11/2 Psalms 6

PSALM 6

AUTHOR: David

The Story Behind the Psalm

David had committed his sin concerning Uriah and Bathsheba. At the writing of this Psalm, Bathsheba had given birth to a baby. The baby was near death. David was heartbroken and penitent. He is praying and asking forgiveness.

This is the first of the penitential Psalms. This, like Psalm 51 and some others, is a Psalm of seeking forgiveness and begging restoration. The Psalm was sung with stringed accompaniment and was serious music. Psalm 6 is no victory shout; it is the mourn and wail of a sinner seeking forgiveness as he pays the price for his sin.

The Way It Was Used by God's People

The Jews would use this Psalm when wanting forgiveness. It was used after a time of backsliding when a vow had been made to God to return to His will and His work. Notice the groanings of verse 3, the need for restoration found in verse 2 and the desire for forgiveness found in verse 4. Perhaps some reader has wandered from his God. Read this Psalm. Picture David pleading for restoration at the bedside of a dying son whose brief life was soon to be ended. Then call to God for forgiveness and restoration.