Old Testament
Psalms 6
Overview
Psalm 6 is the first of the church's seven traditional penitential psalms, a desperate cry from a soul worn out with suffering. David begs God not to rebuke him in anger, pleading instead for grace as he is wasting away, his bed soaked with tears through sleepless nights. He reasons that the dead cannot praise God, urging the LORD to deliver him for the sake of His steadfast love. Remarkably, the psalm pivots at the end to sudden assurance, as David declares that the LORD has heard his weeping and his enemies will be put to shame.
1For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments, upon the eight-stringed lyre. A Psalm by David. Yahweh, don’t rebuke me in your anger, neither discipline me in your wrath.
2Have mercy on me, Yahweh, for I am faint. Yahweh, heal me, for my bones are troubled.
3My soul is also in great anguish. But you, Yahweh—how long?
4Return, Yahweh. Deliver my soul, and save me for your loving kindness’ sake.
5For in death there is no memory of you. In Sheol, who shall give you thanks?
6I am weary with my groaning. Every night I flood my bed. I drench my couch with my tears.
7My eye wastes away because of grief. It grows old because of all my adversaries.
8Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity, for Yahweh has heard the voice of my weeping.
9Yahweh has heard my supplication. Yahweh accepts my prayer.
10May all my enemies be ashamed and dismayed. They shall turn back, they shall be disgraced suddenly.