Psalms 6 — with JFB Commentary
The King James text with the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary (1871, public domain) directly beneath the verses it explains. Verses without a JFB note stand alone.
1O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
PSALM 6
Psa 6:1-10. On Neginoth (See on Psa 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, Psa 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.
2Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.
2. I am weak--as a culled plant (Is 24:4).
my bones--the very frame.
are vexed--(Psa 2:5)--shaken with fear.
3My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?
3. how long?--shall this be so (compare Psa 79:5).
but--or, "and."
thou--The sentence is incomplete as expressive of strong emotion.
4Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies’ sake.
4. Return--that is, to my relief; or, "turn," as now having His face averted.
for thy mercies' sake--to illustrate Thy mercy.
5For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?
5. (Compare Psa 115:17, 18; Is 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."
6I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.
6. By a strong figure the abundance as well as intensity of grief is depicted.
7Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.
7. consumed--or, "has failed," denoting general debility (Psa 13:3; 38:10).
waxeth old--or, "dim."
grief--mingled with indignation.
8Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.
8-9. Assured of God's hearing, he suddenly defies his enemies by an address indicating that he no longer fears them.
9The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.
8-9. Assured of God's hearing, he suddenly defies his enemies by an address indicating that he no longer fears them.
10Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.
10. and knows they will be disappointed and in their turn (compare Psa 6:3) be terror-stricken or confounded.