August 7, 2024

Ever feel like you're drowning?

Psalm 69

Payton Christopher
Wednesday's Devo

August 7, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

August 7, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

August 7, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

August 7, 2024

Big Book Idea

Thinking and feeling God's way.

Key Verse | Psalm 69:1

Save me, O God!
For the waters have come up to my neck.

Psalm 69

Save Me, O God

To the choirmaster: according to Lilies. Of David.

1  Save me, O God!
    For the waters have come up to my neck. 1 69:1 Or waters threaten my life
2  I sink in deep mire,
    where there is no foothold;
I have come into deep waters,
    and the flood sweeps over me.
3  I am weary with my crying out;
    my throat is parched.
My eyes grow dim
    with waiting for my God.

4  More in number than the hairs of my head
    are those who hate me without cause;
mighty are those who would destroy me,
    those who attack me with lies.
What I did not steal
    must I now restore?
5  O God, you know my folly;
    the wrongs I have done are not hidden from you.

6  Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me,
    O Lord God of hosts;
let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me,
    O God of Israel.
7  For it is for your sake that I have borne reproach,
    that dishonor has covered my face.
8  I have become a stranger to my brothers,
    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 and humbled 2 69:10 Hebrew lacks and humbled my soul with fasting,
    it became my reproach.
11  When I made sackcloth my clothing,
    I became a byword to them.
12  I am the talk of those who sit in the gate,
    and the drunkards make songs about me.

13  But as for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD.
    At an acceptable time, O God,
    in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness.
14  Deliver me
    from sinking in the mire;
let me be delivered from my enemies
    and from the deep waters.
15  Let not the flood sweep over me,
    or the deep swallow me up,
    or the pit close its mouth over me.

16  Answer me, O LORD, for your steadfast love is good;
    according to your abundant mercy, turn to me.
17  Hide not your face from your servant,
    for I am in distress; make haste to answer me.
18  Draw near to my soul, redeem me;
    ransom me because of my enemies!

19  You know my reproach,
    and my shame and my dishonor;
    my foes are all known to you.
20  Reproaches have broken my heart,
    so that I am in despair.
I looked for pity, but there was none,
    and for comforters, but I found none.
21  They gave me poison for food,
    and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink.

22  Let their own table before them become a snare;
    and when they are at peace, let it become a trap. 3 69:22 Hebrew; a slight revocalization yields (compare Septuagint, Syriac, Jerome) a snare, and retribution and a trap
23  Let their eyes be darkened, so that they cannot see,
    and make their loins tremble continually.
24  Pour out your indignation upon them,
    and let your burning anger overtake them.
25  May their camp be a desolation;
    let no one dwell in their tents.
26  For they persecute him whom you have struck down,
    and they recount the pain of those you have wounded.
27  Add to them punishment upon punishment;
    may they have no acquittal from you. 4 69:27 Hebrew may they not come into your righteousness
28  Let them be blotted out of the book of the living;
    let them not be enrolled among the righteous.

29  But I am afflicted and in pain;
    let your salvation, O God, set me on high!

30  I will praise the name of God with a song;
    I will magnify him with thanksgiving.
31  This will please the LORD more than an ox
    or a bull with horns and hoofs.
32  When the humble see it they will be glad;
    you who seek God, let your hearts revive.
33  For the LORD hears the needy
    and does not despise his own people who are prisoners.

34  Let heaven and earth praise him,
    the seas and everything that moves in them.
35  For God will save Zion
    and build up the cities of Judah,
and people shall dwell there and possess it;
36      the offspring of his servants shall inherit it,
    and those who love his name shall dwell in it.

Footnotes

[1] 69:1 Or waters threaten my life
[2] 69:10 Hebrew lacks and humbled
[3] 69:22 Hebrew; a slight revocalization yields (compare Septuagint, Syriac, Jerome) a snare, and retribution and a trap
[4] 69:27 Hebrew may they not come into your righteousness
Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms

Introduction to The Psalms

Timeline

Author and Date

Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.

Key Themes

The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:

  1. Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
  2. Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
  3. Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
  4. Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
  5. Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.

Types of Psalms

The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:

Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.

Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.

Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.

Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).

Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).

Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).

Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).

Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).

Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).

