Chapter 500 of 1163

PSALM 69

Psalm 69 begins with sinking (vv. 1–3, 14–15) but ends with singing (vv. 30–36). It goes from prayer to praise, from reproach (vv. 7, 9, 10, 19, 20) to rejoicing, because David poured out his heart to the Lord. No matter how painful your situation may be, tell God exactly how you feel.

This is a messianic psalm. Out of David’s sufferings, the Lord revealed His Son. (Compare v. 4 with John 15:25, v. 8 with John 7:3–5, v. 9 with John 2:17, v. 21 with Matt. 27:48, and v. 25 with Acts 1:20.) One purpose God has in allowing His people to suffer is that they might become more like Jesus Christ. That makes it worth it all!

This is also an imprecatory psalm (vv. 22–28; review the comments on Ps. 58). Paul quoted these words in Romans 11:9–10, applying them to unbelieving Israel. In attacking King David, the enemy were also rebelling against God and inviting their own judgment.

It is not easy to bear reproach because we want to be accepted and approved by others. But in the battle against sin, God’s soldiers are often falsely accused and lied about. When this happens to you, remember that it also happened to David and to Jesus. You are in good company! Meditate on Isaiah 54:17.

“I would rather play with forked lightning, or take in my hand living wires with their fiery current, than speak a reckless word against any servant of Christ, or idly repeat the slanderous darts which thousands of Christians are hurling on others, to the hurt of their own souls and bodies.”

A. B. Simpson

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