Psalms 38 — Jamieson–Fausset–Brown
38:1–4
1-4. He deprecates deserved punishment, which is described (Psa 6:1), under the figure of bodily disease [Psa 38:3].
38:5–8
5-8. The loathsomeness, corruption, and wasting torture of severe physical disease set forth his mental anguish [Psa 38:6]. It is possible some bodily disease was connected. The loins are the seat of strength. His exhaustion left him only the power to groan [Psa 38:9].
38:9
9. That God can hear (Ro 8:26).
38:10
10. My heart panteth--as if barely surviving. light ... from me--utter exhaustion (Psa 6:7; 13:3).
38:11–12
11-12. Friends desert, but foes increase in malignity.
38:13–14
13-14. He patiently submits, uttering no reproaches or replies (Joh 19:9) to their insulting speeches;
38:15–17
15-17. for he is confident the Lord--literally, "Sovereign" (to whom he was a servant), would answer his prayer (Psa 3:4; 4:1), and not permit their triumph in his partial halting, of which he was in danger.
38:18
18. Consciousness of sin makes suffering pungent, and suffering, rightly received, leads to confession.
38:19–20
19-20. Still, while humbled before God, he is the victim of deadly enemies, full of malice and treachery. enemies are lively--literally, "of life," who would take my life, that is, deadly.
38:21–22
21-22. (Compare Psa 22:19; 35:3). All terms of frequent use. In this Psalm the language is generally susceptible of application to Christ as a sufferer, David, as such, typifying Him. This does not require us to apply the confessions of sin, but only the pains or penalties which He bore for us.