David's Cry in the Dark
For the director of music; with stringed instruments, according to the sheminith. A psalm of David.
David is ill and shaking with terror, worn out from soaking his bed with tears all night, and asks how long. He argues that the dead cannot praise. Then the prayer turns: his Father has heard his weeping, and he dismisses his enemies.
6 1My Father, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. 2Be gracious to me, my Father, for I am weak; heal me, my Father, for my bones are shaking in terror.
3My soul is shaking in terror. But you, my Father—how long? 4Turn back to me, my Father; rescue my life. Save me because of your covenant love.
5For in death there is no remembrance of you; in the grave, who will praise you?
6I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with tears; I soak it with my weeping.
7My eyes are worn out from grief; they fail because of all my foes. 8Get away from me, all you who do evil, for my Father has heard the sound of my weeping. 9My Father has heard my plea for mercy; my Father accepts my prayer. 10All my enemies will be ashamed and shaking in terror; they will turn back and suddenly be put to shame.
