Psalm 6 – A Prayer of Faith in Time of Distress

To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. On an eight-stringed harp. A Psalm of David.
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Psalm 6

1 LORD,[a] don’t rebuke me in your anger,
    neither discipline me in your wrath.
2 Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am faint.
    LORD, heal me, for my bones are troubled.
3 My soul is also in great anguish.
    But you, LORD—how long?
4 Return, LORD. Deliver my soul,
    and save me for your loving kindness’ sake.
5 For in death there is no memory of you.
    In Sheol,[b] who shall give you thanks?
6 I am weary with my groaning.
    Every night I flood my bed.
    I drench my couch with my tears.
7 My eye wastes away because of grief.
    It grows old because of all my adversaries.
8 Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity,
    for the LORD has heard the voice of my weeping.
9 The LORD has heard my supplication.
    The LORD accepts my prayer.
10 May all my enemies be ashamed and dismayed.
    They shall turn back, they shall be disgraced suddenly.

Footnotes

a. 1:2 When rendered in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, “LORD” or “GOD” is the translation of God’s Proper Name (Hebrew
“יהוה”, usually pronounced Yahweh).
b. 6:5 – Sheol is the place of the dead.


World English Bible (WEB) by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.


Summary

Psalm 6 is a prayer of David, expressing deep sorrow and a plea for God’s mercy and healing. Here’s a brief summary:

  1. Appeal for Mercy: David begins by asking the Lord not to rebuke him in anger or discipline him in wrath, recognizing his own weakness.
  2. Expression of Suffering: He describes his physical and emotional anguish, seeking healing and rescue from his suffering.
  3. Cry for Deliverance: David implores God to save him, highlighting that if he were to die, he could no longer praise God.
  4. Confession of Exhaustion: He shares his profound distress, stating that he is worn out from his groaning and that his bed is drenched with tears.
  5. Confidence in God’s Response: The psalm concludes with a shift in tone, as David expresses confidence that the Lord has heard his weeping and will accept his prayer, resulting in the shame and dismay of his enemies.

Overall, Psalm 6 reflects a movement from deep distress to renewed hope and trust in God’s mercy and intervention.


Links to Additional Resources and Commentaries
  1. Hebrew for Christians – Psalms 6
  2. Enduring Word
  3. Blue Letter Bible
  4. BibleRef.com
  5. Christianity.com

 

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