Depart from Me, All Ye Workers of Iniquity (Psalm 6:8)

2023-05-22

Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping. (Psalm 6:8)

As with many psalms of David, many of them prefigure Christ. Jesus mentioned this verse when He told the people that not everyone who claims to be His disciple truly is: “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:23).

He speaks of the great physical and emotional anguish He experienced in the first seven verses. He even makes a plea about going down to the grave: “For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?” (Psalms 6:5). We know very well that our Lord descended into the grave and into the deep pit, but He was heard, and rose again. “The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer. Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly” (Psalms 6:9-10). When He returns, “all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him” (Revelation 1:7). All will be ashamed, including those who thought they served Him.