When David by his sins had provoked God’s wrath, and now felt not only his hand against him, but also conceived the horrors of death everlasting, he desireth forgiveness. 6 Bewailing that if God took him away in his indignation, he should lack occasion to praise him as he was wont to do while he was among men. 9 Then suddenly feeling God’s mercy, he sharply rebuketh his enemies which rejoiced in his affliction.

To him that excelleth on Neginoth, upon the eight tune. A Psalm of David.

O Lord, (A)[a]rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chastise me in thy wrath.

Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am weak: O Lord heal me, for my [b]bones are vexed.

[c]My soul is also sore troubled: but Lord, how long wilt thou delay?

Return, O Lord: deliver my soul: save me for thy mercy’s sake.

For in [d]death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall praise thee?

I fainted in my mourning: I cause my bed every night to swim, and water my couch with my tears.

[e]Mine eye is dimmed for despite, and sunk in because of all mine enemies.

[f]Away from me all ye workers of iniquity: for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping.

The Lord hath heard my petition: the Lord will receive my prayer.

10 All mine enemies shall be confounded and sore vexed: they shall be turned back, and put to shame [g]suddenly.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 6:1 Though I deserve destruction, yet let thy mercy pity my frailty.
  2. Psalm 6:2 For my whole strength is abated.
  3. Psalm 6:3 His conscience is also touched with the fear of God’s judgment.
  4. Psalm 6:5 He lamenteth that occasion should be taken from him to praise God in the congregation.
  5. Psalm 6:7 Or, mine eye is eaten as it were with worms.
  6. Psalm 6:8 God sendeth comfort and boldness, in affliction, that we may triumph over our enemies.
  7. Psalm 6:10 When the wicked think that the godly shall perish, God delivereth them suddenly, and destroyeth their enemies.

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