Psalm 6:10 - Do not Rebuke Me in Your Anger
All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed;
This phrase reflects a common theme in the Psalms where the psalmist expresses confidence that God will vindicate him against his adversaries. The concept of enemies being "ashamed and dismayed" suggests a reversal of fortune, where those who oppose the righteous will face humiliation and confusion. This is consistent with the biblical principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). The cultural context of ancient Israel often involved conflicts with surrounding nations, and the psalmist's enemies could be both personal and national. Theologically, this can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate defeat of evil, as prophesied in Revelation 20:10, where Satan and his forces are finally vanquished.
they will turn back in sudden disgrace.
The imagery of enemies turning back suggests a retreat or a change in their plans, indicating that their efforts against the psalmist have failed. The term "sudden disgrace" implies an unexpected and swift downfall, which is a common motif in biblical narratives where God intervenes on behalf of His people. This can be connected to the story of the Exodus, where Pharaoh's army was suddenly and decisively defeated at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:26-28). In a broader theological sense, this phrase can be seen as a type of Christ's ultimate victory over sin and death, where the forces of evil are put to shame through His resurrection (Colossians 2:15). The assurance of divine justice and protection is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, providing comfort and hope to believers facing opposition.
Persons / Places / Events
1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 6, David is expressing his deep distress and seeking God's intervention against his enemies.
2. Enemies
The adversaries of David, who are causing him distress and whom he believes will ultimately face shame and disgrace.
3. God
The divine being whom David calls upon for deliverance and justice against his enemies.
4. Israel
The nation over which David ruled, often facing external threats and internal strife.
5. The Psalmist's Lament
The broader context of Psalm 6, where David is lamenting his situation and pleading for God's mercy.
Teaching Points
Trust in Divine Justice
Believers are encouraged to trust that God will ultimately bring justice and vindication, even when facing adversaries.
The Power of Prayer
David's example shows the importance of turning to God in times of distress and seeking His intervention.
The Consequences of Opposing God's People
The fate of David's enemies serves as a warning about the consequences of opposing those who are aligned with God's purposes.
Patience in Suffering
While waiting for God's justice, believers are called to be patient and steadfast in their faith.
The Assurance of God's Protection
This verse reassures believers of God's protective hand over their lives, even when surrounded by enemies.
(10) Let all mine enemies.--Better rendered either by the present or future. The Psalmist with the eye of faith sees the answer to his prayer.
Return--i.e., retire discomfited and in failure.
"My enemies shall all be blank, and dasht
With much confusion: then grow red with shame;
They shall return in haste the way they came,
And in a moment shall be quite abashed."--
Milton's trans.
Verse 10. - Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed; rather, all mine enemies shall be ashamed and sore vexed (Rosenmuller, Kay, and others). Shame will fall upon David's enemies when their plots have failed, and deep vexation when they find him restored to health (ver. 4) and in the full enjoyment of the Divine favour. Lot them return; rather, they shall return; i.e. "retire... turn their backs," "take to flight." As Hengstenberg says, "David sees his enemies, who are gathered around him for the attack, all at once in alarm give way." And be ashamed suddenly. It is doubly shameful to have to fly when one has been the assailant.
Hebrew
All
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every
my enemies
אֹיְבָ֑י (’ō·yə·ḇāy)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 341: Hating, an adversary
will be ashamed
יֵבֹ֤שׁוּ ׀ (yê·ḇō·šū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 954: To pale, to be ashamed, to be disappointed, delayed
and dismayed;
וְיִבָּהֲל֣וּ (wə·yib·bā·hă·lū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 926: To tremble inwardly, be, alarmed, agitated, to hasten anxiously
they will turn back
יָ֝שֻׁ֗בוּ (yā·šu·ḇū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again
in sudden
רָֽגַע׃ (rā·ḡa‘)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7281: A wink, a very short space of time
disgrace.
יֵבֹ֥שׁוּ (yê·ḇō·šū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 954: To pale, to be ashamed, to be disappointed, delayed
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Psalm 6:10 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Psalm 6:10 May all my enemies be ashamed (Psalm Ps Psa.)