Jamieson, Fausset and Brown on Psalms 6

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.

2. I am weak--as a culled plant (Is 24:4).

my bones--the very frame.

are vexed--(Psa 2:5)--shaken with fear.

3. how long?--shall this be so (compare Psa 79:5).

but--or, "and."

thou--The sentence is incomplete as expressive of strong emotion.

4. Return--that is, to my relief; or, "turn," as now having His face averted.

for thy mercies' sake--to illustrate Thy mercy.

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."

6. By a strong figure the abundance as well as intensity of grief is depicted.

7. consumed--or, "has failed," denoting general debility (Psa 13:3; 38:10).

waxeth old--or, "dim."

grief--mingled with indignation.

8-9. Assured of God's hearing, he suddenly defies his enemies by an address indicating that he no longer fears them.

10. and knows they will be disappointed and in their turn (compare Psa 6:3) be terror-stricken or confounded.