The Comfortless Couch of the Righteous One

This is the first of seven psalms, which are called the Penitential psalms. The others are: 32, 38, 51, 102, 130 and 143. It seems that David was in the middle of some great bodily distress or illness, as well as being plagued by attacks from his enemies. There is no mention of sin on his part, but a realisation that it is God’s chastening he is experiencing. And it is in the throes of such an experience that he is convicted that God would answer his prayer for deliverance. Twice, in vv. 8 & 9, he declares, “The Lord hath heard.” He knew assuredly that God had received his prayer. This gives us a further lesson in learning how to pray, by coming to a solid persuasion that God has heard, and will answer.

Psalm 6 - Second Version

   1  In thy great indignation,
         O Lord, rebuke me not;
      Nor on me lay thy chast 'ning hand,
         in thy displeasure hot.

   2  Lord, I am weak, therefore on me
         have mercy, and me spare:
      Heal me, O Lord, because thou know'st
         my bones much vexed are.

   3  My soul is vexed sore: but, Lord,
          how long stay wilt thou make?
   4  Return, Lord, free my soul; and save
         me, for thy mercies' sake.

   5  Because of thee in death there shall
         no more remembrance be:
      Of those that in the grave do lie,
         who shall give thanks to thee?

   6  I with my groaning weary am,
         and all the night my bed
      I caused for to swim; with tears
         my couch I watered.

   7  By reason of my vexing grief,
         mine eye consumed is;
      It waxeth old, because of all
         that be mine enemies.

   8  But now, depart from me all ye
         that work iniquity:
      For why? the Lord hath heard my voice,
         when I did mourn and cry.

   9  Unto my supplication
         the Lord did hearing give:
      When I to him my prayer make,
         the Lord will it receive.

  10  Let all be shamed and troubled sore,
         That en'mies are to me;
      Let them turn back, and suddenly
         ashamed let them be.