61 To the chief Musician. On stringed instruments, upon Sheminith. A Psalm of David. Jehovah, rebuke me not in thine anger, and chasten me not in thy hot displeasure. 2 Be gracious unto me, Jehovah, for I am withered; Jehovah, heal me, for my bones tremble. 3 And my soul trembleth exceedingly: and thou, Jehovah, till how long? 4 Return, Jehovah, free my soul; save me for thy loving-kindness' sake. 5 For in death there is no remembrance of thee; in Sheol who shall give thanks unto thee? 6 I am wearied with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I dissolve my couch with my tears. 7 Mine eye wasteth away through grief; it hath grown old because of all mine oppressors.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 6:1-7
Commentary on Psalm 6:1-7
(Read Psalm 6:1-7)
These verses speak the language of a heart truly humbled, of a broken and contrite spirit under great afflictions, sent to awaken conscience and mortify corruption. Sickness brought sin to his remembrance, and he looked upon it as a token of God's displeasure against him. The affliction of his body will be tolerable, if he has comfort in his soul. Christ's sorest complaint, in his sufferings, was of the trouble of his soul, and the want of his Father's smiles. Every page of Scripture proclaims the fact, that salvation is only of the Lord. Man is a sinner, his case can only be reached by mercy; and never is mercy more illustrious than in restoring backsliders. With good reason we may pray, that if it be the will of God, and he has any further work for us or our friends to do in this world, he will yet spare us or them to serve him. To depart and be with Christ is happiest for the saints; but for them to abide in the flesh is more profitable for the church.