This verse is difficult to interpret. We do not know why David was subjected to God’s anger. It is possible that David’s illness was intended as a lesson for David. He may have forgotten the seriousness of sin, and therefore God confronted him with the wages of sin, that is, death (Romans 6:23). However, God’s wrath is not the psalm’s central theme, as David knew that he could rely on his Father’s compassion.
5 For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.