Structure

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
The Global Message of The Psalms

The Global Message of The Psalms

The Psalms are a resounding call for all God’s people and for all the world to sing! We are called to sing songs of confession and trust in God; to sing songs of thanksgiving and praise. The Psalms summon the global church to take up the cause of calling the world to join in such global and eternal songs of trust in, delight in, and worship of God for his magnificence—especially his magnificence displayed in his saving mercy.

Songs of Honest Lament

There is a surprising degree of honesty found in the prayers and songs of the Psalms. We find honest lament to God, with frequent repetition of questions such as “Why?” and “How long?” The psalmist asks in Psalm 42:9, “Why have you forgotten me?” Another psalm wonders, “Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (10:1; see also 88:14). “How long, O LORD?” is a frequent cry to God in the Psalms (see 6:3; 13:1; 79:5; 89:46).

Such prayers flow from desperately challenging situations, in which life feels overwhelming. Yet they also reflect the confident expectations of our honest cries to our compassionate and faithful God. The Lord invites his people worldwide to be boldly transparent before him—no masks, no pretense—even when the heart is breaking. He promises never to abandon those who belong to him.

Songs of Repentance and Trust

Songs of repentance are scattered throughout the Psalms. In such songs there are confessions of corporate sin—“Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness” (Ps. 106:6)—and individual songs of penitence (Psalms 6; 25; 32; 38; 51; 130; 143). These are not hopeless laments, but cries to a God who is a gracious deliverer (6:4), who deals with us according to his great love and mercy (51:1), and whose forgiveness flows from his goodness and not ours (130:3–4).

There is abundant reason to trust such a God for every good thing and in every situation (Psalm 23). To such a God we turn in times of great trouble, when we are at an utter loss in this fallen world. When enemies surround us and there is no one to help, God is our hope for deliverance (Psalm 22). Whether the desperate individual (Psalm 13) or the destitute community (Psalm 12) is in view, God is faithful to his promises. His steadfast love endures. He is worthy of our songs!

Songs of Thanksgiving and Praise

The Psalms are a divinely orchestrated hymnbook of thanksgiving and praise for God’s people. The covenant people of God return thanks to God for his wonderful deeds of deliverance, justice, and defense (Psalm 9), and for his favor and mercies (30:5, 7, 8, 10). All of this moves his people to burst into songs of joy and glad dancing (30:11–12).

In the Psalms, the people of God rejoice in all that God is and all that he has done. These songs of praise exalt God for his unsearchable greatness, his glorious splendor, and his awesome deeds (Ps. 145:3–6). He is worshiped as the King over all creation (93:1),the eternal King (10:16), the King of glory (24:8, 10), the King of all the earth (47:7), and the great King above all gods (95:3).

The Global Message of the Psalms

For all God’s people. The global message of the Psalms is that in light of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness there is a song to be sung by all God’s people everywhere—whatever their circumstances, whatever their emotions, whatever their adversity. The song to be sung will be of varied themes: lament, confession, repentance, thanksgiving, or praise to God. All of these, however, are songs of worship, expressing the universal experiences of God’s people. This is worship of God by the individual and the community, local and global, young and old (Ps. 148:12), now and forever (89:52). For a lost world filled with rebellion and sorrow, there is no greater remedy than a song that brings those who sing it to take refuge in God himself: a song for the oppressed, the hungry, the prisoner, the sojourner, the widow, and the fatherless (146:7–9).

A new song. The message of the Psalms is a call to the whole world to “Sing a new song!” “Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!” (Ps. 96:1). This is not a song of empty promises, but a song full of hope, a song exulting in the salvation of a covenant keeping and merciful God; not a song that fades, but an enduring, eternal song; a song of a God who lifts us out of mud and mire (69:2, 14).

Celebrating salvation. The book of Psalms opens with a picture of the two ways of life—the blessed and fruitful life of the one who delights in God, and the fleeting life of the wicked who (apart from God) stand condemned (Psalm 1). The world is called to set aside folly and to join in the life and song of the Redeemer, celebrating the salvation that is rooted in the sacrifice of the Savior (Psalm 22). This new song has been sung down through the ages; it continues today throughout the world; and it will one day be sung in the very throne room of God (Rev. 14:3).

Summoning the Nations

To the ends of the earth. The global church has a message for the world: join in this song! It is a celebration that will generate further praise—globally, generationally, and eternally. The church is to “declare his glory among the nations!” (Ps. 96:3). From Israel to the Christian church today to the global kingdom that will one day be known to the very ends of the earth, the redeemed of the Lord will come from every nation, tribe, people, and language, giving God thanks and celebrating his grace (Rev. 7:9).

