Tyndale Open Study NotesPsalms 69

The psalmist sees himself as almost drowning but still surviving chaotic forces and his sense of separation from God (see Psalm 42:7; 69:14, 15; Isaiah 8:8).

In this personal lament, the poet shares his vulnerability, humiliation, and deep pain. He asks God to defend him for the sake of the righteous.

These last four psalms of Book Two contrast with the earlier psalms that describe God’s mighty acts in creation and redemption, ending with God’s march to Zion (Psalms 65–68). Psalms 69–71 describe the king's suffering, and Psalm 72 responds with a prayer for God to bless the king.

Psalm 45 also mentions this tune, but Psalm 45 praises the glory of kingship. In contrast, Psalm 69 is the cry of a tired king who feels abandoned by the Lord.

John applied this lament to Jesus (John 15:25).

The psalmist confesses his sins and prays that God’s response to him will encourage others in similar conditions to place their hope in the Lord.

Mistreated and abandoned by family, friends, and community, the psalmist seeks comfort, relief (Psalm 69:13–18), and justice (69:22–28) from the Lord.

The psalmist is devoted to God and what is holy, yet people repay him with insults. Later, this verse was applied to the anger of Jesus at the temple’s money changers (John 2:17) and his undeserved suffering (Romans 15:3).

When the psalmist denies himself normal comforts to seek God in prayer, the wicked ridicule him.

The psalmist can only pray for rescue and relief from his enemies.

The psalmist feels alone and misunderstood. He cannot bear his doubts, and his troubles overwhelm him.

vinegar to quench my thirst: This description applies to the suffering of Jesus (Matthew 27:34, 48; Luke 23:36; John 19:28–29).

The psalmist asks God to give his suffering (Psalm 69:3) to his enemies. Paul applied these words to the unbelieving Jews of his day (Romans 11:9–10).

Peter quoted this verse after the death of Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:20).

May they be blotted out of the Book of Life: Compare Psalm 1:5–6; 9:5; Revelation 3:5; 20:15; 21:22–27.

The psalmist prays that his pain will turn to praise.

Making a vow often included a sacrifice (Psalms 20:3; 51:19; compare 50:13–14; 51:16).

despise: See Psalm 22:24; compare Matthew 25:36; Hebrews 13:3.

The psalmist prays for Zion, offering a new petition from a new circumstance. He applies the prayer (Psalm 69:1–33) to the desperate condition of Judah (see 51:18–19).

God’s people will inherit the land because the wicked will perish (see Psalm 37:8–9).