Psalms6

Psalm 6 is a lament of David, expressing profound physical and spiritual distress and a plea for God's mercy and healing. He begs God not to chasten him in anger, highlighting his weakness and the overwhelming grief caused by his enemies. The psalm concludes with a sudden shift to confidence, as David declares that the Lord has heard his weeping and will answer his prayer, leading to the shame of his adversaries.
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A Plea for Mercy and Relief from Judgment

1
To the chief Musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. ​
2
Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed. ​
3
My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?

The Necessity of Life for Praise

4
Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake.
5
For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks? ​

Weariness and Grief Over Enemies

6
I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. ​
7
Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.

Confidence in God's Answer

8
Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping. ​
9
The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.
10
Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly. ​

Study Notes for Psalms 6

Verse 1

The superscription identifies this as a Psalm of David, intended for stringed instruments ('Neginoth'), possibly played in a lower octave ('Sheminith'). The plea asks God to differentiate between corrective discipline and destructive wrath.

Verse 2

The psalmist describes weakness and physical pain ('my bones are vexed'), common symptoms in biblical laments indicating that distress affects the whole person—body and soul, not just the spirit.

Verse 5

This verse expresses the ancient Israelite understanding that the dead (in Sheol, the grave) cannot actively praise or remember God in the realm of the living. This motivates the plea for life so that God's glory may continue to be proclaimed on earth.

Verse 6

Hyperbolic language ('make I my bed to swim') emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the psalmist's grief. Tears are the physical embodiment of spiritual and emotional anguish.

Verse 8

This verse marks the pivotal shift, typical of laments, moving from deep distress to sudden, assured confidence. The psalmist asserts that God has already heard the prayer, changing the tone from petition to declaration.

Verse 10

The concluding imprecation reverses the shame and vexation the enemies intended for the psalmist. It is a prayer for justice, confirming the psalmist's restoration and the defeat of the wicked.

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