For all nations. There is a message for the nations: “Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” (Ps. 117:1). The Lord humbles the nations (9:5, 19, 20), but he extends to all an offer of mercy and grace. One day, the nations will become Christ’s inheritance (2:8). This song begins with us but it must not end with us. There is a glorious globalization of the worship of God that we are privileged to help advance. In Christ we have found fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (16:11). In turn we call the nations as well to be glad and sing for joy in him (67:4).

Fulfilled in Jesus. The love and mercy of God that forms the heart of the Psalms explodes onto history with the coming of Christ. It is in and through him that believers worldwide see God’s covenant faithfulness right before their eyes.

Spreading God’s glory. That glorious, global worship of God through Jesus Christ is not yet fully known or complete. Generating it is therefore our glad mission while on this earth. We will not rest till God’s glorious name is blessed forever and the whole earth is filled with his glory (Ps. 72:19).

Psalms Fact #3: How are the Psalms divided?

Fact: How are the Psalms divided?

How are the Psalms divided? The Psalms are divided into five books: 1–41; 42–72; 73–89; 90–106; 107–150. Each book ends with a “doxology,” a hymn of praise to God.

Psalms Fact #4: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.

Psalms Fact #6: What is a psalm of lament?

Fact: What is a psalm of lament?

What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.

Psalms Fact #7: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

Fact: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

How many of the Psalms were written by David? David is the author of about half of the Psalms. Other authors include Asaph, Solomon, Moses, and the sons of Korah.

Psalms Fact #9: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.

Psalms Fact #10: Are the Psalms poetry?

Fact: Are the Psalms poetry?

Are the Psalms poetry? The Psalms often reflect the feelings or emotions of the person who wrote the psalm. The book of Psalms includes poetry that covers all kinds of emotional feelings and experiences, from anguish and sorrow to great joy and thanksgiving.

Psalms Fact #12: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

Fact: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

How often does the NT quote from the Psalms? Of all the OT books, the Psalms and Isaiah are by far the two most widely quoted in the NT.

Psalms Fact #13: Selah

Fact: Selah

What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.

Psalms Fact #20: Snares

Fact: Snares

Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.

Psalms Fact #27: A helpful guide

Fact: A helpful guide

A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.

Psalms Fact #28: Memorizing the Psalms

Fact: Memorizing the Psalms

Memorizing the Psalms. The poetic style of the Psalms make them easy to memorize. Throughout the centuries, many believers have memorized all 150 Psalms.

Psalms Fact #40: How long?

Fact: How long?

How long? This question (79:5) occurs nearly twenty times in the Psalms, more than any other question. It is almost always associated with a psalm of lament, such as Psalm 79.

Psalms Fact #34: The deep

Fact: The deep

The deep. In Ps. 69:15, “the deep” is a striking picture of the problems of life that can seem so frightening and overpowering. But the Lord, who created the world out of “the deep” (Gen. 1:2), can rescue his people from all such problems.

Structure of Psalms

Structure of Psalms

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Ps. 69:4–5 hate me without cause. This is not a claim of total innocence; the psalm acknowledges that the singer is not perfect (the wrongs I have done are not hidden from you). Rather, it is a claim that the singer has not done harm to the particular people who attack him with lies. By quoting this psalm, John 15:25 presents Jesus as the perfect faithful Israelite, who may expect the unfaithful to hate him.

Study Notes

Ps. 69:6 The singer knows his sin could result in some of the faithful (those who hope in you) being scorned. He prays that this will not happen.

Study Notes

Ps. 69:9 zeal for your house has consumed me. In John 2:17, Jesus’ disciples remember this text after Jesus has driven the livestock merchants and money-changers out of the temple. Jesus embodies the ideal faithful member of God’s people, as the Davidic kings were supposed to do. the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me. In Rom. 15:3, Paul applies this text to Jesus; he saw Jesus as the ideal covenant member who was willing to suffer reproach for the sake of God’s truth.

Study Notes

Ps. 69:9–12 Reproach means to despise or insult. This idea was introduced in v. 7 and dominates this section.

Study Notes
Psalms Fact #34: The deep

Fact: The deep

The deep. In Ps. 69:15, “the deep” is a striking picture of the problems of life that can seem so frightening and overpowering. But the Lord, who created the world out of “the deep” (Gen. 1:2), can rescue his people from all such problems.

