Psalms 6:1 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

PSALM 6 Neginoth; of which See Poole on "Psalms 4:1". Upon Sheminith; or, upon the eighth. It is thought to be the shrillest or loftiest note, as alamoth is the lowest; of which see 1 Chronicles 15:20,21; and, as some add, Muth-labben, Psa 9 $, the mean. But all this is only conjecture; and the Jews themselves have no certain knowledge of their own ancient music, and of the signification of the terms belonging to it. A Psalm of David: the occasion of the Psalm seems plainly to have been some grievous distress or disease of the body then upon him, accompanied also with great trouble of conscience for his sins, whereby he had brought it upon himself. David, being very weak and feeble, presenteth his misery before God, Psalms 5:1-3; prayeth for his mercy and recovery, Psalms 5:4-7; and being assured of a gracious hearing, triumphs over all his enemies, Psalms 5:8-10. Rebuke me not, i.e. do not chasten or correct me, as the next clause explains it, and as this word is frequently used, as Job 22:4 Psalms 50:21 Isaiah 37:4 Revelation 3:19. In thine anger; with rigour or severity, as my sins deserve, but with gentleness and moderation, Jeremiah 10:24, Jeremiah 46:28, or so as it may not be the effect of thy strict justice or anger, but of thy mercy and faithfulness. Neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure; the same thing repeated, after the manner.