Psalm 39:1-8 “For the Chief Musician. For Jeduthun. A Psalm by David. I said, ‘I will watch my ways, so that I don’t sin with my tongue. I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me.’ I was mute with silence. I held my peace, even from good. My sorrow was stirred. My heart was hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burnt. I spoke with my tongue: ‘LORD, show me my end, what is the measure of my days. Let me know how frail I am. Behold, you have made my days hand widths. My lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely every man stands as a breath.’ Selah. ‘Surely every man walks like a shadow. Surely they busy themselves in vain. He heaps up, and doesn’t know who shall gather. Now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in you. Deliver me from all my transgressions. Don’t make me the reproach of the foolish.’ “

Jeduthun was one of David’s chief musicians:

1 Chronicles 16:41-42 “and with them Heman and Jeduthun and the rest who were chosen, who were mentioned by name, to give thanks to the LORD, because his loving kindness endures forever; and with them Heman and Jeduthun with trumpets and cymbals for those that should sound aloud, and with instruments for the songs of God, and the sons of Jeduthun to be at the gate.”

This is very similar to the previous Psalm. David is still experiencing difficulties, perhaps near the end of his life. Here he expresses his desire to not inappropriately express his angst and worry, especially in front of the wicked. He also requests to be reminded of the brevity of life and the weakness of humanity, so that he won’t hesitate to call on God in time of need. After all, our hope is in Him!

For additional worship: Psalm 39 (Show Me My Life’s End) [feat. Nick Poppens]