Study Notes

Ps. 69:13–18 my prayer is to you, answer me, hide not your face, draw near. The singer’s case is desperate, and he urgently needs God’s help. The prayer echoes Ex. 34:6, appealing to what God has revealed about himself: the abundance of your steadfast love and faithfulness (Ps. 69:13) and steadfast love and mercy (v. 16).

Study Notes

Ps. 69:21 for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink. John 19:28–29 uses these words in connection with one of Jesus’ last statements on the cross (see also Matt. 27:34, 48; Mark 15:23, 36; Luke 23:36). The sour wine would have been the cheap beverage that the soldiers used to satisfy their thirst. But Jesus felt forsaken by God (Mark 15:34), and his thirst must have been far more severe than anything this drink was meant for. When Jesus received it, he briefly prolonged his life (and his agony), and perhaps moistened his lips enough finally to cry out, “It is finished!” (John 19:30).

Study Notes

Ps. 69:22–23 In Rom. 11:9–10, Paul cites this curse to explain why his fellow Jews who reject the message of Christ have been hardened. He also explains why the curse is not final: it is a “partial hardening,” which will be relieved if and when they repent (Rom. 11:23–25).

Study Notes

Ps. 69:25 In Acts 1:20, this text is applied to Judas, who had taken part in destroying Jesus, who was the perfect embodiment of this psalm.

Study Notes

Ps. 69:29–33 The writer promises to magnify God with public thanksgiving when God saves him from his enemies (set me on high).

Study Notes

Psalm Ps. 69. This is an individual lament. A faithful Israelite is suffering for wrongs he has done (v. 5). Attackers take advantage of his suffering and make it worse (v. 26). In his role as representative for the people of God, David wrote this psalm to show the ideal response to such trials.

Ps. 69:34–36 All creation praises God. God is committed to populating Zion with the faithful offspring of his (faithful) servants. God intends for the whole world to be able to praise him. He intends for Zion to set an example of faithfulness for the rest of the world. Zion cannot do this when evil persons corrupt others.

S3:154 Psalm 69

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Dive Deeper | Psalm 69

Have you ever felt like the weight of life was crushing you, that you had hit rock bottom, that you were at the end of yourself, and you couldn't do anything to pull yourself up?

If you have, you know that the emotions you feel in this place are real, hard, and heavy. We live in a culture that can easily be dismissive of our emotions. While we shouldn't act impulsively based on how we feel, God made us to have emotions, and they function like check-engine lights. They let us know that something is happening, and we need something. God designed us with limits and made us to long for and need Him. All our emotions point back to our need to be in relationship with Him.

In this psalm, King David lays his emotions before God as he describes his despair as a dark mire and a flood crashing over him, causing him to feel as though he were drowning. David shows us that a relationship with God isn't just knowing God's commands, but it requires talking to God and telling Him what's going on in our lives and asking for His help. In Psalm 69:31, David writes, "This will please the LORD more than an ox or a bull with horns and hoofs." This is referring to David praising God, giving God his full heart in midst of his pain and affliction.

We don't have to be in the dark depths of a mire or at rock bottom for God to hear us. He cares about the big and small things in our lives. Like David, we have the incredible benefit of being able to cry out to God and tell Him how we feel, what we are experiencing, and what we need. We can know that He hears us, cares for us, and is moving in ways to help us that we cannot understand. Jesus, like David, showed us that abiding in Him is relational and not just following a set of instructions. A relationship with God is built on quality time with Him.

This month's memory verse

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

– Joshua 1:9

Discussion Questions

1. What does it look like to process your emotions and feelings with God? 

2. Do you feel like you can be fully open and honest with God about how you are feeling? If not, what is holding you back from laying out all your emotions before God?

3. Is reflecting on how you feel and asking God for help processing and discerning those emotions a regular part of a life following Christ?

