Another Question from the Psalm a Day Community
One of the pending questions from previous days relates to what exactly a superscript is. As it relates to the Psalms, they are brief informational notes that PRECEDE many of the psalms. Sometimes they deal with historical issues (i.e., Ps. 3); sometimes they are instructions for worship; sometimes they are “by-lines” or “tributes” to an historic figure like King David. Psalm 6, today’s psalm, has one geared towards worship liturgy. The superscript says, “For the director of music. With stringed instruments. According to sheminith. A psalm of David.”
There is much to say about superscripts. We will continue to discuss them in due time. In the attached picture, you will see how most (but not all) English translations deal with the superscripts. Generally, they PRECEDE the first verse; however, in Jewish translations like the JPS (Jewish Publication Society), the superscript is the first verse or part of the first verse. That is an interesting interpretation decision for later comment!
Psalm 6
Fun fact about Psalm 6: as part of their liturgical worship and prayer routine, this psalm is recited every weekday by Jews as the daily prayer of supplication.
We begin today’s comments in the most logical place to start: by reading Revelation 6:9-10.
You may be asking yourself what a passage from the last book of the New Testament has to do with Psalm 6? The answer is G-d’s “timing.” The scene in Revelation describes an apocalyptic conversation between G-d and “the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained.” (Revelation 6:9) These souls ask G-d, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” (Revelation 6:10) G-d’s answer? “Wait a little longer …” (v. 11)
Psalm 6, written at least 600 years earlier than the book of Revelation, asks the same question of God. In verse 3 the writer laments (yes, this is our 4th consecutive lament psalm), “My soul is in anguish. How long, O LORD, how long?
Each of us has asked, or is asking, that same question. How long must I suffer disease? How long must I suffer depression? How long must I watch my loved one abuse their body with drugs and/or alcohol? How long must I suffer (fill in the blank)?
If we are courageous enough to “shake our fist” at G-d and ask Him that question (like the psalmist does), then G-d WILL engage with you in an honest and true relationship. Does that mean you will receive the answer you want to hear? Probably not. The answer will likely be that of Revelation 6:10: wait a little longer; suffer a little longer.
Our relationship with G-d is a journey, not a destination. As our conversation with The Holy One deepens, and if we stick with it, we will come to the same place the psalmist does: “…the LORD has heard my weeping. The LORD has heard my cry of mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer.” (v. 8-9)
Shalom שָׁלוֹם,
DWach