Psalm 69:12

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 69:1-12

In these verses David complains of his troubles, intermixing with those complaints some requests for relief. I. His complaints are very sad, and he pours them out before the Lord, as one that hoped thus to ease himself of a burden that lay very heaven upon him. 1. He complains of the deep impressions that his troubles made upon his spirit (Ps. 69:1, 2): ?The waters of affliction, those bitter waters, have come unto my soul, not only threaten my life, but disquiet my mind; they fill my head... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 69:12

They that sit in the gate speak against me ,.... The princes, magistrates, and judges, who sat in the gates of cities, heard and tried causes, and executed judgment there; the elders of the city; see 4:1 ; the civil rulers among the Jews are meant; and also their ecclesiastical ones, the Scribes and Pharisees that sat in Moses's seat; though some think men of lower characters are designed, idle persons that saunter about, and sit in gateways, and corners of streets, and in marketplaces;... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 69:12

They that sit in the gate - At the gates were the courts for public justice; there were complaints lodged, and causes heard. No doubt many vexatious complaints were made against the poor captives; and false accusations, through which they grievously suffered; so that, literally, they were often "obliged to restore that which they had not taken away." See Psalm 69:4 . The song of the drunkards - These poor miserable people were exposed to all sorts of indignities. Though the conduct is... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 69:12

Verse 12 12.They who sit in the gate defame me Had David been molested only by vulgar buffoons and the refuse of the people, it would have been more easily endured; for it is not surprising that mean persons, who have no regard to what is becoming and honorable, degrade themselves by indulging in defamation without shame. But when the very judges, forgetful of what is demanded by the dignity of their office, abandon themselves to the same audacious conduct, the iniquity and baseness of it is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 69:1-13

The psalmist in three aspects. I. AS A MAN TO BE PITIED . The sufferings described are many and great. They threatened to be overwhelming. Without, there was no escape; within, there was no peace. Crying for help brought no rescue, and waiting upon God brought no deliverance. Hope deferred made the heart sick. Disappointment only called forth more bitter scorn from enemies, and made the ills that multiplied more and more hard to bear. Besides, there was the distressful feeling... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 69:1-18

Suffering and prayer. "The psalm is a prayer and complaint of one suffering severely from men for the sake of God." I. GREAT SUFFERING . ( Psalms 69:1-4 .) 1 . Exposing him to great danger. ( Psalms 69:1 , Psalms 69:2 .) He is in peril of his life. "The floods overwhelm him." 2 . Entailing great bodily exhaustion. ( Psalms 69:3 .) Weary of crying, parched throat, failing eyes. 3 . Arising from the unjust hatred of his enemies, who are numerous and strong. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 69:1-36

The psalm divides into five unequal portions, consisting respectively of four, eight, nine, eight, and seven verses. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 69:5-12

David follows up his complaint by a confession of sin ( Psalms 69:5 ), which shows that his sufferings are, at any rate, in some measure, deserved; but, at the same time, he pleads that, as his enemies are really persecuting him for his righteous deeds and his adherence to God, God is bound to come to his aid, in order that his own honour may be vindicated, and that the godly may not be put to shame on his (David's) account. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 69:12

They that sit in the gate speak against me; rather, talk about me (Revised Version)— make me their theme (Cheyne). The gates, where the chief business was done, were no doubt also places of gossip. And I was the song of the drunkards (comp. Job 30:9 ); literally, of the drinkers of strong drink. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 69:12

They that sit in the gate speak against me - The gates of cities were places of concourse; places where business was transacted; places where courts were frequently held. See the notes at Job 29:7. Compare Isaiah 14:31; Isaiah 28:6; Psalms 9:14. Calvin supposes that as the gates were the places where the judges sat to administer justice, the meaning here is that magistrates, or those who were high in rank and power, joined in the cry of reproach against him. The more probable interpretation,... read more

Group of Brands