The psalmist seems to refer to his physical condition, which causes his friends to shun him (verse 8a-b); this may have been leprosy or some other loathsome disease (see Job 19.13-19; Psa 31.11). In verse 8b a thing of horror is variously translated: “loathsome” (New English Bible); “abhorrent” (New Jerusalem Bible); “unbearable” (Biblia Dios Habla Hoy); “a disgusting thing” (Bible en français courant); “repulsive” (Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, New International Version). The statement in verse 8c I am shut in may be literal, perhaps meaning prison (New English Bible, New American Bible, New Jerusalem Bible) or quarantine (New International Version “confined”; Revised Standard Version, An American Translation, New Jerusalem Bible shut in); or it may be figurative, that is, he is hemmed in by his troubles and cannot escape (so Bible en français courant). Briggs and Dahood believe the psalmist is speaking of himself as a prisoner in Sheol. Toombs interprets the words as a figure of deprivation, restriction, the contrary to that of salvation, which is characterized by openness, space (see 18.19).

For verse 9a see similar language in 31.9b; 38.10b. It is more natural in English to refer to one’s “eyes” (Good News Translation) when both are meant, than to one’s eye (Revised Standard Version).

Despite the LORD’s fury and anger, the psalmist persists in praying to him for help (verse 9b-c); Every day (or “all day long,” that is, insistently, continually) he cries out to the LORD. For spread out my hands, see comments on “lift up my hands” in 28.2.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Reyburn, William D. A Handbook on the Book of Psalms. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1991. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .