Psalms 69

Pss 69–72 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.Ps 69 In this individual lament, the poet expresses his vulnerability, humiliation, and overwhelming pain, asking God to vindicate him for the sake of the righteous.69:title to the tune “Lilies”: 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.69:1-2 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).

69:4 John applied this lament to Jesus (John 15:25).

69:5-6 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.

69:7-12 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).

69:9 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).

69:10-12 When the psalmist denies himself normal comforts to seek God in prayer, the wicked ridicule him.

69:13-18 The psalmist’s only recourse is to pray for rescue and relief from his enemies.

69:19-21 Alone and misunderstood, the psalmist confesses that he cannot bear his doubts. His heart has been broken by his problems.

69:21 sour wine for my thirst: This description applies to Jesus’ suffering (Matt 27:34, 48; Luke 23:36; John 19:28-29).

69:22-23 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).

69:25 Peter quoted this verse after the death of Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:20).

69:28 Erase their names from the Book of Life: Cp. 1:5-6; 9:5; Rev 3:5; 20:15; 21:22-27.

69:29-33 The psalmist prays that his pain will turn to praise.

69:31 Making a vow often included a sacrifice (20:3; 51:19; cp. 50:13-14; 51:16).

69:32-33 despise: See 22:24; cp. Matt 25:36; Heb 13:3.

69:34-36 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).

69:36 God’s people will inherit the land because the wicked will perish (see 37:8-9).