENCY OF A BROKEN HEART: SHOWING THE NATURE, SIGNS, AND PROPER EFFECTS OF A CONTRITE SPIRIT. BEING THE LAST WORKS OF THAT EMINENT PREACHER AND FAITHFUL MINISTER OF JESUS CHRIST, MR. JOHN BUNYAN, OF BEDFORD. WITH A PREFACE PREFIXED THEREUNTO BY AN EMINENT MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL IN LONDON. London: Sold by George Larkin, at the Two Swans without Bishopgates, 1692. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The very excellent preface to this treatise, written by George Cokayn, will inform the reader of …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Question Lxxxiii of Prayer
I. Is Prayer an Act of the Appetitive Powers? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer based on Friendship II. Is it Fitting to Pray? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer as a True Cause S. Augustine, On the Sermon on the Mount, II. iii. 14 " On the Gift of Perseverance, vii. 15 III. Is Prayer an Act of the Virtue of Religion? Cardinal Cajetan, On the Humility of Prayer S. Augustine, On Psalm cii. 10 " Of the Gift of Perseverance, xvi. 39 IV. Ought We to Pray to God Alone? S. Augustine, Sermon, cxxvii. 2 V. …
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life His Past Work.
His past work was accomplished by Him when he became incarnate. It was finished when He died on Calvary's cross. We have therefore to consider first of all these fundamentals of our faith. I. The Work of the Son of God is foreshadowed and predicted in the Old Testament Scriptures. II. The incarnation of the Son of God. III. His Work on the cross and what has been accomplished by it. I. Through the Old Testament Scriptures, God announced beforehand the work of His Son. This is a great theme and one …
A. C. Gaebelein—The Work Of Christ What Manner of Man Ought not to Come to Rule.
Wherefore let every one measure himself wisely, lest he venture to assume a place of rule, while in himself vice still reigns unto condemnation; lest one whom his own guilt depraves desire to become an intercessor for the faults of others. For on this account it is said to Moses by the supernal voice, Speak unto Aaron; Whosoever he be of thy seed throughout their generations that hath a blemish, he shall not offer loaves of bread to the Lord his God (Lev. xxi. 17). And it is also immediately subjoined; …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness, Suffering
Text: 1 Peter 5, 5-11. 5 Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; 7 casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 whom withstand stedfast …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III Cæsarius of Arles.
He was born in the district of Chalons-sur-Saone, A. D. 470. He seems to have been early awakened, by a pious education, to vital Christianity. When he was between seven and eight years old, it would often happen that he would give a portion of his clothes to the poor whom he met, and would say, when he came home, that he had been, constrained to do so. When yet a youth, he entered the celebrated convent on the island of Lerins, (Lerina,) in Provence, from which a spirit of deep and practical piety …
Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places Christian Meekness
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth Matthew 5:5 We are now got to the third step leading in the way to blessedness, Christian meekness. Blessed are the meek'. See how the Spirit of God adorns the hidden man of the heart, with multiplicity of graces! The workmanship of the Holy Ghost is not only curious, but various. It makes the heart meek, pure, peaceable etc. The graces therefore are compared to needlework, which is different and various in its flowers and colours (Psalm 45:14). …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Notes on the Third Century
Page 161. Line 1. He must be born again, &c. This is a compound citation from John iii. 3, and Mark x. 15, in the order named. Page 182. Line 17. For all things should work together, &c. See Romans viii. 28. Page 184. Lines 10-11. Being Satan is able, &c. 2 Corinthians xi. 14. Page 184. Last line. Like a sparrow, &c. Psalm cii. Page 187. Line 1. Mechanisms. This word is, in the original MS., mechanicismes.' Page 187. Line 7. Like the King's daughter, &c. Psalm xlv. 14. Page 188. Med. 39. The best …
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations How is Christ, as the Life, to be Applied by a Soul that Misseth God's Favour and Countenance.
The sixth case, that we shall speak a little to, is a deadness, occasioned by the Lord's hiding of himself, who is their life, and "the fountain of life," Ps. xxxvi. 9, and "whose loving-kindness is better than life," Ps. lxiii. 3, and "in whose favour is their life," Ps. xxx. 5. A case, which the frequent complaints of the saints manifest to be rife enough, concerning which we shall, 1. Shew some of the consequences of the Lord's hiding his face, whereby the soul's case will appear. 2. Shew the …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
OR, A DISCOURSE TOUCHING PRAYER; WHEREIN IS BRIEFLY DISCOVERED, 1. WHAT PRAYER IS. 2. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT. 3. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT AND WITH THE UNDERSTANDING ALSO. WRITTEN IN PRISON, 1662. PUBLISHED, 1663. "For we know not what we should pray for as we ought:--the Spirit--helpeth our infirmities" (Rom 8:26). ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. There is no subject of more solemn importance to human happiness than prayer. It is the only medium of intercourse with heaven. "It is …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 38:10 NIVPsalm 38:10 NLTPsalm 38:10 ESVPsalm 38:10 NASBPsalm 38:10 KJV
Psalm 38:10 Commentaries
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