Psalm 69, Part 1: A Prayer for Deliverance

Hear me, O LORD; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies. And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily. Draw nigh unto my soul, and redeem it: deliver me because of mine enemies. —Psalm 69:16–18

Psalm 69 is yet another plea for deliverance.

David compares his difficulties here to drowning in deep water with no footing. He is bowed down with anguish and plagued by hostile enemies.

David admits he is a sinner, and his sins are known to God (v. 5), yet he can find no specific reason for his enemies to hate him. He has done nothing to cause such virulent hatred (v. 4). David pleads with God that his situation should not impede others or cause them shame (vv. 6–8). He has done his best to be a sincere follower of God. He donned sackcloth and ashes and fasted, feeling the depth of his separation from God and his need to repent of his sins.

These actions had been ridiculed by his enemies.

They had reproached his efforts to repent as merely a sham.

They had made up stories ridiculing him, making him the target of their jokes (vv. 9–12). Then David returns to the metaphor of sinking into the deep waters of depression.

He pleads for a speedy response (vv. 13–15).

He is reliant upon the goodness and mercy of the Lord for redemption (vv. 16–18). God alone knows the pain, shame, dishonor, and lack of pity David is experiencing (vv. 19–21). David therefore requests the sinners defaming him be treated as they deserve and that their names be blotted out of the book of life (vv. 22–28).

David wants justice to prevail and righteousness to triumph.

He wants his cause and that of all followers of God to be vindicated. Even though he is currently “poor and sorrowful,” he knows God has the power to reverse his situation (v. 29). When he is ultimately rescued, he promises to praise God in song and with thank offerings (vv. 30–33). The people will see his salvation and praise God too.

“The psalmist’s assurance of deliverance is based on the principle stated in this verse [v. 33]: God cares for the afflicted . . . , ‘the poor in spirit’ (see Matt. 5:3).” “I know my heavenly Father knows / The storms that would my way oppose; / But He can drive the clouds away, / And turn my darkness into day.”