◄ Psalm 6 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
Do Not Rebuke Me in Your Anger (Psalm 38:1–22) For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments, according to Sheminith.a A Psalm of David. 1 O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger or discipline me in Your wrath. 2Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am frail; heal me, O LORD, for my bones are in agony. 3My soul is deeply distressed. How long, O LORD, how long? 4Turn, O LORD, and deliver my soul; save me because of Your loving devotion. 5For there is no mention of You in death; who can praise You from Sheol? 6I am weary from groaning; all night I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. 7My eyes fail from grief; they grow dim because of all my foes. 8Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity, for the LORD has heard my weeping. 9The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer. 10All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed; they will turn back in sudden disgrace. Footnotes: 1 a Sheminith is probably a musical term; here and in 1 Chronicles 15:21 and Psalm 12:1. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Psalm 6 Summary Do Not Rebuke Me in Your Anger Verses 1–3 – Plea for Mercy “O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger or discipline me in Your wrath.” David cries out under the weight of God’s discipline, confessing weakness in body (“my bones are in agony”) and soul (“my soul is deeply distressed”). He begs God to lessen the pressure and asks, “How long, O LORD, how long?” Verses 4–5 – Appeal to Covenant Love “Turn, O LORD, and deliver my soul; save me because of Your loving devotion.” David grounds his request in God’s faithful love, arguing that if he dies he cannot praise God on earth: “For there is no mention of You in death; who can praise You from Sheol?” Verses 6–7 – Depths of Sorrow “I am weary from my groaning; all night I flood my bed with weeping.” Sleepless, tear-filled nights leave David’s eyes swollen and weak “because of all my foes.” His grief shows how suffering can feel unending. Verses 8–10 – Confidence in Deliverance “Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity, for the LORD has heard my weeping.” Assurance breaks through. God has heard and accepted the prayer; enemies will “turn back in sudden disgrace.” Psalm 6, attributed to David, is a poignant expression of suffering and a desperate plea for God's mercy. In this psalm, David finds himself in deep distress, afflicted by both bodily illness and the torment of enemies. However, beyond the anguish, we see a remarkable journey of faith. From initial despair, the Psalmist transitions to a steadfast hope in God's deliverance and justice. Authorship and Superscription The psalm identifies David as the writer. The superscription, “For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments, according to the Sheminith,” places the song in public worship. “Sheminith” (literally “eighth”) likely refers to a lower musical register or an eight-stringed instrument. Excavated lyres and harps from the Bronze and Iron Ages confirm the range of stringed instruments in ancient Israel. Setting and Possible Occasion No single event is named, yet the psalm fits seasons when David faced illness, enemy pressure, or divine correction (compare 2 Samuel 12:13–15; 1 Chronicles 21:7–17). The raw language of sickness, tears, and foes suggests a time when personal sin and outside opposition overlapped. Structure and Flow 1. Verses 1–3 – Opening plea: “Do not rebuke…be merciful.” 2. Verses 4–5 – Reason for help: God’s love and the cut-off praise of the dead. 3. Verses 6–7 – Description of anguish. 4. Verses 8–10 – Sudden shift to confidence; enemies dismissed. The turn from despair to assurance is typical of David’s laments (see Psalm 13). Key Themes • Divine Discipline and Mercy – Hebrews 12:6 quotes Proverbs 3:12: “the Lord disciplines the one He loves.” David feels the pain but seeks the love behind it. • Human Frailty – “I am frail” (v 2) echoes Psalm 103:14, “He knows our frame.” Tears, sleeplessness, and physical weakness put suffering in concrete terms. • Honest Prayer – David holds nothing back. Jesus later models the same honesty in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:38–39). • Confidence in God’s Hearing – The triple “the LORD has heard… accepts…” (vv 8–9) matches 1 John 5:14–15: “if we ask… He hears us.” • Vindication over Enemies – Verse 10’s reversal mirrors Exodus 14:30 when Egypt’s warriors ended in disgrace. Literary Features • Repetition: “How long… how long?” heightens urgency. • Parallelism: Hebrew poetry pairs