In Psalm 6:5 David pleads to God for deliverance because "No one remembers you when he is dead. Who praises you from the grave?" This makes you wonder just how did David and the Israelites understand death? Did they believe in heaven like we do today?
The People's Bible commentary is helpful here: "Some critical commentators have argued that this statement proves that the ancient Israelites had not yet developed the belief that believers enter the presence of God in heaven when they die. However, there are numerous statements in the psalms, such as Psalm 16:11, 17:15, and 73:23-26, that reflect the Old Testament believer's confident hope of eternal life."
The People's Bible goes on to say that in 6:5 David wasn't denying eternal life, just pleading for longer life on earth to carry out God's work.
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