‏ Psalms 6

* The psalmist deprecates God's wrath, and begs for the return

of his favour. (1-7) He assures himself of an answer of peace.

(8-10)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. 8-10 What a sudden change is here! Having made his request

known to God, the psalmist is confident that his sorrow will be

turned into joy. By the workings of God's grace upon his heart,

he knew his prayer was accepted, and did not doubt but it would,

in due time, be answered. His prayers will be accepted, coming

up out of the hands of Christ the Mediator. The word signifies

prayer made to God, the righteous Judge, as the God of his

righteousness, who would plead his cause, and right his wrongs.

A believer, through the blood and righteousness of Christ, can

go to God as a righteous God, and plead with him for pardon and

cleansing, who is just and faithful to grant both. He prays for

the conversion of his enemies, or foretells their ruin