Psalmist represents his condition as so extremely distressing that it brought
JOHN CALVIN
We have already spoken elsewhere of the word Shoshannim. Its proper meaning is uncertain and obscure; but the most probable conjecture is, that it was the commencement of some song. If, however, any would prefer considering it as the name of some musical instrument, I have no objections. But the opinion held by some that this psalm was composed at the season of spring, when the lilies begin to blossom, is altogether unfounded and frivolous. 545 Before proceeding farther, we would have you to observe that David wrote this inspired ode not so much in his own name, as in the name of the whole Church, of whose Head he was an eminent type, as will be more dearly brought out in the sequel. This is highly worthy of our notice, that from this consideration we may be led to contemplate with the greater attention the representation which is here given of the common condition of all the people of God. Besides, it is highly probable that David did not here comprehend only one kind of persecution, but all the evils which he had suffered during the course of many years.
Psalm 69:1-5
1. Save me, O God! for the waters have entered in unto my soul. 2. I am sunk in deep mire, where there is no footing, [or standing place:] I am come into deep waters, and the flood 546 of the water overfloweth me. 3. I am weary of crying; my throat has become hoarse therewith: my eyes have failed with [or in] waiting for my God. 4. They who hate me without cause are more in number than the hairs of my head: my lying adversaries, who eagerly desire to destroy me, are increased; 547 that which I took not by spoil, then 548 I restored it. 5. O God! thou knowest my foolishness; and my faults are not hidden from thee.
1. Save me, O God! for the waters, etc. Under the figure of waters, the Psalmist represents his condition as so extremely distressing that it brought him even to the brink of despair; and yet we know that, so far from being a soft and an effeminate person, he was one who encountered and overcame dreadful temptations with extraordinary courage. Whence we may infer the They rest this opinion upon the meaning which they attach to the word,ששנים Shoshannim, in the title of the psalm, which they translate lilies "Ou, la force et le fil." — Fr. marg. "Or, the force and course."
"Ou, fortifiez." — Fr. marg. "Or, strengthened."
The Hebrew word,אזfor then, appears to be emphatic. ";אזin ipso articulo, (Schultens in Proverbs 7:22;) immediately, without any contention, or delay." Lowth, quoted in Merrick's Annotations.