Psalms 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, and 143 have been designated as "penitential" psalms. That is, they are appropriate for prayer during a time of personal or national repentance. These psalms take the form of laments because their subject is one of weeping over sin and sin's consequences on the sinner(s).
The superscription, "A prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed…" sets the tone. Verses 8, 14, and 16 indicate it was written after the destruction of Jerusalem and the 70-year captivity was about to be fulfilled. |
