Psalm 38 – Skeptic's Annotated Bible answered

A response and reply to the notes on Psalm 38 in the Skeptic's Annotated Bible (SAB).

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King James Version

SAB comment

My comment


1 O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.

2 For thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore.

3 There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin.

Diseases are sent by God to punish sin.
The psalmist makes no claim that in general diseases are caused by particular sins. It could be, but not necessarily. Contrast Luke 13:4 and John 5:14.
But we should go further. The psalmist is not talking about a particular disease here. He talks about his sin. As a sinner he is under God's wrath and curse and he particularly feels that in this psalm. Although a particular sin was might have been the cause to write this psalm, probably his sin with Bathsheba, 2 Sam. 11:3, this caused him to reflect upon his sinful nature as well. Sin lived in him. The Fall in paradise was so great, that human nature itself became corrupt. And like David, we are not sinners, because we sin, but we sin, because we are sinners.

4 For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me.

5 My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness.

(38:5, 7) "My loins are filled with a loathsome disease."
The author of this psalm allegedly is David. If so, then it's not surprising that his "loins" would be "filled with a loathsome disease." After all, his promiscuity was legendary, and he probably didn't practice safe sex.
David was not promiscuous, except in one instance. He had multiple wives though, and therefore not a happy marriage. But having several wives and concubines is not the usual definition of being promiscuous.
The loathsome disease that David here speaks of is sin. He loathes it, although it is in him. Only those with a new heart know of the two natures in them, Rom. 7:19. Finding sin in oneself is not a cause for excuse, but for lamentation and prayer to be delivered from it.

6 I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long.

7 For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease: and there is no soundness in my flesh.

8 I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart.

9 Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee.

10 My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me.

11 My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off.

12 They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.

13 But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth.

14 Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs.

15 For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.

16 For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.

17 For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me.

18 For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.

19 But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.

20 They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.

21 Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me.

22 Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.

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