Psalm Chapter 39 KJV
King James Version, Holy Bible
1 I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.
2 I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred.
3 My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue,
4 Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is: that I may know how frail I am.
5 Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.
6 Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.
Psalms Chapter 39 (Old Testament, King James Bible)
7 And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.
8 Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the foolish.
9 I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it.
10 Remove thy stroke away from me: I am consumed by the blow of thine hand.
11 When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah.
12 Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.
13 O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more.
Biblical Scholar On This Chapter:
| Scholar (Institution & Dates) | Work | View on Psalm 39 |
|---|---|---|
| John Lightfoot (Jesus College, Cambridge, 1602–1675) | Commentarius Hebraicus in Psalmos | Remarks on the transient nature of human life and the importance of living with awareness of mortality. |
| Matthew Poole (University of Oxford, 1624–1679) | Synopsis Criticorum | Observes that the Psalm urges careful speech and humility, recognizing the brevity of human existence. |
| Richard Baxter (University of Cambridge, 1615–1691) | Paraphrase and Notes on the Psalms | Highlights reflection on mortality as a call to spiritual vigilance and dependence on God. |
| Matthew Henry (Christ Church, Oxford, 1662–1714) | Exposition of the Old and New Testament | Notes that the Psalm teaches the value of moderation and restraint, keeping eternal perspective in mind. |
| Thomas Manton (Christ’s College, Cambridge, 1620–1677) | Exposition of the Psalms | Observes that awareness of life’s brevity motivates prayer, godliness, and trust in God’s providence. |
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