Psalm 39:
LORD,
make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days,
what it is; that I may know how frail I am.
Vs.4
“Jeduthun” (superscription), was probably Ethan, the well-known
director of the temple choir (see 1 Chron. 6:31-48).
The psalm is
composed of three key parts.
First, the psalmist suppresses his complaint to God
until he can contain it no longer (verses 1-3).
Second, when he can contain
himself no more, he utters his cry of distress, centering in the innate frailty
of man which he feels at present so acutely (verses 4-11).
Finally, he presents
his petition to God, who will certainly regard his tears and spare him (verses
12-13).
In this intense lament, David will break his initial silence with
two rounds of requests and reflections about the brevity and burdens of life.
I.
Introduction: David’s Silence (39:1-3).
I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me. Vs.1
II.
Round
One: The Brevity and Burdens of Life (39:4-6).
A.
His Request for Perspective (39:4);
LORD, make me to know mine end,.. Vs.4
B.
His
Reflections on Perspective (39:5-6).
...verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity.Vs.6
III.
Round
Two: The Brevity and Burdens of Life (39:7-13).
A.
His Reflection on Hope (39:7);
And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee. Vs.7
B.
His
Requests and Reflections on Providence (39:8-11);
Deliver me from all my transgressions... Vs.8
C.
His
Requests for Relief (39:12-13).
O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more. Vs.13
Title: “To Jeduthun”: This is most likely a specifically designated worship
director." BooksOfTheBible
When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity,
thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth:
surely every man is vanity.
Vs.11
