For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Lilies.” Of David.
ⓘThe psalmist sees himself as almost drowning but...
The psalmist sees himself as almost drowning but still surviving chaotic forces and alienation from God (see 42:7; 69:14, 15; Isa 8:8).
ⓘIn this individual lament, the poet expresses his...
In this individual lament, the poet expresses his vulnerability, humiliation, and overwhelming pain, asking God to vindicate him for the sake of the righteous.
ⓘThese last four psalms of Book Two contrast...
These last four psalms of Book Two contrast with the psalms describing God’s mighty acts in creation and in redemption, capped by God’s march to Zion (Pss 65–68). Psalms 69–71 portray the king’s anguish, and Ps 72 responds with a prayer for God to bless the king.
1Save me, O God,for the waters are up to my neck.2I have sunk into the miry depths,where there is no footing;I have drifted into deep waters,where the flood engulfs me.3NTI am weary from my crying;my throat is parched.My eyes fail,looking for my God.4Those who hate me without causeoutnumber the hairs of my head;many are those who would destroy me—my enemies for no reason.†Though I did not steal,I must repay.ⓘThe psalmist confesses his sins and prays that...
The psalmist confesses his sins and prays that God’s response to him will encourage others in similar conditions to place their hope in the Lord.
5You know my folly, O God,and myguilt is not hidden from You.6May those who hope in You not be ashamed through me,O Lord GOD of Hosts;may those who seek You not be dishonored through me,O Godof Israel.ⓘMistreated and abandoned by family, friends, and community,...
Mistreated and abandoned by family, friends, and community, the psalmist turns to the Lord for comfort, relief (69:13–18), and redress (69:22–28).
7For I have endured scorn for Your sake,and shame has covered my face.8I have become a stranger to my brothersand a foreigner to my mother’s sons,9NTbecause zealfor Your house has consumed me,†and the insults of those who insult You have fallen on me.†ⓘWhen the psalmist denies himself normal comforts to...
When the psalmist denies himself normal comforts to seek God in prayer, the wicked ridicule him.
10I wept and fasted,but it brought me reproach.11I made sackcloth my clothing,and I was sport to them.12Those who sit at the gate mock me,and I am the song of drunkards.ⓘThe psalmist’s only recourse is to pray for...
The psalmist’s only recourse is to pray for rescue and relief from his enemies.
13But my prayer to You, O LORD,is for a time of favor.In Your abundant loving devotion, O God,answer me with Your suresalvation.14Rescue me from the mireand do not let me sink;deliver me from my foesand out of the deep waters.15Do not let the floods engulf meor the depths swallow me up;let not the Pit close its mouth over me.16Answer me, O LORD,for Your loving devotion is good;turn to me in keeping with Your great compassion.17Hide not Your face from Your servant,for I am in distress.Answer me quickly!18Draw near to my soul and redeem me;ransom me because of my foes.ⓘAlone and misunderstood, the psalmist confesses that he...
Alone and misunderstood, the psalmist confesses that he cannot bear his doubts. His heart has been broken by his problems.
19You know my reproach, my shame and disgrace.All my adversaries are before You.20Insults have broken my heart,and I am in despair.I looked for sympathy, but there was none,for comforters, but I found no one.21They poisoned my food with galland gave me vinegar to quench my thirst.ⓘThe psalmist wants God to transfer his suffering...
The psalmist wants God to transfer his suffering (69:3) to his enemies. Paul applied these words to the unbelieving Jews of his day (Rom 11:9–10).
22NTMay their table become a snare;may it be a retributionand a trap.†23NTMay their eyes be darkened so they cannot see,and their backs be bent forever.†24Pour out Your wrath upon them,and let Your burning anger overtake them.25NTMay their place be deserted;let there be no one to dwell in their tents.†26For they persecute the one You struckand recount the pain of those You wounded.27Add iniquity to their iniquity;let them not share in Your righteousness.28May they be blotted out of the Book of Lifeand not listed with the righteous.ⓘThe psalmist prays that his pain will turn...
The psalmist prays that his pain will turn to praise.
29But I am in pain and distress;let Your salvation protect me, O God.30I will praise God’s name in songand exalt Him with thanksgiving.31And this will please the LORDmore than an ox,more than a bull with horns and hooves.ⓘdespise: See 22:24; cp. Matt 25:36; Heb 13:3.
32The humble will see and rejoice.You who seek God, let your hearts be revived!33For the LORD listens to the needyand does not despise His captive people.ⓘThe psalmist prays for Zion, offering a new...
The psalmist prays for Zion, offering a new petition from a new circumstance. He applies the prayer (69:1–33) to the desperate condition of Judah (see 51:18–19).
34Let heaven and earth praise Him,the seas and everything that moves in them.35For Godwill saveZionand rebuild the cities of Judah,that they may dwell there and possess it.36The descendants of His servants will inherit it,and those who love His name will settle in it.
Commentary
Psalms 69:1
Psalm 45 also notes this tune, but Ps 45 celebrates the glory of kingship, whereas Ps 69 is the cry of a tired king who feels abandoned by the Lord.
Though the psalmist concerns himself with God and all that is holy, insults have been his earthly reward. This verse was later applied to Jesus’ anger at the Temple’s money changers (John 2:17) and to his undeserved suffering (Rom 15:3).