Psalms – Chapter 39

Old Testament • 18 Verses

Chapter Summary

Psalms 39 opens with the words: "Unto the end, a psalm for David himself." David stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 18 verses, two threads run through the text: justice and care for the poor and worship and praise. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1Unto the end, a psalm for David himself.

2With expectation I have waited for the Lord, and he was attentive to me.

3And he heard my prayers, and brought me out of the pit of misery and the mire of dregs. And he set my feet upon a rock, and directed my steps.

4And he put a new canticle into my mouth, a song to our God. Many shall see, and shall fear: and they shall hope in the Lord.

5Blessed is the man whose trust is in the name of the Lord; and who hath not had regard to vanities, and lying follies.

6Thou hast multiplied thy wonderful works, O Lord my God: and in thy thoughts there is no one like to thee. I have declared and I have spoken they are multiplied above number.

7Sacrifice and oblation thou didst not desire; but thou hast pierced ears for me. Burnt offering and sin offering thou didst not require:

8Then said I, Behold I come. In the head of the book it is written of me

9That I should do thy will: O my God, I have desired it, and thy law in the midst of my heart.

10I have declared thy justice in a great church, lo, I will not restrain my lips: O Lord, thou knowest it.

11I have not hid thy justice within my heart: I have declared thy truth and thy salvation. I have not concealed thy mercy and thy truth from a great council.

12Withhold not thou, O Lord, thy tender mercies from me: thy mercy and thy truth have always upheld me.

13For evils without number have surrounded me; my iniquities have overtaken me, and I was not able to see. They are multiplied above the hairs of my head: and my heart hath forsaken me.

14Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me. Look down, O Lord, to help me.

15Let them be confounded and ashamed together, that seek after my soul to take it away. Let them be turned backward and be ashamed that desire evils to me.

16Let them immediately bear their confusion, that say to me: 'Tis well, 'tis well.

17Let all that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say always: The Lord be magnified.

18But I am a beggar and poor: the Lord is careful for me. Thou art my helper and my protector: O my God, be not slack.

Important Verses in Psalms 39

“Unto the end, a psalm for David himself.”

Psalms 39:1

“And he put a new canticle into my mouth, a song to our God. Many shall see, and shall fear: and they shall hope in the Lord.”

Psalms 39:4

“I have not hid thy justice within my heart: I have declared thy truth and thy salvation. I have not concealed thy mercy and thy truth from a great council.”

Psalms 39:11

“But I am a beggar and poor: the Lord is careful for me. Thou art my helper and my protector: O my God, be not slack. ”

Psalms 39:18

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Psalms was written with god's people at prayer in every age in view. Chapter 39 of 150 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 18 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. David appear at the center of the events recorded here. The chapter begins: "Unto the end, a psalm for David himself." The chapter ends with: "But I am a beggar and poor: the Lord is careful for me. Thou art my helper and my protector: O my God, be not slack. " In terms of historical background, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

The poem's language was meant to be prayed aloud, giving voice to the full range of human experience before the Lord. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Unto the end, a psalm for David himself." The passage repeatedly touches on justice and care for the poor.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 1604). Here, the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize justice and care for the poor as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Psalms 39 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • ✓God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • ✓The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.

People in This Chapter

David1 mention

Reflection for Today

Psalms Chapter 39 belongs to the Old Testament and forms part of the Catholic canon proclaimed in the liturgy of the Word.

Through typology, the Church often reads Old Testament passages as preparing for Christ, while New Testament passages reveal Him explicitly. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). Here the believer is invited to ponder worship as the heart of the Christian life.

Let Psalms Chapter 39 deepen your love for the Eucharist, where the Word made flesh continues to feed His people. The same Christ who speaks in Scripture offers Himself sacramentally on the altar.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 39 about?

Psalms 39 contains 18 verses. It opens with "Unto the end, a psalm for David himself." and closes with "But I am a beggar and poor: the Lord is careful for me. Thou art my helper and my protector: O my God, be not slack. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 39?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Unto the end, a psalm for David himself." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 39?

This chapter mentions David.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Related Chapters

2 Samuel 22Shares people and themes with this chapter1 Maccabees 4Shares people and themes with this chapterRomans 1Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Prayer for the Poor🙏Prayer for the World🙏Gloria in Excelsis🙏The Divine Praises

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