Psalms
6:1-10. On Neginoth eighth--an instrument for the eighth key; or,
more probably, the bass, as it is contrasted with Alamoth (the treble, Psalms
46:1) in 1 Chronicles
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 (Isaiah
24:4). my bones--the very frame. are vexed--(Psalms
2:5)--shaken with fear.
3. how long?--shall this be so (compare Psalms
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 Psalms
115:17,18, Isaiah
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 (Psalms
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 Psalms
6:3) be terror-stricken or confounded.
Psalm 6 Bible Commentary
Jamieson, Faussett, and Brown
1. He owns his ill desert in begging a relief from chastisement.
2. I am weak--as a culled plant (Isaiah 24:4).
my bones--the very frame.
are vexed--(Psalms 2:5)--shaken with fear.
3. how long?--shall this be so (compare Psalms 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 Psalms 115:17,18, Isaiah 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 (Psalms 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 Psalms 6:3) be terror-stricken or confounded.