lines—“my bones are in agony / my soul is deeply distressed.” • Contrast: Night-long tears (vv 6–7) versus sudden deliverance (v 10). Word and Phrase Insights • “Rebuke… discipline” (v 1) – Hebrew for “correct with words” and “chasten with blows.” David asks God to temper both. • “Loving devotion” (hesed, v 4) – loyal love rooted in covenant. • “Sheol” (v 5) – realm of the dead, depicted here as silent, cut off from temple praise. Later revelation in Daniel 12:2 and Luke 16:22–23 clarifies conscious existence after death, but David focuses on earthly worship. Connections to Other Scriptures • Psalm 30:2–3 – another cry for healing: “O LORD my God, I called to You for help, and You healed me.” • Psalm 38 and 39 – similar pleas when suffering feels like divine displeasure. • Isaiah 53:3–5 – the Man of Sorrows bears sickness and brings healing, providing the ultimate answer to David’s prayer. • James 5:13–16 – believers are to pray, confess sin, and seek healing, following David’s pattern. Messianic Hints Jesus quotes Psalm 6:8 in Matthew 7:23 (“Depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness”) and applies it to final judgment. In Gethsemane He experiences deep sorrow “to the point of death,” reflecting David’s anguish yet without sin. Historical and Archaeological Notes • Burial Customs: Verse 5’s concern about praising God in death matches archaeological finds of inscribed tombs warning visitors to remember the deceased. It highlights the belief that the grave ended participation in temple worship. • Musical Notation: The Hebrew term “Neginoth” for “stringed instruments” appears on several psalms. Reliefs from neighboring cultures show seated harpists, validating such worship scenes. Use in Jewish and Christian Worship • Jewish liturgy recites Psalm 6 during penitential seasons, emphasizing mercy. • Early church fathers placed it among the “Penitential Psalms.” • Many hymn writers adapt lines like “How long, O Lord?” into laments and songs of hope. Practical Applications • When feeling God’s discipline, run toward Him, not away. • Honest tears in prayer are welcome; David’s soaked pillow shows real faith. • Appeal to God’s character—His “loving devotion”—rather than personal merit. • Expect a turning point; God hears even before circumstances change. • Once assurance comes, speak boldly against sin and opposition, just as David dismisses the “workers of iniquity.” Modern Relevance • Mental health struggles: sleepless nights and relentless crying resonate today. Psalm 6 gives language for anxiety and depression before God. • Physical illness: David’s appeal for healing supports praying both for medical help and divine intervention. • Suffering believers worldwide can echo Psalm 6, trusting that God still “accepts my prayer” and will one day shame all evil powers. Summary Insight Psalm 6 moves from crushed spirit to confident faith. The journey is swift—ten verses—yet covers the full terrain of human pain, honest confession, and renewed hope in the God who hears. Connections to Additional Scriptures Psalm 34:17-18 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit. Matthew 11:28 Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 2 Corinthians 12:9 But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. Teaching Points David's Plea for Mercy The psalm begins with David's earnest request for God not to rebuke him in anger or discipline him in wrath (Psalm 6:1). This highlights the importance of approaching God with humility and recognizing our need for His grace. Acknowledgment of Weakness David openly admits his frailty, saying, Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am frail; heal me, LORD, for my bones are in agony (Psalm 6:2). This teaches us the value of acknowledging our weaknesses before God. Emotional Turmoil David's soul is in deep anguish, and he expresses his sorrow through tears (Psalm 6:6). This shows that God is not distant from our emotional struggles and invites us to bring our burdens to Him. Confidence in God's Response Despite his distress, David expresses confidence that the Lord has heard his weeping and will accept his prayer (Psalm 6:8-9). This reassures us of God's attentiveness to our cries for help. Vindication and Deliverance The psalm concludes with a declaration of faith that David's enemies will be ashamed and dismayed (Psalm 6:10). This reflects the belief in God's ultimate justice and deliverance. Practical Applications Approach God with Honesty Like David, we should not hesitate to bring our true feelings and struggles before God, trusting in His compassion and understanding. Seek God's Mercy In times of trouble, let us remember