TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 6:8–10. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
What a sudden change is here for the better! He that was groaning, and weeping, and giving up all for gone (Psa 6:6, Psa 6:7), here looks and speaks very pleasantly. Having made his requests known to God, and lodged his case with him, he is very confident the issue will be good and his sorrow is turned into joy.
I.He distinguishes himself from the wicked and ungodly, and fortifies himself against their insults (Psa 6:8):
Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity. When he was in the depth of his distress,
1.He was afraid that God's wrath against him would give him his portion with the workers of iniquity; but now that this cloud of melancholy had blown over he was assured that his soul would not be gathered with sinners, for they are not his people. He began to suspect himself to be one of them because of the heavy pressures of God's wrath upon him; but now that all his fears were silenced he bade them depart, knowing that his lot was among the chosen.
2.The workers of iniquity had teased him, and taunted him, and asked him, "Where is thy God?" triumphing in his despondency and despair; but now he had wherewith to answer those that reproached him, for God, who was about to return in mercy to him, had now comforted his spirit and would shortly complete his deliverance.
3.Perhaps they had tempted him to do as they did, to quit his religion and betake himself for ease to the pleasures of sin. But now, "depart from me; I will never lend an ear to your counsel; you would have had me to curse God and die, but I will bless him and live." This good use we should make of God's mercies to us, we should thereby have our resolution strengthened never to have any thing more to do with sin and sinners. David was a king, and he takes this occasion to renew his purpose of using his power for the suppression of sin and the reformation of manners, Psa 75:4; Psa 101:3. When God has done great things for us, this should put us upon studying what we shall do for him. Our Lord Jesus seems to borrow these words from the mouth of his father David, when, having all judgment committed to him, he shall say, Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity (Luk 13:27), and so teaches us to say so now, Psa 119:115.
II.He assures himself that God was, and would be, propitious to him, notwithstanding the present intimations of wrath which he was under.
1. He is confident of a gracious answer to this prayer which he is now making. While he is yet speaking, he is aware that God hears (as Isa 65:24, Dan 9:20), and therefore speaks of it as a thing done, and repeats it with an air of triumph, "The Lord hath heard" (Psa 6:8), and again (Psa 6:9), "The Lord hath heard." By the workings of God's grace upon his heart he knew his prayer was graciously accepted, and therefore did not doubt but it would in due time be effectually answered. His tears had a voice, a loud voice, in the ears of the God of mercy: The Lord has heard the voice of my weeping. Silent tears are not speechless ones. His prayers were cries to God: "The Lord has heard the voice of my supplication, has put his Fiat - Let it be done, to my petitions, and so it will appear shortly." 2. Thence he infers the like favourable audience of all his other prayers: "He has heard the voice of my supplication, and therefore he will receive my prayer; for he gives, and does not upbraid with former grants."
III.He either prays for the conversion or predicts the destruction of his enemies and persecutors, Psa 6:10.
1. It may very well be taken as a prayer for their conversion: "Let them all be ashamed of the opposition they have given me and the censures they have passed upon me. Let them be (as all true penitents are) vexed at themselves for their own folly; let them return to a better temper and disposition of mind, and let them be ashamed of what they have done against me and take shame to themselves." 2. If they be not converted, it is a prediction of their confusion and ruin. They shall be ashamed and sorely vexed (so it maybe read), and that justly. They rejoiced that David was vexed (Psa 6:2, Psa 6:3), and therefore, as usually happens, the evil returns upon themselves; they also shall be sorely vexed. Those that will not give glory to God shall have their faces filled with everlasting shame.
In singing this, and praying over it, we must give glory to God, as a God ready to hear prayer, must own his goodness to us in hearing our prayers, and must encourage ourselves to wait upon him and to trust in him in the greatest straits and difficulties.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
Wherefore after the labour, and groaning, and very frequent showers of tears, since that cannot be ineffectual, which is asked so earnestly of Him, who is the Fountain of all mercies, and it is most truly said, "the Lord is near unto them that are of a broken heart:" after difficulties so great, the pious soul, by which we may also understand the Church, intimating that she has been heard, see what she adds: "Depart from me, all you that work iniquity; for the Lord has heard the voice of my weeping" [Psalm 6:8]. It is either spoken prophetically, since they will depart, that is, the ungodly will be separated from the righteous, when the day of judgment arrives, or, for this time present. For although both are equally found in the same assemblies, yet on the open floor the wheat is already separated from the chaff, though it be hid among the chaff. They can therefore be associated together, but cannot be carried away by the wind together.
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Summary
Psalms 6:8 marks a dramatic and pivotal turning point in David's lament, transforming his profound anguish into a triumphant declaration of faith. After pouring out his soul in deep physical and emotional distress, the psalmist abruptly asserts with unwavering confidence that the LORD has indeed heard his desperate cries. This verse signifies a powerful shift from the depths of despair to the assurance of divine intervention and vindication, empowering David to boldly command separation from those who actively practice wickedness, confident in God's imminent action on his behalf.
