Psalm 39
Theme
The Fleeting Nature of Life
Outline
1-3, David's Anger and Silence in the Midst of Enemies 4-6, The Consideration of the Brevity and Vanity of Life 7-11, The Reverence of God's Judgments 12-13, Prayer for Mercy
Key Verse
(39:4) LORD, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am. (39:1) I said, “I will guard my ways, Lest I sin with my tongue; I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle, while the wicked are before me.”
Notes
Psalm 39 emphasizes the importance of silence in prayer, providing insight into life's brevity and the issue of sin. The psalm is structured around David's silence, reflections on life's transience, and his hope for deliverance from sin. It features a chiastic structure, with key themes of silence, vanity, hope, and the plea for God's attention. The psalm concludes with a request for relief from divine discipline.