Psalm 6 To the chief Musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David.
A Sheminith was an eight stringed instrument like a harp. It was able to play the eight notes of an octave and this Psalm was to be played on this instrument.
Verse 1 O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
David brings out more of the character of God. He gets angry and can be upset at His followers. The Hebrew word translated as “rebuke” is “yakach” and it means to judge, rebuke, reprove or correct. The Hebrew word translated as “chasten” is “yacar” and it means to chasten, discipline, instruct, admonish, or to chastise. The Hebrew word translated as “hot displeasure” is “chemah” and it means heat, rage, hot displeasure, indignation, anger, or wrath. So whatever King David had thought, done, or said apparently had been offensive to the LORD and King David knew that God was indeed upset with him.
Verse 2 Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.
The Hebrew word translated as “mercy” is “chanan” and it means to be gracious, show favor, or to have pity. Mercy from God is simply not giving us the punishment we deserve. David points out that he is weak. He is reminding the LORD that he is but dust. “For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” Job 103:14 King David also states that he needs to be healed and that even his bones are affected by the circumstances he is in at the time of this heart felt prayer for help. Remember that David was constantly under attack and persecuted by the Devil, the world, and his own flesh. He was a man acquainted with grief and loss. The Hebrew word translated as “bones” is “etsem” and it means bone, essence, substance, body, limbs, members, or self. The Hebrew word translated as “vexed” is “bahal” and it means to disturb, alarm, terrify, dismay, hurry, be anxious, be afraid, be hurried, or to be nervous. Perhaps King David was physically suffering as he refers to ‘death’ in verse 5 below. And perhaps he was suffering attack from his enemies. But for sure he was under attack from Satan or one of his many fallen angels or workers of iniquity as referenced in verse eight below.
Application: Can we humble ourselves enough to admit that we are weak. We can not do anything without the LORD’s help, but mankind’s pride is always popping up to make us feel that we are in charge and we can deal with or fix the situation at hand. It is only in total reliance upon God that the converted, Christian believer is truly strong.
Verse 3 My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?
King David’s soul (his mind, will and emotions) are also affected negatively by whatever was transpiring in his life at the time of the writing of this Psalm. It is not known what the circumstances were that brought King David to this particular prayer as recorded in this Psalm, but he was in great turmoil and not questioning God’s presence or faithfulness towards him, but questioning how long God would let him remain as he was until his prayer was answered. Have you, the reader, ever been to the point of thinking that you cannot endure one more problem, one more disappointment, or one more day due to the people or trouble in your life?
Application: When we go against God, it affects our whole being. When we are under attack from devils, it affects our whole being. When we sin it affects our whole being. Christians are not perfect, yet, and make mistakes and think things, say things, and do things that are not Christ-like. But repentance and dependence upon the LORD always fixes the situation. The answer to all serious trouble is to cry out to the LORD with a pure heart and then praise Him for the answer that is going to come, and be patient.
Verse 4 Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies’ sake.
King David is seeking God’s intervention and presence. He is asking the LORD to rescue his soul because the LORD is merciful and it is His mercy towards David that is a testimony to the nation Israel that his God is in charge and will care for His people.
Verse 5 For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?
We know that a believer goes directly into the presence of God at the time of death. What David is perhaps saying is that when dead, he cannot demonstrate the LORD’s power and provision to others. There is no testimony going forth from the child and servant of God when dead and lying in a grave.
Application: Had King David died at this particular time in history, there would be no more of his Psalms as recorded in the Bible. These Psalms are a testimony of his love for God and of his struggles and victories while walking and talking with the LORD and they have provided comfort to readers for generations.
Verse 6 I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.
The Hebrew word translated as “groaning” is “anachah” and it means sighing or groaning as an expression of grief or physical distress. King David is expressing fatigue, no doubt both physical and emotional, as the long night drags on. He has been shedding so many tears that his bed is wet with the moisture from those tears. This is serious sorrow when a warrior like King David is reduced to tears all night long.
Verse 7 Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.
Because of all the weeping King David has been doing, his physical eyes are failing. Spiritually, how he sees the world is distorted because of all the difficulties and emotional turmoil caused by all of his enemies.
Verse 8 Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.
But now things have changed because King David knows that the LORD has heard his crying out and has seen his tears. Now he has confidence. His strength is returning to him and he is beginning to have right thinking and to be healed. David does not want to be around sinners. He sought the LORD and not other people to help him in his time of trouble. David also orders the powers of darkness to leave him. The Hebrew word translated as “iniquity” is “aven” and it means trouble, wickedness, sorrow, and idolatry. King David is now ready to get off his bed and face the trouble because the LORD is on his side. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
Verse 9 The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.
An attitude of confidence returns as he realizes that the LORD has heard him and will intervene. King David now has peace restored to him.
Application: Most Christian believers pray to the LORD when in need and then move on. They do not pray until they have the confidence that the LORD is going to answer their prayer. Often, when an answer doesn’t come quickly enough, believers quit praying. How long should the believer be in prayer for a particular problem? Until, like King David, a peace comes over them so that they know God has heard, that He will help, and that they can put the problem to rest as He will be working for them and on their behalf.
Verse 10 Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.
All his enemies will see the mighty power of God and of David’s faith in God and be ashamed.
Application: One of the most powerful testimonies of Christian faith is when Christians are observed by the unsaved standing on the promises of God during very difficult times of trouble. Their unwavering faith and trust is compelling. People take note that they are with Jesus.