Psalm 69:1-36
Q.1. What were David’s circumstances while writing this Psalm? How does it align with the sufferings of Christ? What does not apply? – (Ps.69:1-12)
We are not told what prompted David to write this song, although his extreme suffering is evident throughout the Psalm. It was possibly written when David’s own son, Absalom rebelled against him (c.f. 2 Samuel chapters 15-19). However, in the process of documenting his grief, David pointed to the sufferings of Christ. Parts of this Psalm are quoted on nine occasions in the New Testament. He alluded to Christ’s agony on the cross when he wrote – 2 I have sunk in deep mire, and there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and a flood overflows me. 3 I am weary with my crying; my throat is parched; My eyes fail while I wait for my God. 4 Those who hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head; Those who would destroy me are powerful, being wrongfully my enemies … (Ps.69:2-4 c.f. Jn.15:25). He described the substitutionary nature of Christ’s sufferings and His rejection … even by His closest friends – 7 Because for Your sake I have borne reproach; Dishonour has covered my face. 8 I have become estranged from my brothers and an alien to my mother’s sons. 9 For zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on me. 10 When I wept in my soul with fasting, it became my reproach (Ps.69:7-11 c.f. Mt.27:39-44; Jn.2:17; Rom.15:3). Obviously, David’s reference to his own sins did not apply to the sinless Saviour (c.f. Ps.69:5).
Q.2. What was David’s request? Why did he expect God to answer? Does it apply to the Saviour? Would his adversaries be damned? – (Ps.69:13-28)
David prayed for deliverance from his trials (Ps.69:13-15). He expected an answer to his petitions from God, not so much because he deserved it, but because of God’s gracious character – 16 Answer me, O Lord, for Your lovingkindness is good; According to the greatness of Your compassion, turn to me, 17 and do not hide Your face from Your servant, for I am in distress; answer me quickly. 18 Oh draw near to my soul and redeem it; Ransom me because of my enemies! (Ps.69:16-18). David spoke of his feelings of alienation and prophesied concerning Jesus’ receiving vinegar and gall (Ps.69:21 c.f. Mt.27:34 & 48). David vented his desire for vengeance against his enemies because they had unjustly attacked him while God was chastising him. He even prayed that they would be blotted out of the Book of Life (Ps.69:22-28). Vengeance against our enemies is not our prerogative (c.f. Rom.12:14-21). However, according to the Gospel, all are under condemnation and will perish forever unless we receive the Saviour (c.f. Jn.3:16-18).
Q.3. Had David lost all hope? What was the substance of his praise? How did he want his sufferings to inspire others? – (Ps.69:29-36)
Despite his afflictions David was determined to bring glory to God and wrote – I will praise the name of God with a song and magnify Him with thanksgiving (Ps.69:30). He believed it encouraged others to see such faith in action amid the trials – 32 The humble have seen it and are glad; You who seek God, let your heart revive. 33 For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise His who are prisoners (Ps.69:32-33). This Psalm was on the heart of Jesus in His passion, and it expressed His confidence in God throughout His sufferings. David even foresaw the blessings of Christ during His Millennial Reign, predicting that – 35 God will save Zion and build the cities of Judah, that they may dwell there and possess it. 36 The descendants of His servants will inherit it, and those who love His name will dwell in it (Ps.69:35-36).