to seek God's mercy and healing, acknowledging our dependence on Him. Trust in God's Faithfulness Even when circumstances seem dire, we can have confidence that God hears our prayers and will act according to His perfect will. Find Comfort in God's Presence In moments of emotional turmoil, we can find solace in knowing that God is near and cares deeply for us. People 1. The LORD (Yahweh) The primary addressee of the psalm, referred to as "LORD" in the BSB. David appeals to the LORD for mercy and healing, acknowledging His power and righteousness. The Hebrew root for LORD is יהוה (YHWH), the covenant name of God. 2. David The psalmist and speaker, traditionally identified as King David. He is in a state of distress and seeks God's mercy and deliverance from his troubles. David's plea reflects his personal relationship with God and his reliance on divine intervention. Places Psalm 6 in the Berean Standard Bible does not explicitly mention specific geographical places. Instead, it is a personal lament and plea for mercy from David, focusing on his emotional and spiritual state rather than physical locations. Therefore, there are no specific places to list from this Psalm. The text primarily deals with themes of distress, divine mercy, and deliverance rather than geographical references. If you have any other questions or need further analysis, feel free to ask! Events 1. David's Plea for Mercy David begins by asking the Lord not to rebuke him in anger or discipline him in wrath. This reflects a deep awareness of his own sinfulness and a desire for God's compassionate response. The Hebrew word for "rebuke" (יָכַח, yakach) implies correction or chastisement. 2. Request for Healing David asks for healing, acknowledging his physical and emotional distress. He says, "Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am frail; heal me, O LORD, for my bones are in agony" (Psalm 6:2). The Hebrew word for "heal" (רָפָא, rapha) indicates a restoration to health. 3. Expression of Deep Anguish David expresses his soul's deep anguish and questions how long he must endure this suffering. This reflects a common theme in the Psalms of waiting on God's timing. 4. Appeal for Deliverance He appeals to God's unfailing love for deliverance, saying, "Turn, O LORD, and deliver my soul; save me because of Your loving devotion" (Psalm 6:4). The Hebrew word for "loving devotion" (חֶסֶד, chesed) is often translated as steadfast love or mercy. 5. Contemplation of Death David contemplates the finality of death, expressing that in death, there is no remembrance or praise of God. This highlights the urgency of his plea for deliverance. 6. Description of Suffering He vividly describes his suffering, stating that he is weary with groaning and drenched his bed with tears. This imagery underscores the depth of his emotional turmoil. 7. Declaration of Confidence Despite his anguish, David declares confidence that the Lord has heard his weeping and will accept his prayer. This shift from lament to trust is a hallmark of many psalms. 8. Call for Enemies to Depart Finally, David calls for his enemies to depart, confident that the Lord has heard his plea and will act on his behalf. This reflects a belief in God's justice and protection. Lessons from Psalm 6 1. Acknowledge Your Need for Mercy Psalm 6 begins with a heartfelt plea for mercy: "O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger or discipline me in Your wrath" (Psalm 6:1). Recognizing our need for God's mercy is the first step toward spiritual growth. Just as David sought God's compassion, we too should humbly approach Him, acknowledging our shortcomings and seeking His grace. 2. Embrace Vulnerability in Prayer David's raw and honest prayer in Psalm 6 teaches us the power of vulnerability. "Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am frail; heal me, O LORD, for my bones are in agony" (Psalm 6:2). When we open our hearts to God, we invite His healing presence into our lives. Don't be afraid to express your deepest fears and struggles in prayer. 3. Trust in God's Timing In moments of distress, it's easy to become impatient. David's cry, "How long, O LORD, how long?" (Psalm 6:3) resonates with anyone who has waited for God's intervention. Trust that His timing is perfect, even when it seems delayed. Patience in faith is a testament to our trust in His divine plan. 4. Seek God's Deliverance David's plea for deliverance, "Turn, O LORD, and deliver my soul; save me because of Your loving devotion" (Psalm 6:4), reminds us to seek God's help in times of trouble. His love and faithfulness are unwavering, and He is always ready to rescue those who call upon Him with a sincere heart. 