Psalms 6

King James Version (KJV) · English

1 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? 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? 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. 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.

Commentary — not Bible text

Psalms 6:1

PSALM 6

Psa 6:1-10. On Neginoth (See on Psa 4:1, title) upon Sheminith--the eighth--an instrument for the eighth key; or, more probably, the bass, as it is contrasted with Alamoth (the treble, Psa 46:1) in 1Ch 15:20,21. In deep affliction the Psalmist appeals to God's mercy for relief from chastisement, which otherwise must destroy him, and thus disable him for God's service. Sure of a gracious answer, he triumphantly rebukes his foes.

1. He owns his ill desert in begging a relief from chastisement.

Psalms 6:2

2. I am weak--as a culled plant (Is 24:4).

my bones--the very frame.

are vexed--(Psa 2:5)--shaken with fear.

Psalms 6:3

3. how long?--shall this be so (compare Psa 79:5).

but--or, "and."

thou--The sentence is incomplete as expressive of strong emotion.

Psalms 6:4

4. Return--that is, to my relief; or, "turn," as now having His face averted.

for thy mercies' sake--to illustrate Thy mercy.

Psalms 6:5

5. (Compare Psa 115:17, 18; Is 38:18). There is no incredulity as to a future state. The contrast is between this scene of life, and the grave or Sheol, the unseen world of the dead.

give ... thanks--or, "praise for mercies."

Psalms 6:6

6. By a strong figure the abundance as well as intensity of grief is depicted.

Psalms 6:7

7. consumed--or, "has failed," denoting general debility (Psa 13:3; 38:10).

waxeth old--or, "dim."

grief--mingled with indignation.

Psalms 6:8-9

8-9. Assured of God's hearing, he suddenly defies his enemies by an address indicating that he no longer fears them.

Psalms 6:10

10. and knows they will be disappointed and in their turn (compare Psa 6:3) be terror-stricken or confounded.

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