Thursday, August 15 – Psalms 5, 38

1. How did David express his submission to the divine will in this beautiful morning prayer? (Psalm 5:1-3).

2. David had a deep conviction of God’s character. How does he describe it? (Psalm 5:4-6).

3. There are times when the wicked seem to prevail, but David invites us to trust in God. With what words does he invite us to join in his praise? (Psalm 5:11, 12).

Commentary and Reflection:

In its introduction to Psalm 5, the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary states, “Ps. 5 is a morning prayer, written in the same spirit as Ps. 4, an evening prayer. The circumstances under which the two psalms were written were probably similar. After a night of calm sleep the psalmist utters this prayer before entering God’s house (v. 7). He is confident that God, who will not allow wicked men to prevail, will surely cause those who trust in Him to have fullness of joy. The psalm begins with prayer to God, then expresses unwavering confidence in God, pleads for God’s guidance in life’s perplexities, and finally, exhorts all to put their trust in God” (SDA Bible Commentary, Introduction to Psalm 5).

You might wonder what the word “Nehilot” means, which appears in the heading of Psalm 5. The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary explains, “Probably meaning, ‘for the flutes.’” (SDA Bible Commentary, Introduction to the Psalms, C. Superscriptions).

I think David desired the sound of the flute to accompany his melancholy song and give it more expression. Today, specific parts of a musical composition in the orchestra are assigned to a particular instrument because it best expresses the sound that aligns with the lyrics.

In its introduction to Psalm 38, the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary says, “Ps. 38 is a penitential prayer (see Ps. 6; see p. 624). The psalmist portrays intense suffering both in body and in mind. He describes his body as being tormented with pain and his mind with anguish, partly because of his sense of condemnation and partly because of fear of his enemies. The sufferings are intensified by the realization that those who should be his friends have deserted him when he is most in need of their understanding and solace. The psalm has three parts, each beginning with an appeal to God: vs. 1-8, the magnitude of his suffering; vs. 9-14, the sufferer’s patience; vs. 15-22, a plea for help, lest the wicked should have reason for glorying in his calamity.” (SDA Bible Commentary, Introduction to Psalm 38).

These are the three parts that make Psalm 38:

1. David tells God how much he is suffering (Psalm 38:1-8).
2. David expresses his loneliness, patience, and trust only in God (Psalm 38:9-14).
3. David’s plea to God, asking Him not to let his enemies gloat over his calamities (Psalm 38:15-22).

May I suggest the following exercise:

1. Read each part of this psalm.
2. Meditate in and apply what you have read.
3. Share your reflection with someone; it can be helpful for both of you.

Reflect on this verse:

“There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your anger, nor any health in my bones because of my sin” (Psalm 38:3, NKJV).

Questions for reflection:

1. Although many of the sufferings we experience can be the harvest of our sowing, are illness and suffering God’s punishment?
2. “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23, NKJV). We all must suffer the consequences of sin. We may also suffer the consequences for a specific wrong, but can we say that someone’s illness is a direct punishment from God for disobedience?

The true philosophy of suffering is found in the following inspired statement, “Suffering is inflicted by Satan, and is overruled by God for purposes of mercy.” (Ellen White, The Desire of Ages, p. 471). In other words, all suffering and pain come from Satan, not from God.

Undoubtedly, consequences often come to us because of our errors due to the law of sowing and reaping. Still, if we repent and confess our sins, God will forgive us and assure us of salvation, even if we suffer the results of our waywardness. It is not the same to suffer with a guilty conscience as with hope and assurance of salvation.

I wish you God’s blessing on this day.