Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am frail; heal me, O LORD, for my bones are in agony. Be merciful to meThe phrase "Be merciful to me" is a heartfelt plea from the psalmist, David, who is seeking God's compassion and grace. The Hebrew root for "merciful" is "חָנַן" (chanan), which conveys the idea of showing favor or grace. In the context of the Old Testament, mercy is a central attribute of God, often associated with His covenantal love and faithfulness. David's appeal here is not based on his own merit but on God's character. This plea reflects a deep understanding of human frailty and the need for divine intervention. Historically, this cry for mercy would resonate with the Israelites, who often found themselves in need of God's deliverance and forgiveness. O LORD
The use of "O LORD" in this verse is significant. The term "LORD" in all capital letters is a translation of the Hebrew "YHWH," the sacred and personal name of God revealed to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). This name signifies God's eternal existence and His covenant relationship with His people. By invoking this name, David is not only acknowledging God's sovereignty but also His personal and relational nature. It is a reminder of the intimate relationship between God and His people, where they can approach Him with their deepest needs and concerns. for I am frail
The phrase "for I am frail" captures the human condition of weakness and vulnerability. The Hebrew word used here is "אֻמְלַל" (umlal), which can be translated as weak, languishing, or feeble. David is acutely aware of his limitations and the fragility of human life. This acknowledgment of frailty is a common theme in the Psalms, where the psalmists often contrast human weakness with God's strength and faithfulness. In a historical context, this recognition of human frailty would resonate with the Israelites, who faced numerous challenges and adversities, reminding them of their dependence on God. heal me
The plea "heal me" is a request for physical, emotional, or spiritual restoration. The Hebrew word "רָפָא" (rapha) means to heal or make whole. In the biblical context, healing is not just about physical recovery but encompasses a holistic restoration of the individual. This request reflects a deep trust in God's power to restore and renew. Throughout Scripture, God is depicted as the ultimate healer, one who can mend broken bodies, hearts, and spirits. This appeal for healing is a testament to the belief in God's ability to bring about complete restoration. O LORD
The repetition of "O LORD" emphasizes the psalmist's earnestness and the centrality of God in his plea. It serves as a reminder of the personal and covenantal relationship between God and His people. By repeating this invocation, David underscores his reliance on God's character and promises. This repetition also highlights the importance of persistence in prayer, a theme that is echoed throughout the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. for my bones are in agony
The expression "for my bones are in agony" conveys intense physical and emotional distress. The Hebrew word for "agony" is "בָּהַל" (bahal), which can mean to be terrified or dismayed. The mention of "bones" signifies the depth of David's suffering, as bones are often used metaphorically in Scripture to represent the core of one's being. This vivid imagery reflects the severity of his condition and his desperate need for God's intervention. Historically, such expressions of deep anguish would resonate with the Israelites, who often faced existential threats and relied on God for deliverance and comfort. This phrase serves as a powerful reminder of the human experience of suffering and the hope for divine relief. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe author of the psalm, traditionally believed to be King David, who often expressed his deep emotions and reliance on God through the psalms. 2. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal presence and faithfulness to His people. 3. The Psalmist's ConditionThe psalmist is in a state of physical and emotional distress, seeking God's mercy and healing. Teaching Points Understanding Our FrailtyRecognize that human frailty is a common experience, and it is appropriate to bring our weaknesses before God in prayer. Seeking God's MercyEmphasize the importance of seeking God's mercy, acknowledging that He is compassionate and willing to heal and restore. The Role of Prayer in SufferingEncourage believers to use prayer as a means to express their pain and seek God's intervention in times of distress. God's Healing PowerTrust in God's ability to heal not only physical ailments but also emotional and spiritual wounds. Dependence on GodHighlight the necessity of depending on God in all circumstances, understanding that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does recognizing our own frailty help us in our relationship with God? 2. In what ways can we seek God's mercy in our daily lives, especially during times of distress? 3. How can the example of David's prayer in Psalm 6:2 guide us in our own prayers during difficult times? 4. What connections can you find between the healing mentioned in Psalm 6:2 and the healing offered through Christ in the New Testament? 5. How can we encourage others who are experiencing physical or emotional agony to find hope and healing in God? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 38:3-8This passage also describes a state of physical and emotional suffering, where the psalmist seeks God's mercy and healing. Isaiah 53:5This verse speaks of healing through the suffering of the Messiah, connecting the need for healing with the redemptive work of Christ. Matthew 11:28-30Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest, offering a New Testament perspective on finding relief in God. 2 Corinthians 12:9Paul speaks of God's grace being sufficient in weakness, highlighting the theme of relying on God's strength in times of frailty. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Affrighted, Agitated, Agony, Bones, Dismayed, Faint, Favour, Gracious, Heal, Languish, Languishing, Mercy, O, Pining, Tremble, Troubled, Vexed, Wasted, Weak, WitheredDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 6:2 5137 bones
5298 doctors
8306 mercifulness
8358 weakness, physical Psalm 6:1-7 5831 depression Psalm 6:2-3 5782 agony Psalm 6:2-4 1055 God, grace and mercy
8724 doubt, dealing with Psalm 6:2-6 5933 restlessness Library The Life of Mr. James Renwick.
