Psalms 6:4
Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake.
Original Language Analysis
שׁוּבָ֣ה
Return
H7725
שׁוּבָ֣ה
Return
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
1 of 7
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
יְ֭הוָה
O LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
חַלְּצָ֣ה
deliver
H2502
חַלְּצָ֣ה
deliver
Strong's:
H2502
Word #:
3 of 7
to pull off; hence (intensively) to strip, (reflexive) to depart; by implication, to deliver, equip (for fight); present, strengthen
נַפְשִׁ֑י
my soul
H5315
נַפְשִׁ֑י
my soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
ה֝וֹשִׁיעֵ֗נִי
oh save
H3467
ה֝וֹשִׁיעֵ֗נִי
oh save
Strong's:
H3467
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
Cross References
Daniel 9:18O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.Psalms 17:13Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword:Psalms 80:14Return, we beseech thee, O God of hosts: look down from heaven, and behold, and visit this vine;Psalms 22:20Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog.Psalms 116:4Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.Psalms 121:7The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.Psalms 90:13Return, O LORD, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants.Malachi 3:7Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?
Historical Context
The sense of God's absence was a common lament theme in psalms, not indicating actual divine abandonment but the feeling thereof during trial. David's appeal to covenant mercy shows he understood salvation as based on God's faithful character. This anticipates the gospel, where God saves for His name's sake (Ezekiel 36:22).
Questions for Reflection
- When God seems absent, what truths about His character anchor your prayers?
- How does appealing to God's mercy rather than your merit change how you pray?
Analysis & Commentary
David pleads for God to 'return' - implying God seems absent or withdrawn. 'Deliver my soul' requests rescue from death or destruction. The appeal to God's 'mercies' (Hebrew 'chesed' - covenant love) grounds the request in God's character and promises, not David's merit. This demonstrates Reformed theology: we appeal to God's mercy, not our worthiness. The prayer for salvation is ultimately answered in Christ, whose name 'Yeshua' comes from the same Hebrew root as 'save' used here.