Psalms 38:16
For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
פֶּן
H6435
פֶּן
Strong's:
H6435
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
יִשְׂמְחוּ
Hear me lest otherwise they should rejoice
H8055
יִשְׂמְחוּ
Hear me lest otherwise they should rejoice
Strong's:
H8055
Word #:
4 of 9
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
רַ֝גְלִ֗י
over me when my foot
H7272
רַ֝גְלִ֗י
over me when my foot
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
7 of 9
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
Historical Context
David's enemies likely included foreign nations watching for weakness in Israel's God-appointed king, and domestic rivals hoping to seize the throne. Their 'magnifying themselves' against David was ultimately magnifying themselves against YHWH. The honor of God's name was bound up with the honor of God's king—making David's restoration a theological necessity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does David's concern for God's reputation (not just his own) reshape motivation for seeking restoration?
- When your 'foot slips' morally, how do you balance owning consequences while preventing God's enemies from 'rejoicing'?
- What contemporary situations cause unbelievers to 'magnify themselves' when Christians fall into sin?
Analysis & Commentary
For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me. David's prayer rationale: prevent enemies' rejoicing (שָׂמַח, samach, exulting). When his foot slippeth (מוֹט רֶגֶל, mot regel, foot wavers), they magnify themselves (גָּדַל, gadal, make themselves great) against him.
David's concern isn't merely personal vindication but God's glory—his enemies' triumph would dishonor YHWH. The slipping foot imagery appears throughout Psalms as metaphor for spiritual/moral failure (Psalm 121:3). David's fall has given God's enemies occasion to blaspheme (cf. 2 Samuel 12:14). His restoration would silence mockers and demonstrate YHWH's faithfulness to His anointed.