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Psalm 6 (KJV)

Note: In English translations, v1 and v2 are combined; in the Hebrew Bible, v1 stands alone.

<To the chief Musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David.> 1 O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. 2 Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed. 3 My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long? 4 Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake. 5 For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks? 6 I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. 7 Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies. 8 Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping. 9 The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer. 10 Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.

To the chief Musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David.

Notes:

lamnatze'ach - "To the director." The manatze'ach was the Levite who directed the orchestra of the Temple (Artscroll Tehillim: 82). Music always accompanied the sacrifices and the manatze'ach was the chief conductor of the services. Note that this word comes from the Hebrew netzach, meaning "strength, victory" or even "eternity."  The manatze'ach was then conducting music that had eternal significance. Music also was used as a means of securing victory. In battles, music was a part of Israeli tactics. The praise of the LORD was the most effective weapon of warfare - both on an earthly plane and also in the realm of the spirit. This phrase, lamatze'ach can further be translated as "to Him who causes victory," i.e., God.

binnigot - "with instrumental music."  Neginot were some kind of stringed instruments (sing. is neginah, from the verb nagan - to play a [stringed] instrument).

al-ha-sheminit - "upon Sheminith." Probably an eight-stringed harp.

Adonai al-b'apekha tokhiheini v'al-bachamatekha teyasereini

Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.

Notes:

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