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Psalms 69

36 verses

TL;DR

A desperate cry for deliverance amid persecution, followed by a promise of divine justice and a future of praise.

Summary

The psalm opens with the writer in distress, describing a deep, inescapable mire that represents suffering and humiliation. He recounts the false hostility of enemies, the humiliation before friends, and the mockery of the city gates. Despite this, he continues to cry out to God, asking for mercy, redemption, and protection from both physical and spiritual danger. He then turns to the righteousness of God, urging the enemies to face divine judgment while he looks forward to salvation. The psalm concludes with a declaration that praise and thanksgiving will glorify God more than sacrificial animals, and that the humble and those who seek God will rejoice, as God will preserve Zion and bless His faithful servants.

Outline
  1. Lament of suffering and persecution with a plea for deliverance
  2. Detailed account of mockery, false accusations, and personal shame
  3. Appeal for divine justice, redemption, and future praise
Themes
Suffering and persecutionDivine justice and judgmentHope and praise in adversity
Keywords
pleasufferingpersecutionmockeryjusticedeliverancepraisethanksgivingwrathindignation
People
GodIsrael
Places
ZionJudah
Things
watersdeep miresackclothfastingproverbsongthanksgivingindignationwrath
Key Verses
  • Psalms 69:1: Opening plea that sets the tone of urgent distress
  • Psalms 69:21: Illustrates the mockery and cruelty faced by the psalmist
  • Psalms 69:28: Affirms divine judgment against the wicked
  • Psalms 69:31: Contrasts human offerings with genuine praise
Questions
  • How does the psalmist describe the nature of his suffering?
  • What does Psalm 69 suggest about the relationship between suffering and divine judgment?
  • In what ways does the psalm anticipate the ultimate vindication of the righteous?
  • Why does the psalmist compare praise to a sacrificial animal, and what does that reveal about worship?
Sentiment

mixed
The psalm expresses deep anguish and fear, but also hope for deliverance and future praise.