With emphasis the author relates how he had a difficult life from an early age (the Hebrew word “ani,” translated as I
is used here). Continuously he felt he was only a hand’s breadth away from death. In all the misery he endured, he continuously experienced God’s hand of discipline and that almost crushed him. It left him distraught. Where could he find help? He sees no way out.
15 Afflicted and close to death from my youth up, I suffer your terrors; I am helpless.