<> O LORD, {a} rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.

(a) Though I deserve destruction, yet let your mercy pity my frailty.

King James Translators' Notes

chief...: or, overseer

Sheminith: or, the eighth

Scofield Reference Notes

Margin Neginoth

Stringed instruments.

Margin Sheminth

The word means "the eighth" -- in music an octave.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

PSALM 6

Ps 6:1-10. On Neginoth (See on [571]Ps 4:1, title) upon Sheminith-the eighth-an instrument for the eighth key; or, more probably, the bass, as it is contrasted with Alamoth (the treble, Ps 46:1) in 1Ch 15:20, 21. In deep affliction the Psalmist appeals to God's mercy for relief from chastisement, which otherwise must destroy him, and thus disable him for God's service. Sure of a gracious answer, he triumphantly rebukes his foes.

1. He owns his ill desert in begging a relief from chastisement.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

6:1-7 These verses speak the language of a heart truly humbled, of a broken and contrite spirit under great afflictions, sent to awaken conscience and mortify corruption. Sickness brought sin to his remembrance, and he looked upon it as a token of God's displeasure against him. The affliction of his body will be tolerable, if he has comfort in his soul. Christ's sorest complaint, in his sufferings, was of the trouble of his soul, and the want of his Father's smiles. Every page of Scripture proclaims the fact, that salvation is only of the Lord. Man is a sinner, his case can only be reached by mercy; and never is mercy more illustrious than in restoring backsliders. With good reason we may pray, that if it be the will of God, and he has any further work for us or our friends to do in this world, he will yet spare us or them to serve him. To depart and be with Christ is happiest for the saints; but for them to abide in the flesh is more profitable for the church.