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

MS

Michael Scaman

The psalm speaks of Jesus’ rejection, suffering and death: Psalm 69:9 For zeal for your house has consumed me, and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me. " quoted in John 2:17 Romans 15:3 Psalm 69:21 "They gave me poison for food, and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink." quoted in Matthew 27:34 John 19:28-30: The psalm also speaks of Judas’ betrayal and how it does or does not apply to other groups rejecting Christ: Psalm 69:4 John 15:25: "But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: 'They hated me without a cause.'" Psalm 69:22-23: Romans 11:9-10: "And David says, 'Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them; let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see, and bend their backs forever.'" Psalm 69:25 Acts 1:20: "For it is written in the Book of Psalms, 'May his camp become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it'; and 'Let another take his office.'" The Psalm is also , I think, showing the fulfillment of the ark, tabernacle, temple in Christ and the church: Just as the ark and the tabernacle is built and described near the end of Exodus the same is here pointing to fulfillment of those in Christ Jesus said tear down this temple and in three days I will raise it again Meaning the temple of his body. This is a passion Psalm of the cross as if God's ultimate tabernacle is torn down. In that sense the image of the tabernacle used at the end of Exodus continues, book 2 some people and traditions in both Jewish and Christian traditions corresponds to Exodus. Appropriate that " zeal for your house has consumed me," is found here. This is the ultimate atonement. Psalm 65:3 said when iniquities prevailed (we’re winning), you atoned for your people." And here a few chapters later a picture of that with the cross where "you atoned for your people." Problems humanly uncountable. Psalm 69:4 More in number than the hairs of my head . It seems like Jesus used "more than the hairs on my head " found also with iniquities more than the number of hairs on his head Psalm 40:12. In context that seems to me to be Jesus taking on the sins of the world in psalm 40:12. The phrase used with a twist where Jesus says the Father knows the number of the hairs on your head. Humanly uncountable. Not a problem for God. Rejection applies to Jesus, clearly, but also to believers. "Persecution is not a bug it's a feature" says Martyn Isles of Answers in Genesis. But those who love His name will inherit and dwell on God’s holy hill ends the Psalm. Rejected but compassionate to the poor and hurting.
GJ

greg jones

Good morning Peyton. This resonated. “We can know that He hears us, cares for us, and is moving in ways to help us that we cannot understand.” In the overall story of Israel’s relationship with their king(s) and with their God it could have been said. God is moving in ways to help ‘them’ that ‘they’ cannot understand, so that ‘they’ can (later) know that He hears ‘them’ and cares for ‘them’. Originally his people lived it out and recorded the story. A portion of it went like this. God’s people wanted a king… But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the Lord. And the Lord said to Samuel, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. 1 Samuel 8:6-7 So… “Now then, obey their voice; only you shall solemnly warn them and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them.” 1 Samuel 8:9 Samuel follows God’s instructions 1 Samuel 8:10-19. The gist of the warning was this. A king, at his best, doesn’t have a high regard for the sanctity of the common man per Samuel’s word from God to Israel. And Israel replied. But the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel. And they said, “No! But there shall be a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and <<<go out before us and fight our battles.”>>> 1 Samuel 8:19-20 David at his worst. In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. It happened, late one afternoon, when David arose from his couch and was walking on the roof of the king's house, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful. 2 Samuel 11:1-2 When David doesn’t go out before his people to fight their battles, we all know how that story ends. The point is the David we get in Samuel narrative is the king God described in 1 Samuel 8. In the narrative when he’s bad he’s horrible. When he’s not bad he still isn’t the same guy we hear in the psalms if we’re reading closely. Why is that? And the Lord said to Samuel, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. 1 Samuel 8:7 In the psalms there’s lots of poetry ascribed to David. With that, and the narrative of Samuel there is a picture of what it looks like for a man to come full circle. The big picture is for all people to come full circle starting with God’s own. Before that can happen an individual has to become self aware. This statement yesterday is a great example of what that looks and sounds like. “God's compassionate nature is altogether different than mine, as I'm often surprised and grieved by my apathy toward the sufferings of others and hyperfocus on myself.” This one is even better Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me,     O Lord God of hosts; let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me,     O God of Israel.   For it is for your sake that I have borne reproach,     that dishonor has covered my face. I have become a stranger to my brothers,     an alien to my mother's sons. The people in 1 Samuel 8, they are looking for their king to fulfill Psalm 2. But because of 1 Samuel 8 we have some insight concerning these people. As David achieves victories do hearts of the people turn towards making God their king or does it move farther away from that position? As a people it would require a self awareness as seen in David’s psalm to answer correctly. The wisdom of psalm tells me “We can know that He hears us, cares for us, and is moving in ways to help us that we cannot understand.” Great deeper dive this morning thank you for your great words.
ML

