Psalms 38:6

I am bent, I am bowed down exceedingly, as one whose frame is contracted and drawn together by pain, or whose gestures indicate mental anguish. Cp. Psalms 35:14; Isaiah 21:3. Notice the vigorous archaism wriedin A.V. margin, i.e. twisted.

mourning In the guise of a mourner. See note on Psalms 35:14.

In later times at any rate it was customary for the accused to appear before the court in mourning. "Whosoever comes before this court of the Sanhedrin to take his trial, presents himself in the guise of humility and fear, appealing to your compassion, with hair neglected, and clad in black garments." (Josephus, Antiq. xiv. 9. 3). If the custom prevailed in earlier times, in mourning garbmay suggest that he feels himself, like Job, under the divine accusation. Cp. Zechariah 3:1 ff.