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Bible Chapter Summary

Psalms 38 Summary

Affliction and Prayer for Deliverance

The psalmist cries that he is pierced by God's arrows and broken in body due to sin, with no soundness in his flesh and loathsome disease. Weakened and feeble, he finds that lovers and friends stand afar off while those who seek his life lay snares. Yet he hopes in the Lord and declares his willingness to be sorry for his sin, though his enemies are strong and numerous, ending with a plea for God's speedy help.

Key themes

Suffering and afflictionSin and judgmentHope in GodPhysical illness

Key verses

Psalms 38:1

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

Psalms 38:5

My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness.

Psalms 38:15

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

Psalms 38:22

Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.

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