5. Remember God's Unfailing Love The psalmist appeals to God's steadfast love as the basis for his plea. "For there is no mention of You in death; who can praise You from Sheol?" (Psalm 6:5). God's love is the foundation of our relationship with Him. Let it be the anchor that holds you steady through life's storms. 6. Pour Out Your Heart David's emotional outpouring, "I am weary from groaning; all night I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears" (Psalm 6:6), shows us that it's okay to express our emotions to God. He understands our pain and is always ready to comfort us. Let your prayers be a release of your burdens. 7. Find Strength in God's Presence Despite his anguish, David finds strength in God's presence. "My eyes fail from grief; they grow dim because of all my foes" (Psalm 6:7). When we focus on God rather than our circumstances, we gain the strength to persevere. His presence is a source of comfort and courage. 8. Trust in God's Justice David's confidence in God's justice is evident: "Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity, for the LORD has heard my weeping" (Psalm 6:8). Trust that God sees and will act justly on your behalf. His righteousness ensures that evil will not prevail. 9. Rejoice in Answered Prayers "The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer" (Psalm 6:9). Celebrate the assurance that God hears and answers your prayers. Rejoicing in His faithfulness strengthens our faith and encourages us to continue seeking Him. 10. Stand Firm in Faith David concludes with a declaration of faith: "All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed; they will turn back in sudden disgrace" (Psalm 6:10). Stand firm in your faith, knowing that God is your defender. His power and love will ultimately triumph over any adversity you face. Topics 1. Plea for Mercy The psalmist begins with a heartfelt plea for God's mercy, asking not to be rebuked in anger or disciplined in wrath. This reflects a deep awareness of personal sin and the need for divine compassion. The Hebrew word for "mercy" (חָנַן, chanan) conveys a sense of graciousness and favor. ^“O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger or discipline me in Your wrath.”^ (Psalm 6:1) 2. Request for Healing The psalmist seeks physical and spiritual healing, acknowledging personal weakness and distress. The Hebrew root for "heal" (רָפָא, rapha) implies restoration and wholeness. ^“Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am frail; heal me, O LORD, for my bones are in agony.”^ (Psalm 6:2) 3. Expression of Sorrow A vivid portrayal of the psalmist's emotional turmoil is presented, emphasizing the depth of sorrow and the impact of sin. The imagery of tears and weeping underscores the intensity of the lament. ^“I am weary from groaning; all night I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears.”^ (Psalm 6:6) 4. Appeal for Deliverance The psalmist appeals to God's steadfast love for deliverance from adversaries, highlighting trust in God's covenantal faithfulness. The Hebrew word for "deliver" (יָשַׁע, yasha) suggests salvation and rescue. ^“Turn, O LORD, and deliver my soul; save me because of Your loving devotion.”^ (Psalm 6:4) 5. Confidence in God's Response Despite the initial despair, the psalmist expresses confidence that God has heard the prayer and will respond. This shift from lament to assurance reflects a deep faith in God's attentiveness. ^“The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer.”^ (Psalm 6:9) 6. Vindication over Enemies The psalm concludes with a declaration of triumph over enemies, affirming that those who oppose the psalmist will be put to shame. This reflects a belief in divine justice and protection. ^“All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed; they will turn back in sudden disgrace.”^ (Psalm 6:10) Themes 1. Plea for Mercy The psalmist begins with a heartfelt plea for God's mercy, recognizing his own frailty and need for divine compassion. The Hebrew word for mercy, "חָנַן" (chanan), conveys a sense of graciousness and favor. Psalm 6:2 states, "Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am frail; heal me, O LORD, for my bones are in agony." 2. Acknowledgment of Suffering The psalmist openly acknowledges his physical and emotional suffering, which is a common theme in the Psalms. This suffering is expressed in Psalm 6:3 : "My soul is deeply distressed. How long, O LORD, how long?" 3. Desperation for Deliverance There is a desperate cry for deliverance and salvation, emphasizing the psalmist's reliance on God for rescue. The Hebrew root "יָשַׁע" (yasha) for salvation is significant here. Psalm 6:4 reads, "Turn, O LORD, and deliver my soul; save me because of Your loving devotion." 