Psalms 38:1

"Psalms."

Key Reflection

In Psalms 38:1, the psalmist pleads with God not to rebuke him in his wrath or chasten him with severe punishment. This plea comes from a place of deep distress and fear of divine judgment, reflecting the cultural context where divine retribution was often understood as a direct response to one's sins or failures. The psalmist seeks mercy and understanding, recognizing the severity of their condition but hoping for God’s compassion rather than harsh judgment.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

O Lord, rebuke me not in thy wrath -See the notes atPsalms 6:1, where the same language occurs, except in the change of a single Hebrew “word,” that is, “wrath,” though expressing the same idea. Neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure -See the notes atPsalms 6:1. The Hebrew in both is the same, except that in this place the negative particle is omitted, but without affecting the sense. It is not improbable that the one was copied from the other, or that this was composed with the language of the former in the memory.

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