Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 69

David's Complaint and Prayer in TroubleIn these verses, David honestly tells God about his deep troubles, mixing his complaints with prayers for help. He describes how heavy his problems feel and how he is affected by both enemies and friends. David’s words also point forward to Jesus, who suffered unfairly and was rejected. Through his example, we learn to bring our pain to God and trust Him, even when we are overwhelmed.v. 1–2: David says, Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul (Psalm 69:1 ). He feels like he is drowning in trouble and sadness, with no firm ground to stand on. His pain is not just outside, but deep in his heart and mind. He feels overwhelmed and helpless, like someone sinking in deep water. This also reminds us of Jesus’ deep agony in His soul (John 12:27 ).

v. 3: David continues, I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God . He has prayed so much that he is physically exhausted and his throat is dry from crying out. He is still waiting for God to answer, but does not give up hope. Even though his eyes are tired from looking for help, his faith remains.

v. 4: David complains about the many enemies who hate him for no reason: They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head . They are strong and powerful, and they force him to pay back what he never took. This shows both David’s suffering and how Jesus was hated and wrongly accused (John 15:25 ).

v. 5: David admits his sins before God: O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee . Even if the attacks of his enemies are unfair, he still confesses his own faults honestly to God.

v. 6: He prays for others, asking God not to let His faithful people be discouraged because of David’s troubles: Let not those that wait on thee, O Lord God of hosts, be ashamed for my sake . He wants all who trust in God to keep their hope and courage.

v. 7: David says he suffers shame for God’s sake: Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; shame hath covered my face . He is insulted because of his faithfulness to God.

v. 8: He feels rejected even by his own family: I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother’s children . This was also true for Jesus, whose own brothers did not believe in Him (John 7:5 ).

v. 9: David explains that his strong love for God’s house brings him trouble: The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me . He feels pain when people insult God, and he takes it personally. The New Testament says these words are fulfilled in Jesus (John 2:17; Romans 15:3 ).

v. 10–11: David says that even when he humbles himself before God by fasting and wearing sackcloth, people mock him: When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach (Psalm 69:10 ). Instead of respecting his devotion, they laugh at him and make him a joke.

v. 12: He is insulted by all kinds of people, from leaders to drunkards: They that sit in the gate speak against me; and I was the song of the drunkards . Even those who should show respect join in mocking him. But David chooses to bring all this pain to God and keep trusting Him.

Complaints and PetitionsDavid has just described how his enemies insult him and mock his prayers and fasting. Even though people make fun of him for seeking God, David refuses to stop praying. He knows that when we are in trouble, it is the best time to turn to God. David’s example teaches us to keep doing what is right, even if others laugh at us. He brings his pain and needs to God, trusting that God will listen and help.v. 13: David says, But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O Lord

v. 14: David prays, Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters . He asks God to save him from his troubles and from his enemies, so he will not be overwhelmed or destroyed.

v. 15: He continues, Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me . David is afraid of being completely defeated or falling into despair. He asks God to keep him safe from total ruin.

v. 16: David pleads, Hear me, O Lord

v. 17: He says, And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily . David begs God not to turn away from him, but to help quickly because he is suffering.

v. 18: David asks, Draw nigh unto my soul, and redeem it: deliver me because of mine enemies . He wants God to come close, rescue him, and save him from those who want to harm him.

v. 19: He reminds God, Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee . David knows that God sees all the insults and shame he suffers. He trusts that God understands his pain and the cruelty of his enemies.

v. 20: David says, Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none . He feels crushed by shame and sadness. No one comforts him or cares for him. This was also true for Jesus, who was left alone in His suffering.

v. 21: He describes the cruelty of his enemies: They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink . This was fulfilled in Jesus when He was on the cross (John 19:28-29 ). David’s words show how deeply he suffered, and how God’s promises were fulfilled in Christ.

Pleading with God; Prophetic ImprecationsIn these verses, David’s words are not just personal prayers but also prophecies about the judgment that would come on those who rejected the Messiah, especially the Jewish nation that refused to believe in Jesus. The apostle Paul explains that these verses are fulfilled in the rejection and punishment of unbelieving Israel (Romans 11:9–10 ). These judgments show God’s justice and remind us that rejecting Christ leads to serious consequences, but they also prove the truth of God’s Word and His promises.v. 22: David says, Let their table become a snare before them . The things that should bring them peace and blessing—like their sacrifices and even daily food—will instead become traps. Because they rejected Christ, what should have been for their good turns into harm (Hebrews 13:10; Jude 12 ).

v. 23: He continues, Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake . God allows them to become spiritually blind and full of fear. They refused to see the truth about Jesus, so now they cannot see at all (2 Corinthians 4:4; Isaiah 6:10 ).

v. 24: David prays, Pour out thine indignation upon them . Those who reject God’s salvation will face His anger. The Bible says, the wrath of God abideth on them (John 3:36 ).

v. 25: He says, Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents . Their land and homes will be left empty. This happened when Jerusalem was destroyed. This verse is also used about Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus (Acts 1:20 ).

v. 26: David explains why this judgment comes: For they persecute him whom thou hast smitten; and they talk to the grief of those whom thou hast wounded . They attacked Jesus, who suffered by God’s plan, and they hurt His followers too. This is a serious sin in God’s eyes (Isaiah 53:3-4; Acts 2:23 ).

v. 27: He adds, Add iniquity unto their iniquity: and let them not come into thy righteousness . Because they chose to keep sinning, God lets their sins increase. They refuse to accept God’s way of making people right, so they shut themselves out from God’s mercy (Romans 10:3 ).

v. 28: He prays, Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous . This means they lose their place among God’s people and are not counted with those who are saved (Psalm 1:5 ).

v. 29: David says, But I am poor and sorrowful: let thy salvation, O God, set me up on high . Even in sorrow, David trusts God’s salvation will lift him up. This also points to Jesus, who suffered but was raised and honored by God (Isaiah 61:10 ).

Comfort for the Persecuted; Thanksgiving and PraiseIn this section, David ends the psalm with joy and praise, even though it began with complaints and sorrow. He sets an example for Christians to trust God during hardships and give thanks for His blessings. David’s words also point to Christ, showing how His suffering led to victory and joy for all who follow Him.v. 30–31: David says, I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving (Psalm 69:30 ). He resolves to praise God with music and gratitude, knowing that God values heartfelt worship more than sacrifices like an ox or bullock (Psalm 69:31 ). This teaches us that God desires spiritual offerings, such as our words of praise and thanks, more than material gifts (Hebrews 13:15 ).

v. 32–33: David encourages others to trust and rejoice in God: The humble shall see this and be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God (Psalm 69:32 ). The humble, those who depend on God, will find comfort in seeing how God helps His people. God hears the cries of the poor and does not despise those who are suffering. This gives hope to all who seek Him and reminds them that God never abandons His people.

v. 34: He calls on all creation to praise God: Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein . The heavens, the earth, and even the creatures in the sea are part of God’s creation, so they too should honor Him. This reminds us that all of creation reflects God’s glory and is called to worship Him.

v. 35–36: David celebrates God’s promise to save His people: For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah (Psalm 69:35 ). Zion, the symbol of God’s people, will be restored and inhabited. Those who love God’s name will dwell there and enjoy His blessings. David says, The seed of his servants shall inherit it: and they that love his name shall dwell therein (Psalm 69:36 ). This points to the growth and permanence of God’s kingdom. The faithful will pass on their spiritual inheritance to future generations, and God will always preserve a people for Himself.