Psalm 69
A Cry for Deliverance and Redemption
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Intro: In Psalm 69, the psalmist pours out his heart to God, crying for deliverance and redemption from overwhelming trials and enemies. As we study this psalm from a New Covenant perspective, we will see how it points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate Suffering Servant who experienced rejection and suffering on our behalf. We will explore the themes of seeking God's rescue, finding comfort in His presence, and trusting in His unfailing love.
Section 1: Seeking God's Rescue (vs 1-6)
"Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me. I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God. Those who hate me without reason outnumber the hairs of my head; many are my enemies without cause, those who seek to destroy me. I am forced to restore what I did not steal. You, God, know my folly; my guilt is not hidden from you."
Talking Points:
The psalmist's desperate cry for God's salvation, feeling overwhelmed by deep waters and countless enemies.
The recognition of being falsely accused and facing unjust treatment from adversaries.
The acknowledgement of human frailty and the need for God's intervention and rescue.
Harmony: Romans 5:8 (NIV), "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Questions:
How does the psalmist's cry for God's rescue challenge you to seek God's help and salvation in times of distress?
In what ways can we find comfort in the knowledge that God understands our struggles and weaknesses?
How does Jesus, as the one who experienced rejection and suffering for our sake, inspire us to trust in God's deliverance and unfailing love?
Section 2: Finding Comfort in God's Presence (vs 7-18)
"Because for your sake I have borne reproach, shame has covered my face. I have become a stranger to my brothers, an alien to my own mother's sons; for zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me. When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn; when I put on sackcloth, people make sport of me. Those who sit at the gate mock me, and I am the song of the drunkards. But I pray to you, LORD, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation. Rescue me from the mire, do not let me sink; deliver me from those who hate me, from the deep waters. Do not let the floodwaters engulf me or the depths swallow me up or the pit close its mouth over me. Answer me, LORD, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me. Do not hide your face from your servant; answer me quickly, for I am in trouble. Come near and rescue me; deliver me because of my foes."
Talking Points:
The psalmist's expression of feeling rejected and alienated because of his zeal for God's house.
The endurance of insults, mockery, and scorn, yet seeking God's favor and salvation in prayer.
The heartfelt plea for God's nearness and rescue in the face of relentless adversaries.
Harmony: Hebrews 4:15 (NIV), "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin."
Questions:
How does the psalmist's experience of rejection and scorn challenge you to endure hardships for the sake of your faith in God?
In what ways can we find comfort in knowing that Jesus empathizes with our weaknesses and understands our struggles?
How does Jesus, as the compassionate High Priest who intercedes for us, inspire us to draw near to God and seek His presence in times of trouble?
Section 3: Trusting in God's Unfailing Love (vs 19-36)
"You know how I am scorned, disgraced and shamed; all my enemies are before you. Scorn has broken my heart and has left me helpless; I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found none. They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst. May the table set before them become a snare; may it become retribution and a trap. May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see, and their backs be bent forever. Pour out your wrath on them; let your fierce anger overtake them. May their place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in their tents. For they persecute those you wound and talk about the pain of those you hurt. Charge them with crime upon crime; do not let them share in your salvation. May they be blotted out of the book of life and not be listed with the righteous. But as for me, afflicted and in pain—may your salvation, God, protect me. I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. This will please the LORD more than an ox, more than a bull with its horns and hooves. The poor will see and be glad—you who seek God, may your hearts live! The LORD hears the needy and does not despise his captive people. Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and all that move in them, for God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah. Then people will settle there and possess it; the children of his servants will inherit it, and those who love his name will dwell there."
Talking Points:
The psalmist's sorrowful recounting of scorn, disgrace, and rejection, seeking God's protection and salvation.
The plea for justice against the adversaries, tempered by a desire for God's mercy and protection.
The resolve to praise and glorify God, expressing trust in His salvation and confident hope for the future.
Harmony: Revelation 21:3-4 (NIV), "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.'"
Questions:
How does the psalmist's plea for justice and protection challenge you to find hope in God's unfailing love and sovereignty?
In what ways can we express trust in God's salvation and find solace in the assurance of His presence and future restoration?
How does Jesus, as the one who suffered for our sake and conquered death, inspire us to find hope and comfort in the promise of God's dwelling place among His people?
Summary
Psalm 69 presents a heartfelt plea for deliverance and vindication in the midst of suffering, finding its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus.
The psalmist's cry for God's help in the face of overwhelming troubles reflects the humanity of Jesus, who experienced deep anguish and sorrow during His earthly life (Matthew 26:37-38, Hebrews 4:15).
The psalmist's description of being falsely accused and hated by enemies prefigures the unjust treatment Jesus endured from religious leaders and others during His crucifixion (Matthew 27:20-23, Mark 15:10-11).
The psalmist's lamentation of being scorned by others reflects the mockery and derision Jesus faced on the cross (Matthew 27:39-44, Mark 15:29-32).
The psalmist's plea for God's mercy and salvation points to Jesus as the Lamb of God, who bore the sins of the world and offered salvation to all who believe in Him (John 1:29, Romans 5:8).
The psalmist's desire for God's deliverance and restoration aligns with the victory and resurrection of Jesus, who conquered death and is seated at the right hand of God (Acts 2:32-33, Hebrews 1:3).
Psalm 69 leads us to Jesus as the suffering Savior, the source of our redemption, and the One who intercedes on our behalf, inviting us to find comfort and hope in Him, knowing that He understands our pain and offers us salvation and eternal life.