Mr. James Renwick was born in the parish of Glencairn in Nithsdale, Feb. 15, 1662. His parents though not rich, yet were exemplary for piety. His father Andrew Renwick (a weaver to trade) and his mother Elizabeth Corsan, had several children before Mr. James, who died young; for which when his mother was pouring forth her motherly grief, her husband used to comfort her with declaring, that he was well satisfied to have children, whether they lived or died, young or old, providing they might be heirs …
John Howie—Biographia Scoticana (Scots Worthies)Weep Not.
"Weine nicht!" "The Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping."--Psalm 6:8. [3]B. Schmolk transl., Sarah Findlater, 1854 Weep not--Jesus lives on high, O sad and wearied one! If thou with the burden sigh, Of grief thou canst not shun, Trust Him still, Soon there will Roses in the thicket stand, Goshen smile in Egypt's land. Weep not--Jesus thinks of thee When all beside forget, And on thee so lovingly His faithfulness has set, That though all Ruin'd fall, Every thing on earth be shaken, Thou wilt …
Jane Borthwick—Hymns from the Land of Luther Pleading for Mercy. Ps 6
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John Newton—Olney Hymns "O Save Me for Thy Mercies' Sake. " --Ps. vi. 4
"O save me for thy mercies' sake."--Ps. vi. 4. Mercy alone can meet my case; For mercy, Lord, I cry;-- Jesus! Redeemer! show thy face In mercy, or I die. Save me, for none beside can save; At thy command I tread, With failing step, life's stormy wave; The wave goes o'er my head. I perish, and my doom were just; But wilt thou leave me? No: I hold Thee fast, my hope, my trust, I will not let Thee go. Still sure to me Thy promise stands, And ever must abide; Behold it written on Thy hands, And graven …
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns Letters of St. Bernard
I To Malachy. 1141.[924] (Epistle 341.) To the venerable lord and most blessed father, Malachy, by the grace of God archbishop of the Irish, legate of the Apostolic See, Brother Bernard called to be abbot of Clairvaux, [desiring] to find grace with the Lord. 1. Amid the manifold anxieties and cares of my heart,[925] by the multitude of which my soul is sore vexed,[926] the brothers coming from a far country[927] that they may serve the Lord,[928] thy letter, and thy staff, they comfort …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh The Tears of the Penitent.
Adversity had taught David self-restraint, had braced his soul, had driven him to grasp firmly the hand of God. And prosperity had seemed for nearly twenty years but to perfect the lessons. Gratitude had followed deliverance, and the sunshine after the rain had brought out the fragrance of devotion and the blossoms of glad songs. A good man, and still more a man of David's age at the date of his great crime, seldom falls so low, unless there has been previous, perhaps unconscious, relaxation of the …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David If Then to Sin, that Others May not Commit a Worse Sin...
