BUT I AM POOR AND NEEDY

The title of this psalm reads, “A psalm of David to bring to remembrance”. The same applies to Psalm 38. The meaning appears to be, either a memorial of his suffering and deliverance, or “to bring him into remembrance with God”. Possibly the latter is the right one. If this is so, it does not mean that God needs to be reminded about matters. He knows everything, but He expects to see persistence in the holy exercise of prayer. Paul reminds us of the same, “in every thing by prayer and supplication … let your requests be made known unto God”, Phil. 4. 6.

Except for a few variations, this psalm is a repeat of the last part of Psalm 40 (vv. 13-17). It is not a needless repetition, however. It forms a fitting sequel to Psalm 69, in which the psalmist was the object of reproach, shame and ridicule. The imprecatory nature of the prayers in both of the psalms is understandable when considered against such a background. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that many psalms have a predictive character, pointing to future tribulation days when the godly, under great harassment, will rightly cry for vengeance upon their persecutors, Rev. 6. 10. David’s prayer, “Let them be … confounded”, did not spring from a spirit of revenge, but from a devout desire that God should be magnified, v. 4.

David’s lowliness and humility are reflected in the phrase, “But I am poor and needy”. He frequently employed it, Psa. 35. 10; 37. 14; 40. 17; 86. 1. It is an attitude that God approves as confirmed by Scripture, “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble”, James4. 6; 1 Pet. 5. 5. If David’s estimation of himself was small, then his estimation of his God was great, “Let God be magnified”. He who thinks highly of Him will inevitably think less of self, John 3. 30.

The Lord was “meek and lowly”, Matt. 11. 29; He was the object of shame and contempt, but He prayed, “Father, forgive them”, Luke 23. 34. He who took a lowly guise amongst men has been “highly exalted”, Phil. 2. 9, and will ultimately come in judgment upon His enemies.

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time”, 1 Pet. 5. 6.