Psalm 69

1. As our thoughts on Psalm 68 pointed out, most of the longer psalms are psalms of praise. Psalm 69 is one of the exceptions. This 36-verse psalm is a desperate prayer, wherein David realizes he may soon be assassinated. Even under these extremely trying circumstances, David still ends the psalm with praise. As we’ve said before in these posts, “what an example!”

2. Verses 1-2 set the scene with an utter cry of hopelessness. David feels as though waters (verses 1 and 2) and deep mire (verse 2) have come over him. He is overwhelmed and unable to climb out of this danger.

3. In verse 3, David admits to having cried from these circumstances to the point that he is weary. Isn’t it fascinating how many “real men” in the Bible cried (and cried a lot)?

4. David knows that he is a wanted man, but in verse 4 he tells us that he can’t even count how many people are “after” him (“those who hate me…are more than the hairs on my head”). This sounds much like the words of Elijah, when he felt as if he were the only one serving God. While we know there are those around us who are serving Him, we sometimes still feel alone in our work and service.

5. I find it significant that David admits that he has done wrong (verses 5 and 7). We all know that we are not perfect, but sometimes, when overwhelmed, we act as though everyone else is wrong and we are always right. We need to admit our failures, too, and ask for God’s help in all situations.

6. In verse 6 David prays that he will not be a stumbling block for those who look up to him as an example. People sometimes do not totally understand when “pillars of faith” have difficulty. This is a significant realization for David.

7. Verse 9 is quoted in the New Testament when Jesus cleansed the temple.

8. Verses 10-12 show us that David was trying to mourn and follow all the ceremonial parts of repentance, but, when he did, others made fun of him and derided him. It is important for us to note, though, that he was still doing those things. He didn’t let those detractors stop him from doing what he knew to be right.

9. In contrast to those whose focus is the suffering David, David says his focus is on staying in communication with God. He knows God hears and loves. (verse 13)

10. David goes back to the picture of being overwhelmed in verses 14 and 15, but now he is turning to God. He may be in deep, but he prays that God will deliver from these circumstances. David obviously knows that God is able to lead him out.

11. David, as he has often done in the psalms, prays for God to answer. This time, though, he adds, “Answer me quickly.” Why? “I am in distress” (verse 17). When I am in difficulty, God wants to know what is on my heart. From time-to-time that may include a request for Him to act soon. We still need to trust that God will answer properly and in His time, but He still wants to hear our requests, no matter what they may be.

12. Verse 19 is another statement of trust in God, this time that God knows everything. He knows our circumstances and we need to trust His judgment in them.

13. Verses 20 and 21 again turn our attention to how dire a set of circumstances David is in. Among all the people he knows, he cannot find any willing to comfort. They offer him things to “comfort” that will only make things worse. (Gall in vinegar was literally given to Christ on the cross.)

14. The next section (verses 22-28) contains a long list of things that David would like God to do to these enemies. Obviously, David is asking God to repay literally for some of the things they have done to him, but the most important is the last: “May they be blotted out of the book of life and may they not be recorded with the righteous.” References to a final judgment are rare in the Old Testament, but David knew that a day of reckoning was coming.

15. Verse 29 serves as a transition back to David’s suffering, but, now, he also turns to how he will praise God once God has protected him.

16. In verse 31 David says that his personal praise (verse 30) would mean more than even some of the best animals he could offer. While there are things we must do in worship, our attitude is just as important as the actions. Both are necessary.

17. As in other places in the psalms, David teaches that God hears all, including those who are in positions of helplessness (verse 33).

18. The final section (34-36) are a concluding plea for everything in the world to praise God. Again, it is fascinating that, in these dire circumstances, David still wants God to be praised. When I am hurting, is that my first thought?