Psalms 38:1
O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
Original Language Analysis
יְֽהוָ֗ה
O LORD
H3068
יְֽהוָ֗ה
O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 6
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
2 of 6
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תוֹכִיחֵ֑נִי
rebuke
H3198
תוֹכִיחֵ֑נִי
rebuke
Strong's:
H3198
Word #:
4 of 6
to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict
Cross References
Psalms 6:1O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.Isaiah 54:8In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.Psalms 70:1Make haste, O God, to deliver me; make haste to help me, O LORD.Jeremiah 30:11For I am with thee, saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished.Jeremiah 10:24O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing.
Historical Context
Psalm 38 is a Maschil (instructional psalm) and one of seven penitential psalms (6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143). The superscription 'to bring to remembrance' suggests liturgical use for memorial offerings. David likely wrote this during illness and social isolation caused by sin, possibly during Absalom's rebellion.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding God's fatherly discipline differ from fearing His judicial wrath change your view of conviction?
- When you experience consequences of sin, do you appeal to God's covenant love or try to negotiate your way out?
- What does David's willingness to accept chastening (but not wrath) teach about proper repentance?
Analysis & Commentary
O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. David opens this penitential psalm (one of seven) with urgent plea—not to escape discipline, but to avoid divine wrath (חֵמָה, chemah, burning fury) versus corrective chastening (יָסַר, yasar, discipline). The covenant name LORD (יהוה, YHWH) appeals to God's steadfast love.
The parallel structure—wrath/hot displeasure, rebuke/chasten—intensifies the plea. David distinguishes between a father's loving correction (Hebrews 12:6) and judicial condemnation. His prayer acknowledges deserved judgment while seeking mercy within covenant relationship.