Lecture Notes: Psalm 6

Psalms 6:1-10 (To the chief Musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David.) O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed. My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long? Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake.

For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks? I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.

Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies. Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping. The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer. Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.

Introduction

• Series Context: Weekly study on the Book of Psalms.
• Focus Psalm: Psalm 6.
• Superscription: “To the chief musician on Neganoth upon Sheminith, a psalm of David.”
  • Indicates King David as author.
  • Sheminith: Possibly a type of musical instrument.

Structure of Psalm 6

• Overview: Psalm consists of 10 verses.
• Outline by Verses:
  • Verses 1-3: Discipline
  • Verses 4-5: Deliverance
  • Verses 6-7: Distress
  • Verses 8-10: Depart

Detailed Analysis

Discipline (Verses 1-3)

• Theme: David under God’s chastening.
• Key Verses:
  • Psalm 6:1: “O Lord, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.”
  • Psalm 38:1: Similar acknowledgment.
• Insights:
  • Acknowledgement of divine discipline reflects being a child of God.
  • Christians are encouraged to recognize and accept divine correction.

Deliverance (Verses 4-5)

• Request: For God to deliver his soul.
• Rationale: “For in death there is no remembrance of thee.” - David argues his ability to praise God is lost in death.
• Application: Importance of returning to God and seeking his mercy.

Distress (Verses 6-7)

• Characteristics:
  • Weariness and weeping.
  • Grief and psychological impact of sin.
  • Physical toll of distress: Premature aging.
• Cause: Enemies bringing distress as a tool of divine chastisement.

Depart (Verses 8-10)

• Supplication: David seeks separation from workers of iniquity.
• Emphasis on Prayer:
  • Assurance that God hears and answers prayer.
  • “The Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping.”
• Opposition: Matthew 7:21-23: Jesus’ similar statement to workers of iniquity.

Theological Insights

• Chastening:
  • Reflects God’s love and corrective purpose.
  • Encourages self-reflection in believers.
• Prayer: A continuous theme in Psalms reflecting dependence on God.
• Mercy and Repentance:
  • Core to restoration of relationship with God.
  • Emphasis on returning to God and seeking mercy.

Practical Applications

• Acknowledge Sin: Confession and repentance are vital.
• Run to God: In times of distress or chastening, seek God rather than flee.
• Value: Make oneself valuable to God’s work as a rationale for mercy.

Conclusion

• Final Encouragement: Confidence in God’s justice and mercy.
• Dependence on God: Even in chastening, God’s discipline affirms our status as His children.

This concludes the notes on Psalm 6, highlighting its themes of discipline, deliverance, distress, and departing from iniquity, and providing a framework for understanding divine correction and plea for mercy.