Psalms 6

Psalm 6#sn Psalm 6. The psalmist begs the Lord to withdraw his anger and spare his life. Having received a positive response to his prayer, the psalmist then confronts his enemies and describes how they retreat.

For the music director, to be accompanied by stringed instruments, according to the sheminith style;#tn The meaning of the Hebrew term שְׁמִינִית (shÿminit, “sheminith”) is uncertain; perhaps it refers to a particular style of music. See 1 Chr 15:21. a psalm of David.

1Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger! Do not discipline me in your raging fury!

2Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am frail! Heal me, Lord, for my bones are shaking!

3I am absolutely terrified, and you, Lord – how long will this continue?

4Relent, Lord, rescue me! Deliver me because of your faithfulness!

5For no one remembers you in the realm of death, In Sheol who gives you thanks?

6I am exhausted as I groan; all night long I drench my bed in tears; my tears saturate the cushion beneath me.

7My eyes grow dim from suffering; they grow weak because of all my enemies.

8Turn back from me, all you who behave wickedly, for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping!

9The Lord has heard my appeal for mercy; the Lord has accepted my prayer.

10May all my enemies be humiliated and absolutely terrified! May they turn back and be suddenly humiliated!