What does Psalm 38:7 mean?
David continues his poetic description (Psalm 38:2, 5) of the pain he feels under God's corrective rebuke. The word "burning" derives from a Hebrew term meaning "to scorch." The imagery is of extreme inflammation. Modern afflictions such as shingles can cause intense pain on the sides of the body, accompanied by a rash, chills, and nausea. Such a condition would make it nearly impossible to find relief either by standing, sitting, or lying down. The slightest movement can trigger the sensation of one's ribs being on fire. Other statements in this psalm appear to be metaphors, so David most likely is not describing a physical disease. He is, however, pointing out the drastic misery which guilt and shame are inflicting on him.In the same way, David also comments that no part of his body is healthy. Sin, itself, can lead to physical consequences through disease or injury. Intense emotional pain can also cause symptoms in one's physical body. That is not to say all sickness is due to the suffering person's sin. Physical suffering might be tied directly to sin (John 5:14), or it may be completely unrelated (John 9:1–3). David seems fully aware that his experience—in whatever combination of physical and emotional stress—was due to his choice to sin against God (Psalm 38:1).
Psalm 38:1–8 resembles Psalm 32:3–4. In both passages, David describes pain he experiences because of his sin. He recognizes here that his physical suffering has come because of his immoral action. He sees the pain as part of the Lord's disciplining of him. In the moment, his situation seems too much to bear, making him miserable. It's possible Psalm 38 was written in response to David's sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:7–9).
David cries out to God in repentance for his sin. He feels the weight of shame and conviction, as if being pierced by arrows, ravaged by disease, crushed, and blinded. His friends have abandoned him; his enemies plot his demise. All of these have been brought about because of his "iniquity." Throughout this misery, David does not abandon hope. Instead, he confidently calls on the Lord to forgive and rescue him.
