13, 14<\/strong>. Conscious of guilt he must keep silence and commit his cause to God, resigned and patient as though he did not hear the insults, or had no power to answer them. Cp. Psa 39:9<\/span>; Isa 53:7<\/span>; 1Pe 2:23<\/span>.<\/p>\n But I<\/em> &c.] R.V. But I, as a deaf man, hear not; and I am as a dumb man, &c. He is describing his present situation.<\/p>\n But I, as a deaf man, heard not – <\/B>I was as if I had been deaf, and did not hear them or know what they were about. I took no notice of what they did anymore than if I had not heard them. That is, he did not reply to them; he did not become angry; he was as calm and patient as if they had said nothing.<\/P> And I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth – <\/B>As if I were a man that could not speak. I was perfectly silent under all this persecution. Compare 2Sa 16:10<\/span>. How eminently true was this of the Saviour! Isa 53:7<\/U><\/span>; 1Pe 2:23<\/span>; Mat 26:63<\/span>; Mat 27:12<\/span>, Mat 27:14<\/span>.<\/P><\/p>\n Verse 13<\/span>. But I, as a deaf<\/B><\/I> man<\/B>] I was conscious of my guilt, I could not vindicate myself; and I was obliged in silence to bear their insults.<\/P> <\/p>\n I carried myself towards them as if I had no ears to hear what they said either to me or for me, nor a tongue to answer or reprove them for their reproaches and calumnies; which he did not for, want of just answers to them, but to testify his humiliation for his sins, and his patient submission to and acceptation of the punishment which he had brought upon himself; of which see an instance, 2Sa 16:10-12<\/span>; wherein also he was an eminent type of Christ, who, when he was reviled, reviled not again, 1Pe 2:23<\/span>. <\/P> <\/p>\n 13, 14.<\/B> He patiently submits,uttering no reproaches or replies (Joh19:9<\/span>) to their insulting speeches;<\/P><\/p>\n But I, as a deaf [man], heard not<\/strong>,…. He acted the part of a deaf man, and made as if he did not hear the mischievous things his enemies spoke; as Saul, when the sons of Belial spoke against him and despised him, 1Sa 10:27<\/span>; and as our Lord when his enemies accused him,<\/p>\n Mt 27:12<\/span>;<\/p>\n and [I was] as a dumb man, [that] openeth not his mouth<\/strong>; made no reply to what they said, and did not render railing for railing; in which Christ was the antitype of him, Isa 53:7<\/span>.<\/p>\n 13 But I, as a deaf man, hear not, etc. The inspired writer here compares himself to a dumb and deaf man, for two reasons. In the first place, he intimates that he was so overwhelmed with the false and wicked judgments of his enemies, that he was not even permitted to open his mouth in his own defense. In the second place, he alleges before God his own patience, as a plea to induce God the more readily to have pity upon him; for such meekness and gentleness, not only with good reason, secures favor to the afflicted and the innocent, but it is also a sign of true piety. Those who depend upon the world, and have respect only to men, if they cannot avenge the injuries that are done them, plainly show by their loud complaints the burning rage and fury of their hearts. In order, therefore, that a man may quietly and patiently endure the insolence, violence, calumny, and deceit of his enemies, it is necessary that he trust in God. The man who is fully persuaded in his own heart that God is his defender, will cherish his hope in silence, and, calling upon him for help, will lay a restraint upon his own passions. Accordingly, Paul, in Rom 12:19<\/span>, very properly says, that we “give place unto wrath” when, oppressed before the world, we nevertheless still repose on God. On the other hand, whoever gives loose reins to his passions, takes away as much as he can from God, to whom alone it belongs, the right of taking vengeance, and deprives himself of his assistance. It is indeed certain, that if David had obtained a hearing, he would have been ready to defend his own innocence; but perceiving that it availed him nothing, nay, that he was shut out and debarred from all defense of his cause, he humbly submitted, waiting patiently for the heavenly Judge. He therefore says that he held his peace, as if he had already been convicted and struck dumb. And it is indeed very difficult, when we are conscious of our own innocence, patiently and silently to bear an unjust condemnation, as if all argument had failed us, and we had no excuse or reply left us. <\/p>\n 13<\/strong>. <\/strong> I, as a deaf man, heard not <\/strong> His silence arose from a deep consciousness that the judgment was of God, on account of sin, and a firm belief that it could not proceed beyond the divine purpose.<\/p>\n ‘But I, as a deaf man, hear not,<\/p>\n And I am as a dumb man who opens not his mouth.<\/p>\n Yes, I am as a man who hears not,<\/p>\n And in whose mouth are no reproofs.<\/p>\n For in you, O YHWH, do I hope,<\/p>\n You will answer, O Lord my God.’