21. If then to sin, that others may not commit a worse sin, either against us or against any, without doubt we ought not; it is to be considered in that which Lot did, whether it be an example which we ought to imitate, or rather one which we ought to avoid. For it seems meet to be more looked into and noted, that, when so horrible an evil from the most flagitious impiety of the Sodomites was impending over his guests, which he wished to ward off and was not able, to such a degree may even that just …
St. Augustine—Against Lying Out of the Deep of Suffering and Sorrow.
Save me, O God, for the waters are come in even unto my soul: I am come into deep waters; so that the floods run over me.--Ps. lxix. 1, 2. I am brought into so great trouble and misery: that I go mourning all the day long.--Ps. xxxviii. 6. The sorrows of my heart are enlarged: Oh! bring Thou me out of my distress.--Ps. xxv. 17. The Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping: the Lord will receive my prayer.--Ps. vi. 8. In the multitude of the sorrows which I had in my heart, Thy comforts have refreshed …
Charles Kingsley—Out of the Deep Epistle xxxix. To Eulogius, Patriarch of Alexandria.
To Eulogius, Patriarch of Alexandria. Gregory to Eulogius, &c. As cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country (Prov. xxv. 25). But what can be good news to me, so far as concerns the behoof of holy Church, but to hear of the health and safety of your to me most sweet Holiness, who, from your perception of the light of truth, both illuminate the same Church with the word of preaching, and mould it to a better way by the example of your manners? As often, too, as I recall in …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Epistle xv. To George, Presbyter.
To George, Presbyter. Gregory to George, Presbyter, and to Theodore, deacon, of the Church of Constantinople. Mindful of your goodness and charity, I greatly blame myself, that I gave you leave to return so soon: but, since I saw you pressing me importunately once and again for leave to go, I considered that it might be a serious matter for your Love to tarry with us longer. But, after I had learnt that you had lingered so long on your journey owing to the winter season, I confess that I was sorry …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Epistle Xlvi. To Isacius, Bishop of Jerusalem .
To Isacius, Bishop of Jerusalem [159] . Gregory to Isacius, &c. In keeping with the truth of history, what means the fact that at the time of the flood the human race outside the ark dies, but within the ark is preserved unto life, but what we see plainly now, namely that all the unfaithful perish under the wave of their sin, while the unity of holy Church, like the compactness of the ark, keeps her faithful ones in faith and in charity? And this ark in truth is compacted of incorruptible timber, …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Rules to be Observed in Singing of Psalms.
1. Beware of singing divine psalms for an ordinary recreation, as do men of impure spirits, who sing holy psalms intermingled with profane ballads: They are God's word: take them not in thy mouth in vain. 2. Remember to sing David's psalms with David's spirit (Matt. xxii. 43.) 3. Practise St. Paul's rule--"I will sing with the spirit, but I will sing with the understanding also." (1 Cor. xiv. 15.) 4. As you sing uncover your heads (1 Cor. xi. 4), and behave yourselves in comely reverence as in the …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Motives to Holy Mourning
Let me exhort Christians to holy mourning. I now persuade to such a mourning as will prepare the soul for blessedness. Oh that our hearts were spiritual limbecs, distilling the water of holy tears! Christ's doves weep. They that escape shall be like doves of the valleys, all of them mourning, every one for his iniquity' (Ezekiel 7:16). There are several divine motives to holy mourning: 1 Tears cannot be put to a better use. If you weep for outward losses, you lose your tears. It is like a shower …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Epistle Lxiv. To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli .
To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli [174] . Here begins the epistle of the blessed Gregory pope of the city of Rome, in exposition of various matters, which he sent into transmarine Saxony to Augustine, whom he had himself sent in his own stead to preach. Preface.--Through my most beloved son Laurentius, the presbyter, and Peter the monk, I received thy Fraternity's letter, in which thou hast been at pains to question me on many points. But, inasmuch as my aforesaid sons found me afflicted with the …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 6:2 NIVPsalm 6:2 NLTPsalm 6:2 ESVPsalm 6:2 NASBPsalm 6:2 KJV
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