Overview
In this first of the seven Penitential Psalms, the afflicted psalmist appeals to God for mercy on the basis of his own frailty rather than his merit, pours out his physical and spiritual suffering in exhausted weeping, and then pivots to a bold declaration of faith — commanding evildoers to depart and foreseeing the shame of his enemies — grounding the whole movement in the conviction that God has already heard his cry.
Passages
Study Resources
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Psalms 6
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.