David
Psalm 6
To the chief Musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David.
Scripture (KJV)
1O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
2Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.
3My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?
4Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies’ sake.
5For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?
6I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.
7Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.
8Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.
9The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.
10Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.
Summary
Psalm 6 is the first of the seven traditional "penitential psalms," a cry of deep physical and spiritual anguish. David feels both the weight of God’s discipline and the weakness of his own body—bones vexed, soul sore vexed, eyes consumed with grief, a bed swimming with tears. His question, "How long?" is the universal cry of those who suffer without knowing when relief will come. Yet even in this darkness, David turns his pain into prayer, pleading for mercy, healing, and deliverance for the sake of God’s steadfast love.
The turning point comes at verse 8: "The LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping." Faith arrives before the circumstances change. David can dismiss the workers of iniquity because he is confident God has heard his supplication and will receive his prayer. The psalm closes with a prayer that his enemies be put to shame. The major themes are repentance, suffering, mercy, healing, and deliverance. Practically, the psalm gives language to those who are weary and weeping, teaching that tears themselves can be prayers God hears. The great lesson is that even in the deepest anguish, the soul that cries out to God is heard.
Key Themes
A Prayer from Psalm 6
O LORD, rebuke me not in Your anger, neither chasten me in Your hot displeasure. Have mercy upon me, for I am weak; heal me, for my bones are vexed. My soul is sore vexed—how long, O LORD? Return and deliver my soul; save me for Your mercies’ sake. I am weary with groaning; I water my couch with tears. Hear the voice of my weeping, for You have heard my supplication and will receive my prayer. Let me not be consumed by grief, but let me rise in the confidence that You have heard me. Let every enemy of my soul be ashamed and turned back. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Questions
- 1Where do I feel the discipline of God or the weight of suffering right now?
- 2What does it mean to pray "How long?" honestly before God?
- 3How can my tears themselves become prayers God hears?
- 4What would it look like to believe, with David, that God has heard before circumstances change?
Related Psalms
Psalm 3
“Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.”
A morning prayer of trust when enemies multiply; salvation belongs to the Lord.
Read morePsalm 4
“Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.”
An evening prayer calling on God in distress and counseling quiet trust.
Read morePsalm 5
“Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation.”
A morning prayer seeking God’s leading and rejoicing in His protection.
Read morePsalm 7
“O Lord my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:”
A prayer for justice against false accusation, trusting God as righteous judge.
Read morePsalm 51
“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.”
David’s great prayer of repentance; a broken and contrite heart God will not despise.
Read moreRelated Articles
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Roughly a third of the Psalms are laments. What they teach us about bringing our pain to God.
Read Bible StudyThe Seven Penitential Psalms Explained
Psalm 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, and 143 have been prayed by penitents for centuries. A short guide to each.
Read EncouragementPsalms for Grief and Loss
When loss leaves a hole, the Psalms give us safe language to grieve and a God who is near.
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