Psalm 39

Psalm 39 in Franciscan Manuscript

Psalm 39 is the 39th psalm of the Book of Psalms.^[1] It is a meditation of David on the fragility of man before God,^[2][3] that ends in a prayer for a peaceful life.

The Psalm is addressed to Jeduthun possibly the same as Ethan,^[4] numbered among the sons of Merari.^[5][6]

Structure

There is verses numbering conflict between Hebrew and Latin versions.

Clarke holds the psalm relates:^[7]

1. the care and watchfulness over ones thoughts, tongue, and actions, v1-3.
2. considers the brevity and uncertainty of human life, v4-7;
3. prays for deliverance from sin, v8-11
4. and that he may be protected and spared till he is fitted for another world, v12, 13.

Psalms scroll.

While Spurgeon broke the Psalm down thus:

1. Burdened with many sorrows v1-2
2. prayer in his torment v 3-6
3. submission to God v7-13
4. relief and trust

The Old Testament scholar Hermann Gunkel in his standard work "The Psalms" believes the structuring of the verses was originally:^[8]

1. Vers 2-4: Introduction to and Emergence of the poem
2. Vers 5ff: The actual poem 1.Vers 5-7 and 12: general considerations
3. Vers 8 and 13c.d: Return to yourself
4. Vers 13a.b, 9-11 and
5. Vers 14: the actual dirge

Exegetical tradition

The tradition of interpretation of the Psalm in Christianity is as an analogy^[9] of ones sins, where "he" is representative of the " members of his body "(Christians).

Adam Clarke summarizes the Psalm "Faith has always to struggle with difficulties. Though ... troubles of life, come ever into his memory; his prayer is that his God will provide for him.^[10]

Charles Spurgeon sees the Psalm say there is a time to be silent and a time to speak.^[11] and Hans Werner sees a inner struggle for David to control his tongue^[12]

Uses

Judaism

• Verse 8 is found in the repetition of the Amidah during Rosh Hashanah.^[13]

Among Catholics

Traditionally, this psalm was recited or sung in monasteries during the lundi^[14] of matins, according to the rule of Saint Benedict of 530AD^[15][16] In current Liturgy of the Hours, it is sung or recited the Office of Readings of Wednesday of the second semaine.^[17]

In music

Verses 13 and 14 is used in the first movement of the Symphony of Psalms by Igor Stravinsky.

References

1. according to Greek system of the numbering it is 38.
2. David Meditates on Mans Frailty.
3. John Wesley’s Psalm 39 Bible Commentary.
4. 1 Chron. vi. 44.
5. 1Ch 15:6
6. His children after him appear to have remained in the same position, even so late as the days of Nehemiah.
7. Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary. On Psalms 39.
8. Hermann Gunkel, Die Psalmen (61986), 163f.
9. Reinhard Schlieben, Christliche Theologie und Philologie in der Spätantike: Die schulwiss. Methoden d. Psalmenexegese Cassiodors (1974), 26
10. Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary. On Psalms 39.
11. Charles Spurgeon, Treasury of David.
12. Werner Bible Commentary.
13. The Complete Artscroll Machzor for Rosh Hashanah page 353
14. Psautier latin-français du bréviaire monastique, p. 154, 1938/2003
15. Règle de saint Benoît, traduction de Prosper Guéranger, (Abbaye Saint-Pierre de Solesmes, réimpression 2007)p. 46,
16. La distribution des Psaumes dans la Règle de Saint Benoît.
17. Le cycle principal des prières liturgiques se déroule sur quatre semaines.