Psalms 6 - Printer Friendly

Seven psalms are labelled as "penitential" for their intense focus on repentance from sin. These are Psalms 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, and 143. This example does not give details, so we're not sure exactly what David is repenting for. What's clear is that he connects this specific instance of physical suffering—possibly some illness—to God's discipline (Psalm 6:1–3).

The situation is dire enough that David fears for his life. At least some of his concern is related to his enemies. This might refer to Philistines (1 Samuel 21:10–13), king Saul (1 Samuel 19:2), or his rebellious son, Absalom (Psalm 3). David pleads with God to spare him, pointing out that a dead body does not worship or praise (Psalm 6:4–5).

Despite a period of fear and despair (Psalm 6:6–7), David resolves that God will rescue him. He warns his enemies to flee, knowing that the Lord has heard him and will respond (Psalm 6:8–10).

Psalm 6:1–3 begins with a mournful expression of David's grief. He asks the Lord to withdraw His hand of discipline from him, and he describes the misery he is experiencing under that discipline. David is distressed physically and spiritually. His bones ache and his soul is greatly troubled.

Psalm 6:4–5 gives further hints that David is facing some kind of illness or disease. His requests here are specifically about his life, after earlier references to troubled bones (Psalm 6:2). In this brief section, David pleads with God for deliverance. He bases his plea on the Lord's steadfast love, and David's desire to praise God. He points out that a dead body cannot remember or worship the Lord.

Psalm 6:6–7 continues to depict David's intense struggle with anguish and a fear of death. He describes sleeplessness and intense grief. He writes that he filled his bed and couch with tears. His sleeplessness and grief even affected his eyesight.

Psalm 6:8–10 changes the mood dramatically: from despair and gloom to joy and encouragement. David believes the Lord has answered his prayer for deliverance and will vanquish his enemies. This renewed confidence is a fitting conclusion to the psalm.

David begins Psalm 6 by asking the Lord to withhold discipline from him. He describes the anguish he is experiencing. His bones are in pain and his soul is troubled. It's not clear whether David is literally experiencing some illness, sorrow for his sin, danger from enemies, or some combination of all these concerns. Whatever the situation, David's health is failing and so is his confidence. And yet, he is ultimately assured that God will intervene. The psalm begins in repentance and ends in confidence.

This psalm is ascribed to David. No exact incident in David's life is identified in this passage. There seems to be a connection to a disease or other health issue. He may have written it during his old age, when his son Absalom rebelled against him (2 Samuel 15:12–14). Another possible inspiration is David's sorrow over his sin with Bathsheba (Psalm 51; 2 Samuel 12:9). Psalm 6 is one of seven penitential psalms: songs expressing confession and repentance. The other six are Psalms 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, and 143.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 11/21/2024 7:15:04 AM