This Psalm is associated with the memorial offering which was part of the grain offering and was to remind the Lord of the believer’s consecration to Him (see Leviticus 2 v2).

As David focuses on committing himself to the Lord he becomes more aware of his terrible sin (v1-2). He becomes convicted of how he has fallen short in his service of the Lord.

The guilt of David’s sin has terrible consequences on him which include his health deteriorating (v3), a weight upon his shoulders (v4), he goes about mourning (v5-6), he feels weak (v7), he feels crushed (v8), his friends forsake him (v11), his enemies assault him (v12) and he feels helpless (v13-14).

David’s response to this is to find hope in the Lord (v15-22). David comes humbly and with confession into God’s presence (v17).