Psalms 69

To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, A Psalm of David.

The psalmist is overwhelmed in affliction. Reproach and scorn have broken his spirit. His enemies are numerous and strong, and he has become the song of the drunkard. The peculiar shade of his sorrow was not so much that of a king for the loss of his throne, or of a citizen for the loss of his freedom and country, as that of a godly man for the loss of that respect and honour due to integrity and virtue. Nay, his reproach and persecution are because of his firm and faultless adherence to the right, and he makes no plea for himself above what would be due to the poor in spirit and humble in any sphere. Yet he links his cause with that of the public good, and of the righteous in all times. The disposition of his case will settle a principle and precedent which will determine the destiny of Zion and the Church. It is evident enough that it is the king who is speaking, as the title states, yet he speaks only from the heart of the humble and godly man. In short, his is the case of one suffering wrongfully for righteousness’ sake, and his appeal to God is grounded wholly on the assumption that it is God’s cause, to be adjudged by him alone according to what was due to his own name as identified with his suffering ones. The psalm suits David’s condition while at Mahanaim, during Absalom’s rebellion. See the notes in further proof of this view. The Messianic allusions are rich and manifold, ranking next to Psalms 22:0. According to the nature of all typical prophecy, the sufferings of Christ are seen through the medium of the prophet’s afflictions.

The argument of the psalm runs thus: Psalms 69:1-4 are a complaint, setting forth the psalmist’s sufferings and the power and injustice of his enemies. Psalms 69:5-11, a plea notwithstanding his former sin and ill-desert that for his zeal and piety alone has this present aggravated persecution been set on foot. Psalms 69:12 shows the depth of the contempt and scorn visited upon him. Psalms 69:13-18 are a prayer for deliverance, urged from the greatness of his sufferings, and from God’s mercy and truth. Psalms 69:19-21 are a further statement of his misery and the cruel conduct of his enemies. Psalms 69:29-33 are an expression of trust and joyful triumph in behalf of himself and all such as thus suffer for righteousness’ sake. Psalms 69:34-36 contain a call for universal praise for God’s interference to save and build up his Church.

TITLE:

Upon Shoshannim See note on Psalms 60:0, title.

Of David There is no occasion for rejecting the authorship thus assigned. The strain is David’s, and the facts are not inconsistent with his history. See the notes.