My eyes fail from grief;This phrase reflects the deep emotional and physical toll that sorrow can have on a person. In biblical times, expressions of grief were often intense and public, involving weeping and lamentation. The psalmist's mention of failing eyes suggests a profound level of distress, possibly indicating both physical exhaustion and spiritual despondency. This imagery is consistent with other biblical passages where eyes are described as failing due to overwhelming sorrow or divine judgment (e.g.,
Lamentations 2:11). The eyes, often seen as the windows to the soul, reflect the inner turmoil and anguish experienced by the psalmist.
they grow dim because of all my foes.
The dimming of the eyes due to adversaries highlights the external pressures and threats faced by the psalmist. In the historical context of ancient Israel, enemies could be both foreign nations and internal adversaries. The psalmist's foes may represent literal enemies or symbolize spiritual and moral challenges. This phrase underscores the persistent and pervasive nature of opposition, which can lead to a sense of hopelessness and vulnerability. The theme of enemies is prevalent throughout the Psalms, often serving as a backdrop for the psalmist's plea for divine intervention and justice (e.g.,Psalm 3:1,Psalm 18:3). This struggle against foes can also be seen as a type of Christ, who faced opposition and betrayal yet remained steadfast in His mission.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of
Psalm 6, David is expressing deep personal anguish and distress, likely during a time of intense persecution or personal trial.
2.
Enemies/FoesThe adversaries causing David's grief. These could be literal enemies or symbolic of spiritual or emotional struggles.
3.
GodThe ultimate source of comfort and deliverance whom David is addressing in his lament.
Teaching Points
The Reality of GriefGrief is a natural and profound human experience. David's expression of his eyes failing from grief acknowledges the deep emotional and physical toll that sorrow can take on a person.
The Impact of AdversariesThe presence of foes, whether physical or spiritual, can exacerbate our grief. Recognizing the source of our distress can help us address it more effectively.
Turning to God in DistressDavid's lament is directed towards God, showing that in our deepest sorrow, we should turn to God for comfort and strength.
The Hope of DeliveranceWhile the psalm expresses deep sorrow, it is also a prayer for deliverance, reminding us that God is our refuge and strength in times of trouble.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 6
Psalm 6 - Is there any historical or archaeological evidence confirming the circumstances or authorship of this lament, or does it solely rely on faith tradition?
Do you trust in chariots or the Lord?
Does Psalm 117 conflict with other biblical passages that imply exclusivity or a chosen people, such as Deuteronomy 7:6, and if so, how?
How do we reconcile Psalm 54:7's claim that God delivered the psalmist from all trouble with the ongoing struggles David faced elsewhere in Scripture?(7)
Consumed--
i.e., sunken;literally,
fallen away.The LXX. use the same word employed to render
vexedin
Psalm 6:2. Grief has brought the signs of premature age (
Job 17:7;
Psalm 31:9, and Note there). (See Homer's
Odyssey,xix. 360, "Quickly do mortals grow old from trouble.")
Verse 7. -
Mine eye is consumed because of grief; or,
mine eye is wasted away because of provocation. The eye falls in, becomes dull, and, as it were, "wastes away" through long-continued grief (comp.
Psalm 31:9). The kind of grief expressed by the word
ka'as (
כַעַס) is "that which arises from provocation or spiteful treatment" (Kay).
It waxeth old because of all mine enemies. It becomes dull and heavy and sunken, like the eye of an old man. How often has it not been noted that nothing so much ages a man as grief!
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
My eyesעֵינִ֑י(‘ê·nî)Noun - common singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5869:An eye, a fountainfailעָֽשְׁשָׁ֣ה(‘ā·šə·šāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 6244:To shrink, failfrom grief;מִכַּ֣עַס(mik·ka·‘as)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3708:Vexation, angerthey grow dimעָֽ֝תְקָ֗ה(‘ā·ṯə·qāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 6275:To remove, to grow old, to transcribebecause of allבְּכָל־(bə·ḵāl)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everymy foes.צוֹרְרָֽי׃(ṣō·wr·rāy)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6887:To bind, tie up, be restricted, narrow, scant, or cramped
Links
Psalm 6:7 NIVPsalm 6:7 NLTPsalm 6:7 ESVPsalm 6:7 NASBPsalm 6:7 KJV
Psalm 6:7 BibleApps.comPsalm 6:7 Biblia ParalelaPsalm 6:7 Chinese BiblePsalm 6:7 French BiblePsalm 6:7 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Psalm 6:7 My eye wastes away because of grief (Psalm Ps Psa.) 
