Introduction
A. The First of Seven Penitential Psalms–songs of confession and humility.
B. The Early Church sung these psalms on Ash Wednesday, 40 days before Resurrection Sunday.
C. The Psalm is accompanied by stringed instruments, on either an eight-stringed harp or stringed instruments an octave apart.
David’s Agonizing Plea, vv. 1-7
A. The Rebuke of God’s Displeasure, v. 1
1. God rebukes sin
2. God reprimands sin
B. The Root of God’s Displeasure, possibly David’s adultery with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah, 2 Samuel 11-12.
C. The Result of God’s Displeasure
1. Separation from God: “Return, O Lord,” v. 4 and Isaiah 59:2.
2. Physical Ailment
a. “my bones are vexed,” v. 2
b. “my groaning,” v. 6
c. sleeplessness, v. 6
d. grief, v. 7
e. attacked by enemies, v. 7
3. Spiritual Ailment
a. “Return, O Lord,” v. 4–separation from God deeply felt
b. “my soul is sore vexed,” v. 3
c. “deliver my soul,” v. 4
d. “oh save me,” v. 4
David’s Confident Assurance, vv. 8-10
A. The Lord answers prayer
1. “the Lord heard my weeping,” v. 8
2. “the Lord heard my supplication,” v. 9
3. “the Lord received my prayer,” v. 9
B. The Lord absolves sin, the results of answered prayer, v. 10 and 2 Samuel 12:26-31
Conclusion
David’s temporary agony and trouble gave way to permanent agony and trouble for his enemies.