David begins with the deepest issue: he needs the LORD’s correction not to consume him in anger.
Psalm 6:1–3
1 Yahweh, don’t rebuke me in your anger, neither discipline me in your wrath.
David brings bodily weakness and inward anguish before the LORD, asking for mercy and healing.
2 Have mercy on me, Yahweh, for I am faint. Yahweh, heal me, for my bones are troubled.
3 My soul is also in great anguish. But you, Yahweh—how long?
David asks the LORD to turn and save him because of covenant love and so that praise may continue.
Psalm 6:4–7
4 Return, Yahweh. Deliver my soul, and save me for your loving kindness’ sake.
5 For in death there is no memory of you. In Sheol, who shall give you thanks?
David’s groaning and weeping are not wasted; the LORD hears his cry for mercy.
6 I am weary with my groaning. Every night I flood my bed. I drench my couch with my tears.
7 My eye wastes away because of grief. It grows old because of all my adversaries.
Because the LORD hears, evildoers must depart and enemies will be turned back in shame.
Psalm 6:8–10
8 Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity, for Yahweh has heard the voice of my weeping.
9 Yahweh has heard my supplication. Yahweh accepts my prayer.
10 May all my enemies be ashamed and dismayed. They shall turn back, they shall be disgraced suddenly.