Psalms 38:13-14
But I am like a deaf man; I do not hear, like a mute man who does not open his mouth. I have become like a man who does not hear, and in whose mouth are no rebukes.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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David isn't just saying he couldn't speak or hear; he's intentionally choosing to act as if he can't. This isn't about being overwhelmed by his enemies' noise, but a deliberate choice to withhold his own defense and response, showing humble submission to God's discipline and trusting Him as the ultimate judge.
The psalmist is describing a painful situation where his friends and family have abandoned him amidst his suffering. His enemies are actively plotting his destruction with lies and deceit. In this overwhelming context, he chooses to remain silent, like someone who is deaf to the insults and mute, unable to speak out or defend himself.
Why would someone suffering injustice act like they can't hear or speak? It's not about inability, but a profound choice born from deep conviction.
In Psalm 38:13, the Psalmist feels like a deaf and mute man. This isn't literal deafness or muteness, but a posture of humble submission.
Conscious of Wrongdoing
He understands his suffering as a consequence of his own sins. Because he's aware of his guilt before God, he doesn't protest or defend himself against his accusers. He feels his guilt makes him unworthy or unable to argue his case.
Accepting Punishment
This silence is a conscious choice to bear the insults and accusations without complaint. It’s a way of acknowledging that the punishment he's receiving, however unjust from human perspective, is something he has brought upon himself through his actions. He chooses not to retaliate, mirroring a deep internal acceptance of God's discipline.
When the world misunderstands and attacks, where do we turn? This passage reveals a strategic silence rooted in trusting a higher court.
The Psalmist's silence isn't just about personal guilt; it's a deliberate act of entrusting his case to God.
A Strategic Silence
He acts 'as if' he cannot hear the reproaches or speak any defenses. This is a profound display of self-restraint. He isn't incapable of hearing or speaking, but chooses not to engage with the slander and accusations from his enemies. It’s a strategic pause, preventing escalation and protecting his inner peace.
Committing His Cause to God
This silence signifies a deep trust that God is the ultimate judge. By refusing to fight back against human accusers, he is essentially placing his defense and vindication in God's hands. He waits for God's perfect timing and righteous judgment, rather than seeking immediate human validation or revenge.
Understand the original words
cheresh · Hebrew Adjective
One who cannot hear or respond; metaphorically used in wisdom literature to denote one who chooses to remain silent or unresponsive to verbal attacks, trusting in God’s judgment rather than human defense.
illem · Hebrew Adjective
A state of silence or inability to speak. In the context of suffering, it often represents a deliberate choice to withhold speech, turning away from self-vindication to rely on divine justice.
This passage describes the suffering servant who, like the psalmist, 'was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and like a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.' This highlights the silent endurance of Christ in suffering.
1 Peter 2:23This New Testament passage directly alludes to Isaiah 53:7 and the example of Christ, stating, 'When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued to entrust himself to him who judges justly.' This reinforces the theme of silent, patient submission to God's justice.
Psalm 39:9The psalmist David, in another psalm, expresses a similar sentiment: 'I was mute; I opened not my mouth, for you were the one who did it.' This shows a recurring pattern in David's prayers, attributing his silence and suffering to God's sovereign hand.
Matthew 26:62-63During Jesus' trial, the high priest questioned him, and Jesus remained silent. This exemplifies the deaf and mute posture described in Psalm 38:13, with Jesus choosing not to defend himself before human accusers.
clarkePsalms 38:13: "But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth."
But I, as a deaf man - I was conscious of my guilt, I could not vindicate myself; and I was obliged in silence to bear their insults.
jfbPsalms 38:13: "But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth."
13, 14. He patiently submits, uttering no reproaches or replies (Joh 19:9) to their insulting speeches;
David isn't just saying he couldn't speak or hear; he's intentionally choosing to act as if he can't. This isn't about being overwhelmed by his enemies' noise, but a deliberate choice to withhold his own defense and response, showing humble submission to God's discipline and trusting Him as the ultimate judge.
The psalmist is describing a painful situation where his friends and family have abandoned him amidst his suffering. His enemies are actively plotting his destruction with lies and deceit. In this overwhelming context, he chooses to remain silent, like someone who is deaf to the insults and mute, unable to speak out or defend himself.
The psalmist is describing a painful situation where his friends and family have abandoned him amidst his suffering. His enemies are actively plotting his destruction with lies and deceit. In this overwhelming context, he chooses to remain silent, like someone who is deaf to the insults and mute, unable to speak out or defend himself.
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"But I am like a deaf man; I do not hear, like a mute man who does not open his mouth. I have become like a man who does not hear, and in whose mouth are no rebukes." — David isn't just saying he couldn't speak or hear; he's intentionally choosing to act as if he can't. This isn't about being overwhelmed by his enemies' noise, but a deliberate choice to withhold h…
