Psalm 69 was written 1000 years before Jesus was born by king David (Psalm 69:1)
about a time surrounded by problems and sufferings in his life. Many believe it to be a messianic psalm because several of these verses relate to the life of Christ.
David describes a desperate condition related to his current situation. The Holy Spirit then inspires him in some cases to write prophetic beyond his personal experiences.
Psalm 69 is the most quoted psalm in the New Testament (NT):
(For some Bible translations, one has to be added to the verses below in Psalm 69).
- "More in number than the hairs of my head are those who hate me without cause." (Psalm 69:4a, 35:19): In NT: John 15:25.
- "For zeal for your house has consumed me." (Psalm 69:9a):
In NT: John 2:17. - "The reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me."
(Psalm 69:9b): In NT: Rom 15:3. - "They gave me poison for food, and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink." (Psalm 69:21, Proverbs 31:6):
In NT: Mat 27:34, 48, Mark 15:36, Luke 23:36, John 19:28–29. - "Let their own table before them become a snare; and when they are at peace, let it become a trap. Let their eyes be darkened, so that they cannot see, and make their loins tremble continually." (Psalm 22–23).
In NT: Rom:11:9–10. - "May their camp be a desolation; let no one dwell in their tents."
(Psalm 69:25). In NT: Acts 1:20.
David lived under a desperate condition (Psalm 69:1–4). But despite these difficulties, he still cares about other people (Psalm 69:5–9). He doesn't want to be a bad example to other people who hope in God and seek the Lord (Psalm 69:6).
David confesses his sin (Psalm 69:5), something that we also need to do when we sin. It doesn't matter what David does, people somehow find reasons to be critical towards him (Psalm 69:9–12). There are always people who want to criticize us in a similar way regardless of what we do, see destructive criticism. Our answer to that is not to give back, see Love and not revenge in The Sermon on the Mount.
David cries out to God for help (Psalm 69:13–18). But he doesn't immediately receive the help from the Lord that he asks for (Psalm 69:3). He may feel distant from God at this time. Such a time can be an opportunity for spiritually growth.
God can allow such a time with the purpose of building us up as mature Christians (Rom 8:28). Opportunities for growth during spiritual isolation:
God can allow such a time with the purpose of building us up as mature Christians (Rom 8:28). Opportunities for growth during spiritual isolation:
- It's an opportunity to learn new ways of praying. David pours out his heart to God. God wants a close relationship with us.
- It's a perfect time to dive into God's Word. God speaks through the Bible.
- It's a chance to increase relationships with other people in the body of Christ, instead of disconnecting from them because of the feeling of isolation from God. To care about other people and what they are going through.
- It makes times of consolation so much more precious. We can then be able to comfort those who are in need, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God (1 Cor 1:3–4). It gives the opportunity to grow and mature as a Christian.
- It gives the opportunity to follow God, see Psalm 63: Living in the Wilderness.
God wants a relationship with us, but a relationship means that two people reach out to each other. Does God do all the work in that relationship?
I may have to press in to know God (James 4:8a).
David also doesn't get the help he needs from other people (Psalm 69:19–21).
He cries loudly out against those who stand against him as enemies
(Psalm 69:22–28). He wants God to punish them. This isn't how we should act towards people who offend and hurt us, see Love and not revenge
in The Sermon on the Mount.
He cries loudly out against those who stand against him as enemies
(Psalm 69:22–28). He wants God to punish them. This isn't how we should act towards people who offend and hurt us, see Love and not revenge
in The Sermon on the Mount.
David asks for God's protection and says that he will praise God's name with a song and magnify him with thanksgiving (Psalm 69:29–30). It will please the Lord more than animal sacrifices (Psalm 69:31). When the humble see it, they will rejoice
(Psalm 69:32–33), see 3) Blessed are the meek in The Sermon on the Mount.
(Psalm 69:32–33), see 3) Blessed are the meek in The Sermon on the Mount.
God will save Zion (Jerusalem) and build up the cities of Judah, and people will live there and possess it (Psalm 69:34–36), see
The Millennial Kingdom and the Great White Throne Judgement.
The Millennial Kingdom and the Great White Throne Judgement.
See also The Book of Psalms.
