PSALM 6 - NIGHT CRY

Psalm 6 – night prayer

Structure:

a. 6:1-4, appeal for help: o LORD, save my life [bones are troubled, turn…]

  b. 6:5-7, description of despair 

a’. 6:8-10, appeal for help: LORD have heard my supplication! [enemies are troubled, turn…]

Commentaries:

Three important notes before we’ll go into the text. First, the psalm is a night cry for help. Somehow David finds himself in trouble, deep trouble. His situation impacted his emotional life, spiritual life, and even physical aspects of life (bones are troubled, v.2). It is “natural” to experience troubles in life. They can be caused by other people or being self-afflicted. The main thing: it is a myth that Christians don’t have turmoil in their lives. Or, saying it differently, the turmoil is a result of your sin. Maybe, but maybe not…

Second, in any trouble it is important to reverse the steps of Adam. He walked away from God (Genesis 3:10). Instead of that, a believer should come closer to God. Even if it is “my” fault/sin – Father invites me to come, confess and be restored. Dr. Martin Luther wrote it this way: In all trials and affliction man should first of all run to God; he should realize and accept the fact that everything is sent by God, whether it comes from devil or man… for this is the way to learn patience and the fear of God (LW, 14:140).

Third, in the midst of troubles and trials, coming to God, it is normal to cry. We are not emotionless robots. Even Jesus expressed anger (John 2:13-17), fear (Matthew 26:38), sorrow, shedding His tears (John 11:33,35). That’s why it is good to study Psalter – then, when temptations come, a believer will be ready to react in a godly way.

A, vv. 1-4. When David addresses the LORD, he understands that there are two ways to approach Him: on our own or in His grace. Let’s start with the second one – even in the times of the Old Testament, the believers knew of gracious God, merciful LORD, whose steadfast love abounds to His children. It was fully realized in Jesus on the Cross. The sacrifice of Calvary provides an “umbrella” for us. On the other hand, when we come on our own, we are stepping out of this umbrella – God’s wrath hits us with the full force.

The gracious God is the source of healing – completely: physically (bones), emotionally/mentally (soul), and spiritually (deliver my life).

B, vv. 5-7. This leads to David’s meditation about the grave and Sheol. The verb – to remember is an interesting example of a great translation. On one hand, it is a mental exercise of bringing something from memory. On the other, it can be read is reassembling of members: re-member – that’s what death does: members of a body slowly but surely come to decay. As a result, this body without remembrance will not be able to “worship” God (no praise, v. 5). Similar idea can be found in Ps. 115:17-18.

Thinking of this, David is “crying himself to sleep,” flooding bed with tears and couch with weeping. This, again, reflects on the physical condition – growing weak (v. 7).   

A’, vv. 8-10. The final block begins and ends with a pushback toward the evil ones and enemies. Now, they shall be troubled (like the bones of the worshiper used to be). The reason for this is the acceptance of prayer (night cry) by God. The personal Name is repeated three times (see, Numbers 6:24-26). The LORD has heard the sound, the plea, and accepts the prayer. The first two use the same verb with two aspects of its meaning: hearing the sound and paying attention (hear and listen). As a result, psalmist is sure that his prayer is accepted!

Being accepted by the Creator of the Universe is a great privilege we have in Jesus. It is He, Who restored us to the Father (2 Corinthians 5:19); it is He, Who gives us words to talk to God (Philippians 4:6-7); it is He, Whom we praise, to Whom glory belongs (Revelation 5:13)!