<\/p>\n But the Psalmist refuses to be alarmed. He is not concerned by their lies and deceit, so his ears are deaf to their subtle words and calumnies. He will say nothing in his own defence, as though he was a man who had heard nothing, and had therefore nothing to reprove, or to plead in his own defence. While they may rail at him he will not retaliate against them. (This may suggest that had he wished to do so he could have gained vengeance on them). And why is he behaving in this magnanimous way? It is because his confidence is in his covenant God, and because he is confident that his Sovereign Lord will answer him in his need, and will bring him through his trial. All his attention is on his God, and thus his ears are deaf to all else.<\/p>\n Who that ever read the prophet’s account of Him, that as a sheep before her shearers was dumb, so he opened not his mouth; or who that ever read the relation of Jesus standing before Pilate, when, amidst all the blasphemy poured upon him, he remained silent, until the unjust judge himself marveled; or who that ever attended to what the apostle hath said of Jesus, that when he was reviled, he reviled not again; who, I say, that ever attended to these things, could hesitate for a moment to behold the Lord Christ in this prophetic description of him? Surely no one that knows anything of David’s history, will give him credit for this dumbness and insensibility to the reproaches of his enemies. No! thou patient suffering Lamb of God, it is thou, and thou only, who wert able to endure such a contradiction of sinners against thyself. Isa 53:7<\/span> ; Mat 27:12-14 ; 1Pe 2:23<\/span> ; Heb 12:3<\/span> .<\/p>\n Psa 38:13 But I, as a deaf [man], heard not; and [I was] as a dumb man [that] openeth not his mouth.<\/p>\n Ver. 13. But I, as a deaf man, heard not<\/strong> ] But possessed any soul in patience; in quietness and confidence was my strength, Isa 30:15<\/span> . As they were masters of their tongues, so was I of mine ears. He that cannot bear calumnies, reproaches, and injuries, cannot live, saith Chytraeus; let him even make up his pack, and get him out of the world. Virus Theodorus sends to advise with Melancthon what to do when Osiander preached against him? Melancthon desired him for God’s sake to make no reply, but to behave himself as a deaf man, that heard not. Virus writeth back that this was very hard; yet he would obey. Another bravely answered one that railed upon him, Facile est in me dicere, cum non sim responsurus,<\/em> Thou mayest speak what thou wilt, but I will hear no more than I wish, and punish thee with silence, or rather with a merry contempt. Princes use not to chide when ambassadors offer them indecencies, but to deny them audience. That man certainly enjoyeth a brave composedness who setteth himself above the flight of the injurious claw. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n And I was as a dumb man, &c.<\/strong> ] He answered them by silence and taciturnity; which is the best answer to words of scorn and petulance. Thus Isaac answered his brother Ishmael; and our Saviour Pilate, Herod, and Caiaphas; and Giles of Brussels, when the barking friars reviled him, held his peace continually; insomuch that those blasphemers would say abroad that he had a dumb devil in him. This is a great victory, not to render evil for evil, or railing for railing, 1Pe 3:9<\/span> . Nihil fortius, nihil magis egregium quam audire noxia, et non respondere contraria,<\/em> saith Cassiodore, Nothing is more courageous, or egregious, than to hear reproaches and return no answer. As, on the contrary, In rixa is inferior est qui victor est,<\/em> In a brawl he goes by the worst that hath the better, saith Basil. And, Sile, et funestam dedisti plagam,<\/em> saith Chrysostom, Say nothing in such a case, and thou thereby giveth thine adversary a deadly blow.<\/p>\n NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Psa 38:13-22<\/p>\n 13But I, like a deaf man, do not hear;<\/p>\n And I am like a mute man who does not open his mouth.<\/p>\n 14Yes, I am like a man who does not hear,<\/p>\n And in whose mouth are no arguments.<\/p>\n 15For I hope in You, O Lord;<\/p>\n You will answer, O Lord my God.<\/p>\n 16For I said, May they not rejoice over me,<\/p>\n Who, when my foot slips, would magnify themselves against me.<\/p>\n 17For I am ready to fall,<\/p>\n And my sorrow is continually before me.<\/p>\n 18For I confess my iniquity;<\/p>\n I am full of anxiety because of my sin.<\/p>\n 19But my enemies are vigorous and strong,<\/p>\n And many are those who hate me wrongfully.<\/p>\n 20And those who repay evil for good,<\/p>\n They oppose me, because I follow what is good.<\/p>\n 21Do not forsake me, O Lord;<\/p>\n O my God, do not be far from me!