Psalm 6 is the first of seven psalms considered “penitential” and the third psalm in a row to begin with an imperative verb.* In this case, David is afraid for his life and pleads for mercy and healing.
Verses 1-5
In the opening verses, David details his physical state, and it is pitiful. He describes himself as weak, shaking, and in terror. It seems this has been going on for some time and that he is desperate for relief. He asks God “how long” and pleads for rescue. He appeals to God’s desire for worship to spare his life.
There is no remembrance of You in death; who can thank You in Sheol?
Remembering back to my college days, Sheol is that place prior to the cross where souls dwelt after death. It is believed that when Christ died, He descended to Sheol, conquered death, and returned to heaven with the saints in tow. Some believe that Sheol is simply the Old Testament term for the New Testament places referred to as heaven and hell. However, I am inclined to believe the former as it seems more in line with verses on Christ’s death and resurrection. I must confess I have not done sufficient study on the matter to say either way for sure.
Verses 6-7
David expounds upon his physical condition in this stanza. He is weary from the emotional struggle, his tears wet his pillow and bed every night, his eyes are swollen from crying. We’ve all been there. haven’t we?
This tells me:
- God heard all of David’s complaints. Nothing was left out.
- Despite his physical need, David never loses his faith.
- God welcomes our honesty in prayer.
Verses 8-10
The closing verses are especially convicting to me. David is so afraid that he trembles and can’t sleep. And even though nothing had changed outwardly, David believes God hears his prayer and trusts an answer is on its way. What faith! He writes that his enemies will be disgraced. Oh that my prayers would be so faith-filled.
This post is Day 6 of the 31 Days of Journaling through the Psalms series. If you would like to read the first post, Psalm 1: The Wise and the Wicked, click here. The introduction to the series can be found here.
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*Taken from notes in The Study Bible for Women: Holman Christian Standard Bible. 2014. Holman Bible Publishers. Nashville, TN.