Psalms 6:10

Commentary on Psalms 6:10 (KJV)

Psalm 6:10 is the concluding verse of one of David’s penitential psalms, a heartfelt cry for deliverance from suffering and enemies. After a profound lament over his physical and spiritual distress and a plea for God’s mercy (verses 1-7), David expresses a sudden shift in tone, declaring his confidence that God has heard his prayer (verse 8-9). This final verse is a powerful declaration of faith in divine justice and the ultimate vindication of the righteous.

Context

Psalm 6 is titled "A Psalm of David" and is specifically noted as a "penitential psalm," indicating a prayer of repentance and confession. David is depicted as being in deep anguish, possibly suffering from illness, and certainly from the persecution and malicious intent of his adversaries. He asks God to deliver him from his enemies, who revel in his suffering. By verse 9, David's tone changes dramatically, indicating a renewed assurance that the Lord has heard his supplication and will answer his prayer. Verse 10, therefore, is not a desperate cry but a confident expectation of God's swift and decisive action against those who oppose His servant.

Key Themes

• Divine Justice and Vindication: The primary theme is David's unwavering belief that God will act justly. He prays for his enemies to be put to shame, not out of personal vengeance but as a demonstration of God's righteous judgment and the vindication of His suffering servant. This speaks to a deep trust in God's ultimate and righteous judgment.
• Defeat of Wickedness: The psalmist desires the complete failure of his enemies' malicious schemes. Their "shame" signifies the frustration of their plans and the humiliation of their defeat, while being "sore vexed" implies terror and confusion at God's intervention.
• Swift Divine Intervention: The phrase "suddenly" highlights the unexpected and immediate nature of God's response. It suggests that divine retribution will come quickly, catching the enemies off guard and preventing prolonged suffering for the righteous.

Linguistic Insights

• "Ashamed" (Hebrew: bosh - בּוֹשׁ): This word implies not just embarrassment, but utter disappointment, humiliation, and the failure of one's intentions or plans. It suggests that their malicious designs will not succeed.
• "Sore vexed" (Hebrew: bahal - בָּהַל): This term conveys a sense of being terrified, dismayed, or thrown into sudden confusion and panic. It describes the intense distress and fright that will seize the enemies.
• "Return [and] be ashamed suddenly": The command to "return" often implies turning back in defeat or retreat. Coupled with "suddenly," it emphasizes the abrupt and unexpected collapse of their opposition and the swiftness of God's judgment against them.

Practical Application

While the New Testament teaches believers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them, this psalm still offers valuable insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that:

1. We can bring all our distress and pleas for justice before God, trusting that He hears our prayers.
2. God is ultimately just and will not allow wickedness to triumph indefinitely. He will bring about vindication for His people and defeat the schemes of evil.
3. Our confidence in God's justice should lead us to trust in His timing and method of dealing with injustice, rather than taking matters into our own hands.

Psalm 6:10, therefore, is a powerful expression of faith in God's active role in judging wickedness and protecting His people. It's a declaration of trust that the Lord will indeed act, bringing shame and confusion upon those who oppose His righteous will.