Psalm 39:9

Modern

I have become mute; I do not open my mouth because of what You have done.

Traditional

I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it.

Literal

I have become mute, and cannot open my mouth—O that You would act!

Latin

Obmutui, et non aperui os meum, quoniam tu fecisti;

Hebrew

English

I have become mute; I do not open my mouth because of what You have done.

The psalmist links suffering with God’s discipline, assuming that it is punishment for his sin.

This prayer for rescue shows the psalmist's discouragement, which comes from not fully understanding his situation.

Theme notes and profiles

Job 2:10
“You speak as a foolish woman speaks,” he told her. “Should we accept from God only good and not adversity?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.
1 Samuel 3:18
So Samuel told him everything and did not hide a thing from him. “He is the LORD,” replied Eli. “Let Him do what is good in His eyes.”
2 Samuel 16:10
But the king replied, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses me because the LORD told him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why did you do this?’”
Job 1:21
…saying: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.”
Daniel 4:35
All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’”
Job 40:4–5
“Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth.
Leviticus 10:3
Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD meant when He said: ‘To those who come near Me I will show My holiness, and in the sight of all the people I will reveal My glory.’” But Aaron remained silent.
Psalm 38:13
But like a deaf man, I do not hear; and like a mute man, I do not open my mouth.