Psalms 6

This Psalm contains a deprecation of eternal vengeance, Psalm 6:1 ; a petition to God for mercy, Psalm 6:2 . This is enforced from a consideration of the psalmist's sufferings, Psalm 6:3 ; from that of the Divine mercy, Psalm 6:4 ; from that of the praise and glory which God would fail to receive if man were destroyed, Psalm 6:5 ; from that of his humiliation and contrition, Psalm 6:6 , Psalm 6:7 . Being successful in his supplication, he exults in God, Psalm 6:8 , Psalm 6:9 ; and predicts the downfall of all his enemies, Psalm 6:10 .

This Psalm has the following inscription: To the chief Musician on Neginoth, upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David; which the Chaldee translates, "To be sung on neginoth, a harp of eight strings." The various interpretations given to this inscription, both by ancients and moderns, show us that nothing is known concerning it. We have already seen that neginoth probably signifies all instruments which emitted sounds by strokes, or stringed instruments in general. This Psalm was to be accompanied with such instruments; but one of a particular kind is specified, viz., sheminith; so called from its having eight strings. The chief musician is directed to accompany the recital of this Psalm with the above instrument.