Psalm 39 begins with David holding back his complaint lest he be a stumbling block to the wicked (vs 1-3). This preface leaves the reader anxious to find out what is troubling him so? When he finally opens his mouth in verse 4, his complaint is not regarding any human being, wicked or righteous, but is laid against the Lord, Yahweh. We learn from this that it is wise to not voice complaints against God in the hearing of enemies; nevertheless, we should bring our troubles before God Himself.
What troubles David so, is the brevity and meaninglessness of human existence (vs 4-6). The Selah at the end of verses 5 and 11 follow the Hebrew word hebel, translated “mere breath,” leading us to pause and meditate on this sobering thought. This is the key word of the book of Ecclesiastes, often translated, “vanity.” As perplexing as the brevity of life is, verse 5 affirms that God has made it this way. But why then does God bother with such an insubstantial creature as man? What is His concern with me? Why can He not just leave me alone in my fleeting life? The answer is both easy to understand and utterly abstract. There is a paradox that although our life is fleeting and years are short, we are more than just passing creatures. Our brief journey on this earth has eternal value, as God made us for eternity and for Himself.