<\/p>\n 22Make haste to help me,<\/p>\n O Lord, my salvation! <\/p>\n Psa 38:13-22 This strophe has a mixture of current conditions (sickness, pain, injury) and future hope in YHWH’s mercy. <\/p>\n 1. current physical problems <\/p>\n a. does not hear (i.e., pretends he does not hear their slander), Psa 38:13; Psa 39:2; Psa 39:4 <\/p>\n b. does not speak (i.e., respond to his accusers, cf. Isa 53:7), Psa 38:13 b <\/p>\n c. ready to stumble, Psa 38:16-17 a; metaphor for trouble, cf. Deu 32:35; God’s path was straight, level, and clear of obstacles <\/p>\n d. sorrow continually before him (his sin weighs heavily on him), Psa 38:17 b; Psa 51:3 <\/p>\n e. full of anxiety, Psa 38:18 <\/p>\n 2. his enemies attack, Psa 38:16; Psa 38:19-20 <\/p>\n a. they grow strong and numerous, Psa 38:19 a <\/p>\n b. they hate him wrongfully, Psa 38:19 b <\/p>\n c. they repay evil for good, Psa 38:20; Psa 35:12; Psa 109:5 <\/p>\n d. they oppose him because he does what is good, Psa 38:20 b <\/p>\n 3. confidence in YHWH’s love, mercy, and forgiveness <\/p>\n a. hope (lit. wait, BDB 403, KB 407, Hiphil perfect) in YHWH, Psa 38:15 a, cf. Job 13:15; Psa 31:24; Psa 33:22; Psa 39:7; Psa 42:5; Psa 42:11; Psa 43:5 <\/p>\n b. confident YHWH will answer his prayer, Psa 38:15 b <\/p>\n c. confident his enemies will not succeed and gloat over his fall, Psa 38:16 <\/p>\n d. he prays (two jussives, one imperative) <\/p>\n (1) do not forsake me BDB 736, KB 806, Qal imperfect used in a jussive sense, cf. Psa 9:10; Psa 71:9; Psa 71:18; Psa 94:14; Psa 119:8; Isa 49:14 <\/p>\n (2) do not be far from me BDB 934, KB 1221, Qal imperfect used in a jussive sense, cf. Psa 22:11; Psa 22:19; Psa 35:22; Psa 71:12 <\/p>\n (3) make haste to help me BDB 301, KB 300, Qal imperative, cf. Psa 22:19 b; Psa 40:13; Psa 70:1; Psa 70:5; Psa 71:12; Psa 141:1 <\/p>\n Psa 38:18 This is the theological key to this Psalm (cf. Psa 32:5). Confession brings <\/p>\n 1. forgiveness from YHWH (cf. Psalms 51; note 1Jn 1:9 to 1Jn 2:1) <\/p>\n 2. forgiveness for self <\/p>\n 3. a sense of restoration of fellowship <\/p>\n Confession recognizes <\/p>\n 1. human guilt for breaking YHWH’s laws <\/p>\n 2. YHWH’s character of forgiveness and mercy <\/p>\n Psa 38:19 <\/p>\n NASB, NKJVvigorous<\/p>\n NRSVwithout cause<\/p>\n TEVhealthy<\/p>\n NJB, REBwithout cause<\/p>\n NET Biblefor no reason <\/p>\n The MT has living (, BDB 313), but several English translations emend the root to , BDB 336, cf. Psa 35:19; Psa 69:4. This fits the parallelism of the next line, who hate me wrongfully (BDB 1055). <\/p>\n Psa 38:20 adversaries This is the Hebrew root (BDB 966) from which we get the term satan. <\/p>\n SPECIAL TOPIC: SATAN <\/p>\n DISCUSSION QUESTIONS <\/p>\n This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator. <\/p>\n These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive. <\/p>\n 1. Does YHWH punish His sinful followers in this life (Psa 38:2-3)? <\/p>\n 2. Is Psa 38:4 a confession of many sins or a literary way of asserting the sinfulness of all humans? <\/p>\n 3. List the physical problems associated with unconfessed sin. <\/p>\n 4. Define the word plague in Psa 38:11. Does your definition explain others’ reactions to him? <\/p>\n 5. How is the imagery of foot slip related to a life of sin? <\/p>\n 6. Why is Psa 38:18 so important? <\/p>\n Psa 39:2, Psa 39:9, 2Sa 16:10-12, Isa 53:7, 1Pe 2:23 <\/p>\n Reciprocal: 1Sa 10:27 – he held his peace 2Ki 18:36 – held their peace Isa 36:21 – General Mat 27:12 – General Luk 23:9 – but Joh 19:9 – But<\/p>\n 38:13 But I, as a {k} deaf [man], heard not; and [I was] as a dumb man [that] openeth not his mouth.<\/p>\n (k) For I can have no audience before men, and therefore patiently wait for the help of God.<\/p>\n 2. David’s hope 38:13-22<\/span><\/p>\n David paid no attention to the threats of his enemies because he believed God would vindicate him in response to his prayers.<\/p>\n "How different is this sufferer from Job! This man is silently absorbed in his suffering, whereas Job was all too anxious to protest against his friends and to argue with God." [Note: VanGemeren, p. 310.] <\/span><\/p>\n David was remarkable for his ability to wait for God (Psa 38:15). His years of suffering at Saul’s hands, his critics in the tribe of Benjamin, and his treatment by Absalom taught him to do this.<\/p>\n But I, as a deaf [man], heard not; and [I was] as a dumb man [that] openeth not his mouth. 13, 14. Conscious of guilt he must keep silence and commit his cause to God, resigned and patient as though he did not hear the insults, or had no power to answer them. Cp. Psa … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Psalms 38:13”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14515","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-commentary"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14515","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14515"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14515\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14515"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14515"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14515"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible <\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"