Daily Devotions
Psalms
Psalm 39:6a "Surely every man walks about like a shadow..."
Day 318 – Psalm 39
“Surely every man walks about like a shadow…” Psalm 39:6a
VAIN PURSUITS
Man pursues many things in life. Worldly wealth is arguably one of the things many passionately pursue. David reflected on this matter in his prayer to God.
“Surely every man walks about like a shadow;
Surely they busy themselves in vain; He heaps up riches,
And does not know who will gather them.”
Psalm 39:6
1. David’s description of man’s mortality
A sad and solemn understanding of man’s life on earth!
a) Mere days
b) Handbreadths
c) Vapour
d) Shadow (the last addition)
2. Surely they busy themselves in vain
a) Man is always busy doing things.
b) But what if all the busyness is all in vain?
3. “He heaps up riches”
a) The word “riches” is suggested by the translators.
b) It is a good and astute addition.
c) Man does try and gather as much wealth as he can in his lifetime.
4. “And does not know who will gather them”
a) Who indeed will gather the riches hoarded over the years?
b) Will he have heirs who are worthy?
c) Would all the wealth be squandered by the heirs?
Nobody can predict how the next generation would turn up!