This Psalm contains a deprecation (disapproval) of eternal vengeance, Psalm 6:1; a petition to God for mercy, Psalm 6:2. This is enforced from a consideration of the psalmist’s sufferings, Psalm 6:3; from that of the Divine mercy, Psalm 6:4; from that of the praise and glory which God would fail to receive if man were destroyed, Psalm 6:5; from that of his humiliation and contrition, Psalm 6:6, Psalm 6:7. Being successful in his supplication, he exults in God, Psalm 6:8, Psalm 6:9; and predicts the downfall of all his enemies, Psalm 6:10.

Adam Clarke Commentary

Psalm 6

O Lord, Deliver My Life

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments; according to The Sheminith. A Psalm of David.

6O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger,
    nor discipline me in your wrath.
² Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing;
    heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled.
³ My soul also is greatly troubled.
    But you, O Lord—how long?

⁴ Turn, O Lord, deliver my life;
    save me for the sake of your steadfast love.
⁵ For in death there is no remembrance of you;
    in Sheol who will give you praise?

⁶ I am weary with my moaning;
    every night I flood my bed with tears;
    I drench my couch with my weeping.
⁷ My eye wastes away because of grief;
    it grows weak because of all my foes.

⁸ Depart from me, all you workers of evil,
    for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping.
⁹ The Lord has heard my plea;
    the Lord accepts my prayer.
¹⁰ All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled;
    they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment.

Reflection

Today’s Psalm may not reflect your current state of mind but someone you know or someone you meet today needs you to stand with them in prayer.

Here are a few additional resources for further reflection and application of this scripture:

1. Short discussion (~20 minutes) on Psalm 6 by David Smith titled “Identifying with those who suffer”
2. Practical advise on How to battle the blues
3. Commentary by Charles Spurgeon in this 20 minute audio