Psalms 39:1

PSALM XXXIX

The psalmist's care and watchfulness over his thoughts, tongue,

and actions, 1-3.

He considers the brevity and uncertainty of human life, 4-7;

prays for deliverance from sin, 8-11;

and that he may be protected and spared till he is fitted for

another world, 12, 13.

NOTES ON PSALM XXXIX

The title says, To the chief Musician, Jeduthun himself, A Psalm of David. It is supposed that this Jeduthun is the same with Ethan, 1 Chronicles 6:44, compared with 1 Chronicles 16:41; and is there numbered among the sons of Merari. And he is supposed to have been one of the four masters of music, or leaders of bands, belonging to the temple. And it is thought that David, having composed this Psalm, gave it to Jeduthun and his company to sing. But several have supposed that Jeduthun himself was the author. It is very likely that this Psalm was written on the same occasion with the preceding. It relates to a grievous malady by which David was afflicted after his transgression with Bath-sheba. See what has been said on the foregoing Psalm.

Verse Psalms 39:1. I said, I will take heed to my ways] I must be cautious because of my enemies; I must be patient because of my afflictions; I must be watchful over my tongue, lest I offend my GOD, or give my adversaries any cause to speak evil of me.