1 <To the chief music-maker on corded instruments, on the Sheminith. A Psalm. Of David.> O Lord, do not be bitter with me in your wrath; do not send punishment on me in the heat of your passion.
<A Psalm. Of David. To keep in memory.> O Lord, be not bitter with me in your wrath; let not your hand be on me in the heat of your passion.
And Mattithiah and Eliphelehu and Mikneiah and Obed-edom and Jeiel and Azaziah, with corded instruments on the octave, to give the first note of the song.
Have no fear, O Jacob, my servant, says the Lord; for I am with you: for I will put an end to all the nations where I have sent you, but I will not put an end to you completely: though with wise purpose I will put right your errors, and will not let you go quite without punishment.
Then will his angry words come to their ears, and by his wrath they will be troubled:
<To the chief music-maker on corded instruments. A Psalm. Of David.> Give answer to my cry, O God of my righteousness; make me free from my troubles; have mercy on me, and give ear to my prayer.
The hand of Jah has been hard on me; but he has not given me up to death.
For this is like the days of Noah to me: for as I took an oath that the waters of Noah would never again go over the earth, so have I taken an oath that I will not again be angry with you, or say bitter words to you.
O Lord, put me right, but with wise purpose; not in your wrath, or you will make me small.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 6
Commentary on Psalms 6 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 6
Ps 6:1-10. On Neginoth (See on Ps 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, Ps 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.
2. I am weak—as a culled plant (Isa 24:4).
my bones—the very frame.
are vexed—(Ps 2:5)—shaken with fear.
3. how long?—shall this be so (compare Ps 79:5).
but—or, "and."
thou—The sentence is incomplete as expressive of strong emotion.
4. Return—that is, to my relief; or, "turn," as now having His face averted.
for thy mercies' sake—to illustrate Thy mercy.
5. (Compare Ps 115:17, 18; Isa 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."
6. By a strong figure the abundance as well as intensity of grief is depicted.
7. consumed—or, "has failed," denoting general debility (Ps 13:3; 38:10).
waxeth old—or, "dim."
grief—mingled with indignation.
8, 9. Assured of God's hearing, he suddenly defies his enemies by an address indicating that he no longer fears them.
10. and knows they will be disappointed and in their turn (compare Ps 6:3) be terror-stricken or confounded.