Psalm 6. This is a psalm of David, and also intended to be played “on stringed instruments”, and “Sheminith”, which means “the eighth division” or “upon the octave” (as in Psalm 12). This Psalm was intended to by played on a lower musical register, and it was specifically composed this way by David, who was not only a musician, but an inventor of musical instruments (Amos 6:5). It would seem that the deepness of the musical notes would be coupled with a somber mood. Prophetically, this Psalm captures the deep sorrow of the remnant as they pass through the dark night of the Great Tribulation.

 

 

vv.1-3 Prayer in desperation. In this first section, the psalmist cries out to Jehovah in desperation. Clearly, the tribulation has reached an extreme level. What was “trouble” in Psa. 3, and “pressure” in Psa. 4, is now viewed as the “anger” or “hot displeasure” of Jehovah in Psa. 6. He asks, “Jehovah, till how long?”. This reminds one of Matt. 24:22, where the Lord, speaking of the Great Tribulation, says “except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened”. The elect will near their breaking point at the very end of the Great Tribulation. We have a similar statement from the martyred souls under the altar in Rev. 6:10; “and they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O sovereign Ruler, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell upon the earth?” Even after martyrdom, the prayers of these saints maintain their character; looking for victory over their enemies. The faithful view their suffering as Jehovah’s rebuke and chastening. Surely, the Lord does use trial and sufferings to speak to His saints.

 

 

vv.4-7 Grief overflowing. The psalmist begs the Lord for deliverance. He doesn’t cite his own righteousness as a basis for the Lord’s intervention, but rather “save me for thy loving-kindness’ sake”. Also, fearing that death is near, he asks the Lord what remembrance and thanks can be rendered to Him by one who is dead? He then speaks in vv.6-7 of the overflowing grief of soul. The faithful are pictured as weeping excessively all through the night.

 

 

vv.8-10 Confidence in Jehovah. In spite of the tremendous grief, the psalmist knows that his prayer is heard. In bold confidence, he calls for the enemies to run away; “Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity”. This expression is quoted by the Lord in Matthew 7:23, adapting the language to a future time when He will reject those who made a profession of faith in Him, but never really knew Him. Prophetically, these verses express the confidence that the remnant of the Jews will place in Jehovah.