I said, “O LORD, be gracious to me;
This phrase reflects a personal plea for divine mercy, highlighting the psalmist's recognition of God's sovereignty and benevolence. The use of "O LORD" invokes the covenant name of God, Yahweh, emphasizing a personal relationship. This plea for grace is a common theme throughout the Psalms, where the psalmist often seeks God's favor and compassion. It echoes the sentiments found in other scriptures, such as Psalm 51, where David seeks God's mercy after his sin with Bathsheba. The request for grace underscores the understanding that human efforts are insufficient without divine intervention.

heal me,
The request for healing can be understood both physically and spiritually. In the historical context, illness was often seen as a consequence of sin, and healing was associated with forgiveness. This duality is evident in the ministry of Jesus, who healed physical ailments and forgave sins, as seen in the healing of the paralytic in Mark 2:1-12. The psalmist's plea for healing acknowledges human frailty and the need for God's restorative power. It also foreshadows the ultimate healing brought by Christ, who bore humanity's sins and infirmities.

for I have sinned against You.”
This confession of sin is central to the psalmist's appeal for grace and healing. It demonstrates an awareness of personal wrongdoing and the breach in the relationship with God. The acknowledgment of sin is a crucial step in the process of repentance and reconciliation with God. This mirrors the broader biblical narrative where sin separates humanity from God, and confession is necessary for restoration. The phrase also points to the typology of Christ, who, though sinless, took upon Himself the sins of the world, offering redemption and reconciliation for all who believe.

1. David
The author of this psalm, King David, is expressing a personal plea for mercy and healing. He acknowledges his sinfulness and seeks God's grace.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal presence and faithfulness. David appeals to Yahweh for grace and healing.

3. Sin
The acknowledgment of sin is central to this verse. David's confession highlights the human condition and the need for divine forgiveness.

4. Healing
This refers to both physical and spiritual restoration. David seeks healing as a sign of God's grace and forgiveness.

5. Grace
The unmerited favor of God, which David seeks in his time of need. It underscores the theme of divine compassion and mercy.Acknowledgment of Sin
Recognizing our sin is the first step toward receiving God's grace. Like David, we must be honest about our shortcomings.

Seeking God's Grace
We are encouraged to approach God with humility, asking for His unmerited favor and mercy in our lives.

The Dual Nature of Healing
God's healing encompasses both physical and spiritual aspects. We should seek His restoration in all areas of our lives.

The Role of Confession
Confession is vital in our relationship with God. It opens the door to forgiveness and healing.

Dependence on God
This verse reminds us of our dependence on God for grace and healing, encouraging us to trust in His provision and care.(4) I said.--After the general statement, the poet applies it to his own case, which showed such sadly different conduct on the part of friends from whom more than sympathy might have been expected. The pronoun is emphatic: In my case, I said, etc.

But it is a singular mark of the psalmist's sincerity and genuineness that he first looks into his own heart for its evil before exposing that of his friends.

Verse 4. - I said; rather, as for me, I said. The writer pointedly marks that he turns here from considering the blessedness of the compassionate man to contemplation of his own case - his afflictions and sufferings. Lord, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee. The worst of all his woes - the root and origin of them all - fons et origo mall, is his own sinfulness. Unless that is cured, all other alleviation is vain. Hence, after the first general cry for mercy, he goes to the root of the matter, "Heal my soul." There, within me, in the depths of my nature, is the worst malady. Heal that, and soon all will be well with me.

Parallel Commentaries ...


I
אֲ‍ֽנִי־ (’ănî-)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

said,
אָ֭מַרְתִּי (’ā·mar·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“O LORD,
יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

be gracious to me;
חָנֵּ֑נִי (ḥān·nê·nî)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 2603: To bend, stoop in kindness to an inferior, to favor, bestow, to implore

heal
רְפָאָ֥ה (rə·p̄ā·’āh)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 7495: To mend, to cure

me,
נַ֝פְשִׁ֗י (nap̄·šî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

for
כִּי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

I have sinned against You.”
חָטָ֥אתִי (ḥā·ṭā·ṯî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 2398: To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn


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OT Poetry: Psalm 41:4 I said Yahweh have mercy on me! (Psalm Ps Psa.)