Context
Literary Context
Psalm 6 is a quintessential Psalm of Lament, meticulously structured to move from intense suffering and fervent petition to a declaration of trust and anticipated deliverance. The preceding verses (Psalms 6:1-7) vividly portray David's profound distress, characterized by physical weakness, emotional exhaustion, and eyes consumed by sorrow and grief, likely exacerbated by illness and the taunts of his enemies. Verse 8 functions as the crucial "turn" or pivot point, known as the peripeteia, within the psalm. The tone abruptly shifts from desperate supplication and complaint to confident assertion, indicating that the psalmist has received an inner assurance from God that his prayers have been heard. This newfound confidence then propels him to rebuke his adversaries and anticipate their shame in the concluding verses (Psalms 6:9-10), completing the typical lament pattern from complaint to confidence.
Historical & Cultural Context
While the specific historical occasion for Psalm 6 is not explicitly stated, the superscription attributes it to David, suggesting a period of intense personal suffering, possibly compounded by the malicious actions of his adversaries. In ancient Israelite thought, illness was often perceived as a consequence of sin or a sign of divine displeasure, which would have intensified David's spiritual and emotional anguish, making him vulnerable to the taunts of his enemies. The "workers of iniquity" (Hebrew: po'aley 'aven) likely refer to those who actively and habitually practice evil, perhaps rejoicing in David's misfortune or seeking his downfall, reflecting the constant tension between the righteous and the wicked in the covenant community. The public nature of lament and prayer was common, and the expectation of divine justice against the wicked was a foundational aspect of the covenant relationship, where God was understood to be actively involved in the affairs of His people and the world.
Key Themes
Psalms 6:8 contributes significantly to several major themes found throughout the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of Divine Intervention and Answered Prayer. David's declaration, "for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping," underscores God's attentiveness and responsiveness to the sincere cries of His people, especially in their deepest distress. This resonates powerfully with passages like Psalm 34:17 and Psalm 116:1-2. Another prominent theme is Separation from Wickedness. David's forceful command, "Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity," signifies a clear moral and spiritual boundary. Empowered by God's hearing, he asserts his righteous stance against those who oppose God's ways, echoing the call for separation from ungodly influences seen in Psalm 1:1 and Proverbs 4:14-15. Finally, the verse highlights Confidence in God's Faithfulness. The dramatic shift from despair to triumph is a powerful testament to David's renewed faith. Despite his prior anguish, the realization that God has heard him instills an unshakeable confidence, allowing him to boldly confront his enemies, reminding believers that even in the darkest moments, faith in God's character can bring assurance and peace, as promised in Isaiah 26:3.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This imperative verb carries the sense of "to turn off," "remove," or "withdraw." It is a strong, authoritative command, not a mere request or plea. The psalmist, previously weak and pleading, now stands firm, empowered by God's assurance, to dismiss his adversaries. This command signifies a decisive break and a declaration of spiritual and moral boundary.
This noun refers to "nothingness," "trouble," "vanity," or "wickedness." It often carries the connotation of futility or emptiness, implying that the actions of the "workers of iniquity" are not only morally corrupt but ultimately fruitless and destructive. The term emphasizes the inherent emptiness and destructive nature of their wrongdoing.
This primitive root means "to hear intelligently," often with the implication of attention, understanding, and a readiness to respond or act. It signifies that God has not merely perceived the sound of David's cries but has taken them to heart, understood their depth, and is prepared to intervene on his behalf. This attentive and responsive hearing is the foundation of David's renewed confidence and the impetus for his bold command.
Verse Breakdown
"Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity;"
This is a sudden, forceful imperative, marking a dramatic shift from the psalmist's earlier pleas for mercy. It indicates a profound transformation in David's spiritual state, now empowered by a divine assurance. He is no longer passively suffering but actively rebuking his adversaries, asserting a clear boundary between himself (as one heard by God) and those who actively practice evil. This command is a declaration of spiritual and moral separation, a confident assertion of God's impending vindication.
"for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping."
The conjunction "for" (כִּי, ki) introduces the reason and foundation for the preceding command. David's newfound confidence and authority to dismiss his enemies are not self-generated but stem directly from the conviction that God, the sovereign LORD (Yahweh, H3068), has not only heard but also attentively considered and is ready to respond to his deep, heartfelt lament. The "voice of my weeping" personifies his sorrow, emphasizing the depth, sincerity, and earnestness of his desperate cries, which have reached the divine ear.
