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Psalm 6

Psalm 6 expresses David’s heartfelt plea for mercy during a time of distress, possibly due to illness or overwhelming sorrow. This psalm captures a deep emotional struggle, highlighting themes of repentance, divine mercy, and faith in God's deliverance. David appeals to God both for forgiveness and healing, displaying confidence that God will ultimately answer his prayer.

Psalm 6:1-3 (NKJV)
1 O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your anger,
Nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure.
2 Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak;
O Lord, heal me, for my bones are troubled.
3 My soul also is greatly troubled;
But You, O Lord—how long?

David feels overwhelmed by God’s discipline, sensing both physical and spiritual anguish. He acknowledges his weakness and pleads for mercy, recognizing that even his bones and soul are distressed. The cry “how long?” expresses his yearning for relief, showing his impatience amid suffering. It reflects both his sense of guilt and desperate need for God’s intervention.

Psalm 6:4-5 (NKJV)
4 Return, O Lord, deliver me!
Oh, save me for Your mercies’ sake!
5 For in death there is no remembrance of You;
In the grave who will give You thanks?

David pleads for God’s deliverance, appealing to His mercy rather than his own righteousness. His words suggest that, without divine help, his life may come to an end. He reasons that the dead cannot actively praise God, emphasizing his desire to continue living to give thanks to the Lord.

Psalm 6:6-7 (NKJV)
6 I am weary with my groaning;
All night I make my bed swim;
I drench my couch with my tears.
7 My eye wastes away because of grief;
It grows old because of all my enemies.

David’s sorrow has reached an overwhelming level, leading to restless nights filled with tears. His grief and distress affect his health, even impacting his vision. He feels crushed by both inner sorrow and the presence of enemies, emphasizing the depth of his suffering.

Psalm 6:8-10 (NKJV)
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 will receive my prayer.
10 Let all my enemies be ashamed and greatly troubled;
Let them turn back and be ashamed suddenly.

David’s tone shifts from sorrow to confidence. He proclaims that God has heard his prayer and reassures himself that divine help is on the way. His enemies, who may have gloated over his suffering, will be put to shame. This conclusion reflects David’s faith that God will not abandon him but will bring deliverance, even when the situation seems hopeless.

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