Psalms 6

This Psalm is commonly reckoned as one of the penitential Psalms of David, of which, according to the Jews, there are seven.

TITLE. Sheminith. The term “Sheminith” means eighth, and may denote an instrument with eight strings; or, which is more likely, music played with the lower notes: see 1 Chron. xv. 20, 21, where “Alamoth” and “Sheminith” clearly signify different parts of music; the former answering probably to our treble, and the latter to the bass, or, perhaps, an octave below the treble.

1 in Thine anger. I do not plead against correction; only let the correction be loving.

2 my bones are vexed. Heb., “affrighted,” or “amazed”; and so in vers. 3, 10. The “bones” are mentioned as the strength and framework of the body. The Psalmist’s suffering was so intense as to affect his whole frame.

3 how long? That is, “How long wilt Thou delay to help?” This incomplete form of the sentence expresses strong emotion.

5. For in death there is no remembrance of Thee. The Psalmist contemplates death, not as the close of his existence, but as a mark of God’s anger, and as putting an end to all opportunity of praising God among his fellow-men: see Isa. xxxviii. 18.

the grave. Heb., “Sheol”; the under-world, or Hades.

6 to swim. That is, “with tears”: denoting long and severe distress.

7 consumed. Or, “grown dim,” with weeping.

8 the Lord hath heard the voice, etc. This abrupt change from sorrow to joy shows the psalmist’s confidence that his prayer had been heard, and would be answered. Many of the plaintive Psalms end thus triumphantly: see Psa. xiii., xxxi.

10. Let all mine enemies, etc. Rather, “All mine enemies shall be ashamed,” etc.; “they shall return,” etc. (see R.V.).