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Psalm 39 | King James Audio Bible
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Psalm 39 is a contemplative reflection on the fleeting nature of human existence. Attributed to King David, this psalm delves into themes of silence, self-control, and brevity of life in face of God’s eternal nature.
Struggle for Silence: The psalmist opens with a resolution to exercise control over his speech. He vows to keep his tongue in check, especially when surrounded by the wicked. This initial contemplation sets the stage for deeper reflections that follow.
Silence Born of Sorrow: The psalmist then shares his personal experience of silence. This silence, however, is not voluntary but born out of sorrow and inner turmoil. Despite wanting to speak, he finds himself unable to do so.
Meditation on Mortality: The heart of Psalm 39 lies in meditation on human mortality. The psalmist implores the Lord to help him understand the brevity of life, asking for insight into the measure of his days. The imagery used—comparing life to a handbreadth and emphasizing life’s fleeting nature—serves is a reminder of the transience of human existence.
Vanity of Human Pursuits: Psalm 39 touches upon futility of human endeavors. The psalmist acknowledges vanity of accumulating wealth and possessions, recognizing that these pursuits can be meaningless if not aligned with deeper understanding of life’s purpose.
Turning to God in Hope: Amidst this reflection on the brevity of life and the limitations of human wisdom, the psalmist turns to God in hope. He places trust and hope in the Lord, acknowledging that God alone can provide meaning and deliverance from consequences of his actions.
A Plea for Mercy: The psalmist pleads with God for deliverance from his transgressions and asks not to be made a reproach to the foolish. This plea reflects a human desire for forgiveness and redemption in the face of one’s shortcomings.
Recognition of Human Frailty: The psalmist concludes by recognizing fragility of human life and the inevitability of mortality. He acknowledges his status as a sojourner in this world, echoing the idea that life is a temporary journey.
Psalm 39 | King James Audio Bible KJV | Love Revealed By Jesus Christ
I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.
I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred.
My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue,
Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.
Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.
Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.
And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.
Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the foolish.
I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it.
Remove thy stroke away from me: I am consumed by the blow of thine hand.
When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah.
Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.
O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more.
Key Themes Of The Psalm For Reflection | Love Revealed By Jesus Christ
- Silence and Self-Control:
- Contemplation on the importance of controlling one’s speech.
- Struggle to remain silent, especially in the presence of the wicked.
- Meditation on Mortality:
- Reflection on the brevity of human life and transience of existence.
- Seeking insight into the measure of one’s days.
- Vanity of Human Pursuits:
- Acknowledgment of futility of amassing wealth and possessions without deeper purpose.
- Turning to God in Hope:
- Placing trust and hope in the Lord for meaning and deliverance.
- Recognizing God as the source of guidance and redemption.
- Plea for Mercy and Forgiveness:
- Heartfelt plea for God’s forgiveness and deliverance from transgressions.
- Desire not to become a reproach to the foolish.
- Recognition of Human Frailty:
- Acknowledgment of the fragility of human life.
- Realization of being a sojourner in a temporary world.
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