3 My soul is also in great anguish. But you, Yahweh--how long?
Relent, Yahweh! How long? Have compassion on your servants!
"Now my soul is troubled. What shall I say? 'Father, save me from this time?' But for this cause I came to this time.
I am poured out like water. All my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax; It is melted within me.
Have mercy on me, Yahweh, for I am in distress. My eye, my soul, and my body waste away with grief. For my life is spent with sorrow, My years with sighing. My strength fails because of my iniquity. My bones are wasted away.
Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him for the saving help of his presence.
Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him, The saving help of my countenance, and my God.
"Will the Lord reject us forever? Will he be favorable no more?
A man's spirit will sustain him in sickness, But a crushed spirit, who can bear?
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 6
Commentary on Psalms 6 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 6
Ps 6:1-10. On Neginoth (See on Ps 4:1, title) upon Sheminith—the eighth—an instrument for the eighth key; or, more probably, the bass, as it is contrasted with Alamoth (the treble, Ps 46:1) in 1Ch 15:20, 21. In deep affliction the Psalmist appeals to God's mercy for relief from chastisement, which otherwise must destroy him, and thus disable him for God's service. Sure of a gracious answer, he triumphantly rebukes his foes.
1. He owns his ill desert in begging a relief from chastisement.
2. I am weak—as a culled plant (Isa 24:4).
my bones—the very frame.
are vexed—(Ps 2:5)—shaken with fear.
3. how long?—shall this be so (compare Ps 79:5).
but—or, "and."
thou—The sentence is incomplete as expressive of strong emotion.
4. Return—that is, to my relief; or, "turn," as now having His face averted.
for thy mercies' sake—to illustrate Thy mercy.
5. (Compare Ps 115:17, 18; Isa 38:18). There is no incredulity as to a future state. The contrast is between this scene of life, and the grave or Sheol, the unseen world of the dead.
give … thanks—or, "praise for mercies."
6. By a strong figure the abundance as well as intensity of grief is depicted.
7. consumed—or, "has failed," denoting general debility (Ps 13:3; 38:10).
waxeth old—or, "dim."
grief—mingled with indignation.
8, 9. Assured of God's hearing, he suddenly defies his enemies by an address indicating that he no longer fears them.
10. and knows they will be disappointed and in their turn (compare Ps 6:3) be terror-stricken or confounded.