Psalm 38:13

But like a deaf man, I do not hear; and like a mute man, I do not open my mouth.

Study Bible

But like a deaf man, I do not hear;
In this phrase, the psalmist expresses a sense of isolation and helplessness, akin to being deaf. This metaphor highlights the psalmist's inability to respond to his accusers or to hear their taunts. In biblical times, deafness was often seen as a significant disability, leading to social exclusion. The psalmist's choice to liken himself to a deaf man may indicate a deliberate decision to ignore the accusations and slander, choosing instead to focus on God. This reflects a theme found in Isaiah 42:19, where the servant of the Lord is described as blind and deaf, emphasizing trust in God over human judgment. The psalmist's silence can also be seen as a form of protest or a way to maintain dignity amidst false accusations.

and like a mute man, I do not open my mouth.
Here, the psalmist compares himself to a mute man, emphasizing his decision not to defend himself verbally. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, speech was a powerful tool for defense and persuasion. By choosing silence, the psalmist demonstrates reliance on God for vindication rather than human means. This mirrors the behavior of Jesus Christ during His trial, as described in Matthew 27:12-14, where He remained silent before His accusers, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53:7. The psalmist's silence can be seen as an act of faith, trusting that God will ultimately deliver justice. This approach underscores the biblical principle of leaving vengeance to God, as stated in Romans 12:19.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 38, David is expressing his deep distress and sense of isolation due to his sin and the resulting consequences.

2. Enemies
Though not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of the psalm includes adversaries who are taking advantage of David's weakened state.

3. God
Implicit in the psalm as the one David ultimately turns to for help and forgiveness, despite his current silence and suffering.

Teaching Points

Silence in Suffering
Sometimes, in our suffering, we may feel like we cannot express ourselves or that our cries are unheard. David's silence can teach us the value of waiting on God and trusting Him even when we feel isolated.

The Power of Restraint
David's choice to be like a "mute man" can be seen as an act of restraint, choosing not to retaliate or defend himself against his enemies. This can be a powerful example of self-control and reliance on God's justice.

Listening to God
In times of distress, it is crucial to listen for God's voice rather than being consumed by the noise of our circumstances. David's silence can be a reminder to seek God's guidance and wisdom.

Repentance and Reflection
The context of Psalm 38 is one of repentance. David's silence may also reflect a period of introspection and acknowledgment of his sin, encouraging us to examine our own hearts before God.

Trust in God's Timing
David's silence and waiting can teach us about trusting in God's timing for deliverance and vindication, rather than taking matters into our own hands.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's portrayal of himself as "deaf" and "mute" in Psalm 38:13 reflect his spiritual and emotional state?

2. In what ways can we practice restraint and silence in our own lives when facing adversity or conflict?

3. How does the concept of being "slow to speak" in James 1:19 relate to David's experience in this psalm?

4. What can we learn from David's example about the importance of repentance and seeking God's forgiveness?

5. How can we apply the principle of trusting in God's timing, as demonstrated by David's silence, to our current life situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 53
The suffering servant is described as silent before his accusers, similar to David's portrayal of himself as mute.

James 1:19
Encourages believers to be "quick to listen, slow to speak," which aligns with David's choice to remain silent.

1 Peter 2:23
Jesus is described as not retaliating or speaking deceitfully when suffering, reflecting the silence David describes.