Psalm 38

Psalm 38: The Outcast

This heartfelt plea, classified as the third of the ‘penitential psalms,’ shares the title ‘To bring to remembrance’ with Psalm 70. In the context of God, to remember implies action, and this phrase indicates presenting a situation that urgently requires His assistance. Some sacrifices included a ‘memorial portion’ to remind God of the offering, means of atonement, or, in specific instances, the accusation being brought before Him (Num. 5:26). Such an offering could accompany this psalm. Still, the RSV misinterprets the significance of the title by referring to it as the memorial offering.