Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake.
Return {H7725}, O LORD {H3068}, deliver {H2502} my soul {H5315}: oh save {H3467} me for thy mercies {H2617}' sake.
Come back, ADONAI, and rescue me! Save me for the sake of your grace;
Turn, O LORD, and deliver my soul; save me because of Your loving devotion.
Return, O Jehovah, deliver my soul: Save me for thy lovingkindness’ sake.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
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Daniel 9:18
O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies. -
Ephesians 2:7
That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. -
Ephesians 2:8
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: -
Psalms 17:13
Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, [which is] thy sword: -
Psalms 80:14
Return, we beseech thee, O God of hosts: look down from heaven, and behold, and visit this vine; -
Psalms 121:7
The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. -
Psalms 22:20
Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog.
Psalms 6:4 (KJV)
Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake.
Commentary
This verse is a heartfelt cry from the psalmist (David) in a time of deep distress. Psalm 6 is a lament psalm, expressing anguish over suffering, possibly due to illness, enemies, or the weight of sin.
Historical and Cultural Context: Lament psalms were a common form of prayer in ancient Israel, allowing individuals and the community to express sorrow, confess sin, and appeal to God for help in times of crisis. This particular psalm is marked by intense physical and emotional pain.
Key Themes and Messages: The central theme is a desperate plea for God's intervention and salvation. The psalmist asks God to "return," implying a sense that God has withdrawn or is distant in his suffering. The basis for the plea is not the psalmist's own righteousness or merit, but God's "mercies" (lovingkindness, steadfast love). This highlights the theme of grace – salvation is sought and expected based solely on God's character and faithfulness to His covenant, not human worthiness.
Linguistic Insights: The Hebrew word for "soul" is nephesh (נֶפֶשׁ), which often refers to the whole person, one's life, or inner being, not just an immaterial spirit. The word for "mercies" is chasadeyka (חֲסָדֶיךָ), derived from chesed (חֶסֶד), a rich term meaning loyal love, covenant faithfulness, kindness, or steadfast love. Appealing to God's chesed means appealing to His fundamental nature and reliable commitment to His people.
Cross-references: Similar appeals to God's mercy for salvation are found in Psalm 51:1 and Psalm 109:26.
Practical Application: This verse teaches us that in times of deep trouble, pain, or awareness of our sinfulness, we can and should cry out to God. Our hope for deliverance and salvation rests entirely on His abundant mercy and steadfast love, not on our own strength or goodness. We can confidently approach Him, appealing to His character.