To the chief musician, on neginoth upon sheminith, a psalm of David
6:Title Neginoth indicates stringed instruments. Sheminith was probably a musical term.⚜
6
📚O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger,
or discipline me in your
hot displeasure.
6:1 David is conscious of God’s chastening. Though he does not mention any particular sin he is well aware that he is worthy of rebuke and punishment. He only pleads that God will be gentle with him (compare Ps 38:1).⚜
2 📚Have mercy on me, O LORD,
for I am weak.
O LORD, heal me;
for my bones are troubled.
3 📚My soul is also greatly troubled 📖.
But you, O LORD, how long?
4 📚Return, O LORD.
Deliver my soul.
Oh, save me for your mercy’s sake.
5 📚For in death there is
no remembrance of you.
In the grave 📖 who will give
you thanks?
6 📚I am weary with my groaning.
All night I make my bed swim,
I drench my couch with my tears.
6:2-6 He is suffering greatly in both body and mind. He is very ill (v 2), and fears that he may be near death (v 5). He does not ask for mercy according to his righteousness, but according to God’s grace (v 4).⚜
7 📚My eye is consumed
because of grief;
it grows old because of
all my enemies.
6:6-7 David’s foes rejoiced at his miserable condition, made his sorrow even greater, and revealed what fallen sinful creatures they were.⚜
8 📚Depart from me,
all you evildoers!
For the LORD has heard
the sound of my weeping.
9 📚The LORD has heard
my supplication;
the LORD will receive
my prayer.
10 📚Let all my enemies be
ashamed and exceedingly
troubled;
let them turn back and
suddenly be put to shame.
6:8-10 Suddenly everything was bright. The Holy Spirit had given David the assurance that his request was heard. He knew he had that for which he asked God. He had won the victory by prayer and faith. Compare Ps 4:3; 5:3. This way is open to all believers – Mark 11:24; 1 John 5:14-15.⚜