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.
1To the chief Musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
2Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.
3My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?
4Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake.
5For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?
6I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.
7Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.
8Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.
9The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.
10Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.