Michelle Laitano

How does David maintain hope in God's deliverance despite his difficult circumstances? David maintains hope in God's deliverance despite his difficult circumstances through several key ways that are reflected not only in Psalm 69 but throughout many of the Psalms he authored. These include: 1. Remembering God's Faithfulness: David frequently recalls the faithfulness of God in past situations. He remembers how God has been his deliverer and protector in times of trouble. This remembrance of God's past actions gives him confidence in God's ongoing support and salvation. "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old." (Psalm 77:11) 2. Prayer and Lamentation: David does not shy away from pouring out his heart to God in prayer, expressing his fears, doubts, and feelings of abandonment. Yet, even in his lamentation, there is an underlying trust that God hears and will respond to his cries. "Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice!" (Psalm 130:1) 3. Praising God: Even in the midst of his struggles, David consistently turns to praise. He worships God for who He is, independent of his current circumstances. This act of praise shifts his focus from his problems to the greatness and goodness of God. "But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more." (Psalm 71:14) 4. Trust in God's Righteousness and Justice: David is confident in God's justice and righteousness. He believes that God will ultimately vindicate him and judge the wicked. This trust in God's just nature reassures him during times of personal injustice. "The Lord executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed." (Psalm 103:6) 5. Seeking God's Presence: David seeks intimacy with God, knowing that in His presence there is fullness of joy and peace, regardless of external circumstances. His relationship with God is his ultimate source of strength and hope. "One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple." (Psalm 27:4) 6. Hope in God's Salvation: David's hope is not just for temporary relief but is anchored in the eternal salvation and deliverance that comes from God. He looks forward to the ultimate redemption that God promises. "And I shall walk in a wide place, for I have sought your precepts." (Psalm 119:45) Through these practices and attitudes, David maintains a resilient hope in God's deliverance, demonstrating a profound faith that transcends his immediate circumstances. This model of trust and hope in God offers timeless guidance for facing our own trials with faith.
MS

Michael Scaman

There is also something similar with this Psalm and the redemption part of Isaiah. Chapter 40 on: 34 Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and everything that moves in them. 35 For God will save Zion and build up the cities of Judah, In the start of Isaiah, the song of Moses. And psalm 50. Heaven and earth are called as if to a judicial proceeding. Then after Isaiah 40 a bunch of times turns to a redemption song with heaven and earth singing about how God redeemed Jacob. That is like it is here.
LD

Lindsey Driscoll

Peyton, thank you for reminding us that the only one who can save us from those emotions that weigh us down is God, the creator of emotions. It is so easy as a verbal processing person to forget that God is the first one I need to process my feelings with. Greg Jones - thank you for the reminder of Israel seeking a king their own way and the outcome of suffering they had because of seeking their own way. And yet Christ was perfect and suffered on our behalf. Thank you God for the son of suffering who saved us.
SB

Sue Bohlin

Payton, thanks so much! Reading David's anguish in his leadership position reminds me of when my husband was elevated to the presidency of Probe Ministries with no warning and no preparation, and it caused him great anguish as well. Then a wise, experienced Watermark leader told him, "Ray, leadership means two things: 1) conflict, and 2) the right to be misunderstood." On a completely other note, the title of today's devo made me smile: "Ever feel like you're drowning?" Because this is our last day in Cancun to celebrate our 50th, and yesterday my son and our friend walked me through the sand into the ocean waves where I got inundated. I had my people holding me and it was all good (and I didn't feel like I was drowning), but it was the first time in a very long time that I experienced waves crashing into and over me. I thank the Lord for the opportunity to be in His creation. surrounded by such intense beauty. It is healing.
JC

Jason Cromwell

I, like a lot of people, was raised to believe God was like Zeus. That God was ready to strike me with a lightning bolt at any second for the tiniest sin. It took me years into my Spiritual Walk until I actually started to approach God boldly and honestly. Nowadays I spill out every emotion, unfiltered, before God like I would a spouse or a friend.
AL

Amy Lowther

1. It looks peaceful and productive. 2. Because God loves us unconditionally no matter the good or bad we do, because God is consistent in how He speaks and in what He says, and because of the values God encourages, I can be fully open and honest with God. 3. Yes, so I don’t get overwhelmed. Payton - Thank you for sharing your ideas. You make a good point in saying, “We don't have to be in the dark depths of a mire or at rock bottom for God to hear us. He cares about the big and small things in our lives”. God is strong and all knowing. God is a compassionate, good listener.