4. Fear of Death and Separation from God The psalmist expresses a fear of death and the resulting separation from God, highlighting the importance of life in relationship with the divine. Psalm 6:5 states, "For there is no mention of You in death; who can praise You from Sheol?" 5. Expression of Deep Anguish The psalmist vividly describes his deep emotional anguish and sorrow, using imagery of tears and weeping. This is seen in Psalm 6:6 : "I am weary from groaning; all night I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears." 6. Confidence in God's Response Despite the initial despair, the psalmist expresses confidence that God has heard his prayer and will respond. This shift in tone is crucial, as seen in Psalm 6:9 : "The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer." 7. Anticipation of Vindication The psalm concludes with an anticipation of vindication over enemies, reflecting a trust in God's justice. The Hebrew root "בּוֹשׁ" (bosh), meaning to be ashamed or confounded, is relevant here. Psalm 6:10 declares, "All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed; they will turn back in sudden disgrace." Prayer Points Pray for a heart of humility to approach God with honesty and transparency. Ask for God's mercy and healing in areas of personal weakness and distress. Thank God for His faithfulness in hearing and responding to our prayers. Seek comfort and peace in God's presence during times of emotional turmoil. Pray for the strength to trust in God's justice and deliverance in all circumstances. Answering Tough Questions 1. Psalm 6:1 – How can a God of perfect love express anger or rebuke His faithful servant? 2. Psalm 6:3 – If God is all-knowing, why is the Psalmist left in anxious uncertainty, asking “How long?” 3. Psalm 6:5 – How does the statement “in death there is no remembrance of you” align with later teachings on the afterlife or resurrection? 4. Psalm 6:6 – Does the Psalmist’s prolonged suffering challenge the belief that God responds swiftly to the cries of the faithful? 5. Psalm 6 – Is there any historical or archaeological evidence confirming the circumstances or authorship of this lament, or does it solely rely on faith tradition? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does David express his suffering in the Psalm? What can this teach us about expressing our own pain and struggle to God? 2. How does David perceive God's role in his suffering? How does this perspective resonate with you in times of personal hardship? 3. How does David's plea for mercy reflect his understanding of God's nature? 4. David asks God, "How long?" Have you ever found yourself asking God the same question? How does this Psalm comfort you in such times? 5. How does David argue his case for deliverance? How might this inform our own prayers for help? 6. Why does David mention that the dead cannot praise God? How does this view reflect on the concept of life and death? 7. In verses 6 and 7, David illustrates his intense weeping. How do these verses encourage honesty and vulnerability in prayer? 8. David shows a transition from despair to confidence in the Psalm. How can we also experience this transformation in our own faith journey? 9. David tells his enemies that God has heard his prayer. What does this teach us about the efficacy of prayer? 10. How does David envision the fate of his enemies? How does this align with the biblical concept of divine justice? 11. How can we apply David's confidence in God's justice to modern situations where we feel wronged or oppressed? 12. Psalm 6 does not record God's direct response. How does this affect the overall message of the Psalm? 13. How does David's experience in Psalm 6 relate to the notion of perseverance in faith? 14. How can Psalm 6 help you deal with feelings of loneliness or isolation in times of suffering? 15. How can David's expression of his physical suffering in Psalm 6 be related to mental health issues in the present day? 16. In what ways does Psalm 6 teach us to approach God in times of fear or anxiety? 17. How can we use Psalm 6 as a guide for prayers of repentance and seeking mercy? 18. How does the faith expressed by David in this Psalm challenge you in your spiritual life? 19. Psalm 6 ends with a note of confidence and victory. How does this change your perspective on enduring personal trials? 20. If you were to write a modern-day Psalm like Psalm 6, reflecting your personal struggles and faith journey, what would it look like? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions