What is the meaning of Psalm 6:4?

Turn, O LORD,

David feels the sting of divine discipline (Psalm 6:1–3) and pleads for God to turn back toward him.

• To “turn” is to restore the warmth of God’s face (Psalm 80:3, “Restore us, O God, and cause Your face to shine upon us, that we may be saved”).

• Scripture links God’s turning with mercy offered to those who return to Him (2 Chronicles 30:9).

• Sin causes a sense of distance (Isaiah 59:2), yet genuine repentance invites God’s gracious nearness.

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and deliver my soul;

The request moves from relationship to rescue.

• “Soul” points to David’s whole life—physical, emotional, spiritual. He is cornered, and only God can pull him out (Psalm 34:17, “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles”).

• Deliverance is God’s specialty (Psalm 18:2, “The LORD is my rock…my deliverer”).

• New-covenant believers cling to the same promise: “Salvation belongs to the LORD” (Psalm 3:8).

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save me because of Your loving devotion.

The basis for rescue is not David’s performance but God’s steadfast love.

• God’s loving devotion never runs dry (Lamentations 3:22–23).

• His covenant love is abundant toward all who fear Him (Psalm 103:8, “The LORD is compassionate and gracious…abounding in loving devotion”).

• In Christ that same love brings ultimate salvation (Ephesians 2:4-5; Titus 3:4-5).

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summary

Psalm 6:4 is a threefold plea: “Lord, turn Your face toward me, pull me out of danger, and do it because Your covenant love never fails.” It teaches that when believers repent and look to God, His presence returns, His power rescues, and His love guarantees the outcome.