Pray for Mercy in Judgment

I. THE SUBTITLE OF THE PSALM
To the chief Musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David.

1. "A Psalm of David" shows that the author is David who is writing "To the chief Musician" of course providing him with another song or Psalm to be sung.
2. It is intended to be sung on Neginoth—stringed instruments
3. Upon Sheminith—meaning "the eighth" which could indicate a lower octave as contrasted with Alamoth (1 Chronicles 15:20). Or it could refer to a specific stringed instrument with eight strings.

This is David's first of seven Psalms of repentance.

II. A PLEA FOR MERCY IN JUDGMENT (Psalm 6:1-2)

A. The Requests Given (Psalm 6:1-2)

1. The request of God for safe motives—plea for mercy (Psalm 6:1)
   Psalm 7:11
   Hebrews 12 offers the most comprehensive discussion concerning chastening.
   Hebrews 12:3-12
2. The requests of God for a reprieve (Psalm 6:2)

B. The Concerns Explained (Psalm 6:2)

1. I am weak.
2. My bones are vexed (Psalm 38:3; Psalm 51:8).
   • This morning I believe God gave me our theme for 2021: "Think on These Things"
   Philippians 4:8
   • David starts the Psalm in despair and ends in triumph; what changed?
   • Not David's enemies; not the problems he faced or the things of life
   • Prayer changed David's relation to the things.