Psalm 69

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Who - David is writing his song to the LORD to be sung by the choir.  

What - David is writing a lament to the LORD (this psalm has all seven of Longman's elements for a lament.)  David is asking for the LORD to intervene and take action against David's enemies, who have been very vocal and plotting against him.  David is very strong in his curse against his enemies.  The psalm does not give us any clues as to when or what events David is referring to, however, it must have been significant for David to ask for such a strong curse against his enemies.  

When - Unstated

Where - Unstated

Why - David is in despair and feels the weight of his situation.  He sees his plight as desperate and desperately needs the LORD to intervene.  David is asking the LORD to save him from these enemies as well as restore the joy of life to him.  David asks the LORD to enact severe punishment on his enemies for these attacks against him.  David does more than ask God to act.  He is asking the LORD to make their punishment public.  David is asking for vindication in the court of public opinion.  David's hope in the LORD gives him hope that the LORD will do this.  

Psalm 61

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Who - David writes a song to the LORD.

What - This song of petition asks for the LORD to lead David to a place of blessing.  David writes a song to be sung in public worship.  

When - Unknown

Where - Unknown

Why - David is requesting the LORD to be a refuge in times of distress.  He also asks God to lead David to the rock of safety and comfort.   David desires to know and experience the LORD’S protection and fellowship.  David is also asking for the LORD’S blessing over his kingship or possibly Solomon’s.  

Psalm 49

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Who - The sons of Korah sing a song to the people who will listen.

What - This is a choir song of wisdom.  The psalmist is trying to teach his hearers of the dangers of trusting in wealth, power and influence.  He is also warning them not to fear those who use their wealth, power and influence to take advantage of others.  The reason to not trust in or fear those with wealth, power and influence is those things cannot keep them from death and the hand of God's justice.  In the end they are like the beasts that perish.

When - Unknown

Where - Unknown

Why - The psalmist wants his hearers to resist the temptation to trust in wealth, power and influence and fear those who have it.  Instead he wants them to see the temporary life of those people and how God brings them all to the same place, the grave.  

Psalm 6

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Who - David speaking to the LORD and making his prayer into a song, with a specific tune.

What - David is calling out to the LORD while experiencing a deeply distressing time.  He is weeping every night.  It sounds like his trouble is a physical illness (vs 2) though these words may be metaphorical for his anguish.  He also may be experiencing this as a result of his own sin (vs 1).  

When - Unstated

Where - Unstated

Why - David’s condition is so severe he believes only the LORD can save him and deliver him from this problem.