Psalms
Summary
Psalm 6 is the first of the seven penitential psalms, a raw expression of distress where the psalmist pleads for mercy in a time of severe physical and emotional suffering. He cries out, "My soul is in deep anguish," and asks God how long His silence will last. He describes being weary with groaning and his eyes being consumed by grief. The tone shifts dramatically at the end as the psalmist declares that the LORD has heard his weeping and received his prayer, resulting in the shame and retreat of his enemies. It is a powerful journey from despair to deliverance.
O LORD, rebuke me not in your anger, neither chasten me in your hot displeasure.
Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am weak; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are in agony.
My soul is also in deep anguish; but you, O LORD, how long?
Return, O LORD, deliver my soul; oh, save me for your mercies' sake.
For in death there is no remembrance of you; in the grave, who shall give you thanks?
I am weary with my groaning; all the night I make my bed swim; I water my couch with my tears.
My eye is consumed because of grief; it grows old because of all my enemies.
Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity, for the LORD has heard the voice of my weeping.
The LORD has heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.
Let all my enemies be ashamed and sore vexed; let them turn back and be ashamed suddenly.