Literary Devices
The most striking literary device in Psalms 6:8 is the Dramatic Shift or Turn (Peripeteia). The verse marks an abrupt and powerful transition from the profound anguish and despair expressed in the preceding verses (Psalms 6:1-7) to a confident declaration of divine intervention and a bold rebuke of enemies. This sudden change in tone is characteristic of many Psalms of Lament, where the psalmist moves from complaint to trust, often indicating a moment of divine assurance or a renewed grasp of God's character. Additionally, Apostrophe is employed as David directly addresses the "workers of iniquity," speaking to them as if they are present and listening, even if they are not physically there, lending a powerful, confrontational tone to his command. The phrase "voice of my weeping" also utilizes Personification, attributing a human quality (a voice) to an abstract emotion (weeping), emphasizing the depth, intensity, and expressiveness of David's profound sorrow and the earnestness of his prayer.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Psalms 6:8 stands as a powerful testament to the efficacy of sincere prayer and God's compassionate attentiveness to human suffering. It reveals that even in the deepest troughs of despair, when all seems lost and enemies gloat, the cries of the righteous are never unheard by the Sovereign Lord. This divine hearing transforms the lamenter's posture from one of weakness and supplication to one of strength and confident assertion, enabling them to stand against wickedness. The verse underscores God's character as a faithful covenant partner who not only listens but also acts on behalf of His distressed children, bringing about vindication and justice against those who oppose His ways. It is a profound declaration of faith that God's presence and intervention are the ultimate source of strength, deliverance, and the basis for righteous living and spiritual separation.
Reflection and Application
Psalms 6:8 offers profound encouragement and a transformative model for believers facing their own seasons of distress. It teaches us that our honest, even agonizing, laments are not only permissible but are actively heard by God. When we pour out our hearts in genuine sorrow and desperation, God listens with attentive care, and His hearing can bring about a profound shift in our spirit, transforming despair into confident faith. This divine assurance then empowers us to confront and separate ourselves from the "workers of iniquity" in our lives—whether they are external adversaries, internal sinful patterns, or negative influences that seek to undermine our faith and well-being. The verse reminds us that our victory over these forces is not by our own strength but by the power of God who hears and intervenes, enabling us to stand firm in righteousness and experience His liberating presence and peace. It calls us to persistent prayer, trusting that even when we feel weakest, God's ear is open, and His response will empower us to live victoriously.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the sudden shift in tone in Psalm 6:8?
The sudden shift in tone in Psalms 6:8, from deep lament and despair to confident assertion, is highly significant. It represents a common and powerful feature in many Psalms of Lament, often referred to as the "turn" or "pivot" (peripeteia). This transition indicates that the psalmist, David, has received an inner assurance or revelation from God that his prayers have been heard and that divine intervention is imminent. It's not a self-generated burst of optimism but a faith-filled response to God's perceived presence and readiness to act on his behalf. This shift empowers the psalmist to move from pleading to proclaiming, from weakness to strength, and from fear to a confident expectation of vindication, demonstrating the transformative power of God's attentive ear.
Who are the "workers of iniquity" David refers to, and how does this apply to believers today?
In the immediate context of Psalms 6:8, the "workers of iniquity" (Hebrew: po'aley 'aven) refer to David's adversaries—those who actively practice evil, perhaps gloating over his suffering or seeking his downfall. They are individuals whose actions are characterized by wickedness, mischief, and a habitual opposition to God's ways. For believers today, this phrase can apply to literal enemies or those who oppose righteousness, but it can also be understood more broadly. It encompasses any active force or influence that promotes sin, injustice, or spiritual harm. This includes sinful habits, destructive thought patterns, ungodly cultural pressures, or relationships that draw us away from God. David's command to "depart from" them is a call for spiritual discernment and a commitment to separate oneself from anything that actively works against God's will and our spiritual well-being, echoing the New Testament call to be "in the world but not of the world" (John 17:15-16).
Does God always answer prayers immediately, as implied by David's sudden confidence?
While David's confidence in Psalms 6:8 appears sudden, it doesn't necessarily imply an immediate, tangible answer in the sense of an instant cessation of his suffering. Rather, it signifies an immediate assurance from God that his prayers have been heard and that God is attentive and will act in His perfect timing and way. God always hears the sincere prayers of His people, as promised in Psalm 145:18, but His answers may come in various forms: a change in our perspective, an infusion of peace, the strength to endure, or a direct intervention at a later time. The key takeaway from this verse is the certainty of God's attentiveness and faithfulness, which empowers us to trust even when the full manifestation of His answer is yet to come, knowing that His plans are always for our good (Jeremiah 29:11).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 6:8 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the archetypal sufferer and triumphant King. Jesus experienced the depths of human anguish and lament, far surpassing David's pain. In Gethsemane, He poured out His soul with "loud cries and tears" (Hebrews 5:7), pleading with the Father, "not my will, but yours, be done" (Matthew 26:39). Though He drank the cup of suffering, His Father "heard" Him not by removing the cross, but by sustaining Him through it and raising Him from the dead, thereby vindicating Him and His mission. Jesus is the one who truly vanquishes the "workers of iniquity"—Satan, sin, and death—triumphing over them on the cross (Colossians 2:15). Through His death and resurrection, He empowers believers to "depart from" the dominion of sin, crucifying the old self with its works of iniquity (Romans 6:6). His victory ensures that our "weeping" in this life is not in vain, for He intercedes for us as our High Priest (Hebrews 7:25), and through Him, our prayers are always heard by the Father, guaranteeing our ultimate deliverance from all evil and the promise of eternal life (1 John 3:8).