Read Psalm 39 here (text coming …) or at Bible Gateway.
The Hebrew paragraph:
39:1-13 {p} The vanity of worldly pursuits contrasted with the hope of an eternal focus
Psa 39:1-13 Chiastic Structure:
The structure is not typical, with the A and B elements consecutive instead of mirrored. However, even though it’s not the norm, it’s still a pattern which occasionally pops up its head every once in a while.
David is making a powereful Comparison and Contrast. On one side stands man, who is in turmoil about his standing in life and whether he has stored up enough riches (vs. 6). He doesn’t realize that all his frantic activity is really a vain pursuit. For his life is short (vs. 5), his beauty melts away like a moth (vs. 11), and what will become of his wealth when he passes from this life? It’s not as if he can take it with him!
On the other side is David, also in turmoil—not because of his standing or his pile of treasures, but because of his transgressions which call forth God’s chastening (vs. 8). He wants to know how short his life is (vs. 4) so that he spends it focusing on something which is not in vain. Thus, “My hope is in You,” (vs. 7) something enduring, not fleeting, and not vain.
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