Psalms

Chapter 6

Plea for Mercy in Weakness

The psalmist begs God not to rebuke him in anger but to have mercy, for his body is weak and his soul greatly vexed. He asks God to return and save him for His mercies' sake, pointing out that the dead cannot praise God or give thanks. The psalmist reveals his distress—groaning by night, watering his couch with tears, consumed by grief and enemies. Yet he takes comfort that the LORD hears his weeping and supplication, and will receive his prayer against his enemies.

Affliction and sufferingGod's mercyPhysical weaknessConfidence in God's hearing

¹O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.

²Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.

³My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?

⁴Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake.

⁵For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?

⁶I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.

⁷Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.

⁸Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.

⁹The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.

¹⁰Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.

Ch. 56 of 150Ch. 7