Explanation: In Psalm 6 David repents of his sins and gains assurance of God's forgiveness. This Psalm is one of seven penitential Psalms. The occasion is unknown, but it has similarities to the events connected with David's sin with Bathsheba and with the events associated with the rebellion of Absalom. The painting above depicts Jerome contemplating death (the skull) as part of his penitence, as was the case with David, who, in the fifth verse, mentions his anxiety about death and the grave.

          [ THEMATICALLY AND CHRONOLOGICALLY RELATED SCRIPTURES: The Seven Penitential Psalms: Psalm 6. Psalm 32. Psalm 38. Psalm 51. Psalm 102. Psalm 130. Psalm 143. ]

          [ CHRONOLOGY: General. Patriarchs (Traditional). Judges # 1. Judges # 2. Kings # 1. Kings # 2. Prophets # 1. Prophets # 2. NT # 1. NT # 2. NT # 3. ]

          [ MAPS: Maps # 1. Maps # 2. Maps # 3. Maps # 4. Maps # 5. ]

          [ COMMENTARIES, ETC: GENERAL: Bible Study Tools; Bible Hub: Study Light; Blue Letter Bible // PSALMS: Monergism: Precept Austin: The Treasury of David; John Gill; John Calvin - Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

          [ MUSIC: GENERAL: The Cyber Hymnal // PSALMS: Genevan Psalter (Instrumental). Genevan Psalter (Music and Lyrics). Psalm 6 - #1. Psalm 6 - #2. ]

     David asks the LORD not to rebuke him in his anger or to chasten him in his hot displeasure. He pleads for mercy in his weakness and asks for deliverance for his soul for the sake of the LORD's mercies. Apparently he felt that his life was in danger, as shown by his reminder to the LORD that in death there was no remembrance of the LORD, and in the grave none give him thanks. He was weary with his groaning. He spent his nights in tears that wore out his eyes (1-7). Having said these things, David gained assurance that the LORD had heard his weeping, his supplication, and his prayer. He therefore commanded all the workers of iniquity to depart from him. And he pronounced a curse on his enemies, asking that they would suddenly be ashamed and vexed (8-10).