In David's penitential prayer, which makes up the sixth psalm, the psalmist's attitude toward sin as...
In David's penitential prayer, which makes up the sixth psalm, the psalmist's attitude toward sin as death is very important. Sin is the cause of all human infirmities; it brings spiritual lifelessness and physical destruction. David confesses all this before God, asking Him for mercy. He weeps over what has happened and over his spiritual weakness, and asks not to be destroyed completely. Aware of his guilt and of the justice of the punishment, he nevertheless takes refuge in the mercy of the Almighty. In death there is no remembrance of God, and therefore in death there is no possibility for the sinner to change. The Lord does not seek the death of the sinner, but precisely his conversion and life. This is His great mercy, in which David places his hope. The king's faith that God will hear and accept his repentance, and that his tears will not be rejected, is founded on this same will of God for the sinner's conversion.
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6:2 Bones - My inmost parts.
6:5 In death - Among the dead. Remembrance - He speaks of the remembrance or celebration of God's grace in the land of the living, to the edification of God's church, and the propagation of true religion among men; which is not done in the other life.
6:6 With my tears - It well becomes the greatest spirits to be tender, and to relent under the tokens of God's displeasure. David who could face Goliath himself, melts into tears at the remembrance of sin, and under the apprehension of Divine wrath, and it is no diminution to his character.
6:8 Hath heard - By the workings of God's grace upon his heart, he knew his prayer was accepted. His tears had a voice, in the ears of the God of mercy. Silent tears are no speechless ones. Our tears are cries to God.
6:10 Ashamed - Of their vain confidence. Return - Repent of their sins and return to their obedience.