Job 6
Psalm 6 is a lament in which David’s deep sorrow from suffering and illness, or from sin, along with his plea to God, and his trust in God’s help, are woven together. This chapter both expresses a personal, heartfelt anguish honestly and includes a confession of faith that places hope in God.
1verseThen Job answered,
2verse“Oh that my anguish were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances!
3verseFor now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas, therefore my words have been rash.
4verseFor the arrows of the Almighty are within me. My spirit drinks up their poison. The terrors of God set themselves in array against me.
5verseDoes the wild donkey bray when he has grass? Or does the ox low over his fodder?
6verseCan that which has no flavor be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?
7verseMy soul refuses to touch them. They are as loathsome food to me.
8verse“Oh that I might have my request, that God would grant the thing that I long for,
9verseeven that it would please God to crush me; that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off!
10verseLet it still be my consolation, yes, let me exult in pain that doesn’t spare, that I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
11verseWhat is my strength, that I should wait? What is my end, that I should be patient?
12verseIs my strength the strength of stones? Or is my flesh of bronze?
13verseIsn’t it that I have no help in me, that wisdom is driven away from me?
14verse“To him who is ready to faint, kindness should be shown from his friend; even to him who forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
15verseMy brothers have dealt deceitfully as a brook, as the channel of brooks that pass away;
16versewhich are black by reason of the ice, in which the snow hides itself.
17verseIn the dry season, they vanish. When it is hot, they are consumed out of their place.
18verseThe caravans that travel beside them turn away. They go up into the waste, and perish.
19verseThe caravans of Tema looked. The companies of Sheba waited for them.
20verseThey were distressed because they were confident. They came there, and were confounded.
21verseFor now you are nothing. You see a terror, and are afraid.
22verseDid I ever say, ‘Give to me’? or, ‘Offer a present for me from your substance’?
23verseor, ‘Deliver me from the adversary’s hand’? or, ‘Redeem me from the hand of the oppressors’?
24verse“Teach me, and I will hold my peace. Cause me to understand my error.
25verseHow forcible are words of uprightness! But your reproof, what does it reprove?
26verseDo you intend to reprove words, since the speeches of one who is desperate are as wind?
27verseYes, you would even cast lots for the fatherless, and make merchandise of your friend.
28verseNow therefore be pleased to look at me, for surely I will not lie to your face.
29versePlease return. Let there be no injustice. Yes, return again. My cause is righteous.
30verseIs there injustice on my tongue? Can’t my taste discern mischievous things?
Structure and Flow
| Division | Summary of the Content |
|---|---|
| Verses 1-3 | A request to avoid God’s discipline and wrath, and a confession of one’s own weakness |
| Verses 4-5 | Asking God for mercy and salvation |
| Verses 6-7 | An outpouring of one’s strained emotions, spending the night in tears amid suffering |
| Verses 8-10 | Turning from lament, a confession of faith that trusts that God has heard the prayer and hopes in Him |
Key Themes and Meaning
- Human weakness: The psalmist openly confesses his weakness, despair, sinful nature, and his need for healing.
- God’s compassion: The psalmist earnestly asks for God’s mercy and forgiveness.
- Hope of restoration: Even in suffering, he is certain that God has heard his prayer, and ultimately he sings of the hope of restoration.
Points for Reflection
- Even in moments of anguish and sadness, can I honestly bring my heart to God?
- Where does hope for restoration come from?
- How can I regain the belief that God has heard my prayers?
Applying It to Myself
- When I feel hardship or weakness, I will also, like the psalm writer, try to have the courage to honestly confess every situation to God and to rely on Him.
- I will trust that God is listening to my prayers, and I will trust the process as my requests are fulfilled.
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