Scottish Psalter 1564 Psalm 6

Psalm 6

Words: Thomas Sternhold, as in The Scottish Psalter 1564 (aka The Scottish Psalter of 1635)

''David having suffered great calamity, as well by by Doeg and Ahithophel, Saul's flatterers, as by other infinite enemies, calleth to God for succor, showing how requisite it is that God should punish the malicious envy of his adversaries. After being assured of prosperous success, he conceiveth comfort, concluding, that when God shall deliver him, others shall also be partakers of the same mercies.''


 * 1 Lord, in thy wrath reprove me not,
 * though I deserve thine ire;
 * Nor yet correct me in thy rage,
 * O Lord, I thee desire:
 * 2 For I am weak, therefore, O Lord,
 * of mercy me forbear;
 * And heal me, Lord, for why? thou know'st
 * my bones do quake for fear.


 * 3 My soul is troubled very sore,
 * and vexed exceedingly;
 * But, Lord, how long wilt thou delay
 * to cure my misery?
 * 4 Lord, turn thee to thy wonted grace,
 * some pity on me take;
 * O save me, not for my deserts,
 * but for thy mercies' sake.


 * 5 For why? no man among the dead
 * rememb'reth thee one whit;
 * Or who shall worship thee, O Lord
 * in the infernal pit?
 * 6 So grievous is my plaint and moan,
 * that I wax wond'rous faint;
 * All the night long I wash my bed
 * with tears of my complaint.


 * 7 My sight is dim, and waxeth old
 * with anguish of my heart,
 * For fear of those that be my foes,
 * and would my soul subvert.
 * 8 But now away from me, all ye
 * that work iniquity;
 * For why? the Lord hath heard the voice
 * of my complaint and cry.


 * 9 He heard not only the request
 * and prayer of my heart,
 * But it receivèd at mine hand,
 * and took it in good part.
 * 10 And now my foes that vex-ed me
 * the Lord will soon defame,
 * And suddenly confound them all
 * with great rebuke and shame.