Psalms 69:1-17

a Cry out of Deep Waters

Psalms 69:1

This psalm and the Psalms 22:1 are quoted most often in the New Testament as referring to our Lord. Psalms 69:1 is very sad. Throughout we detect a heart-break. There are many grounds on which the sufferer bases his plea for salvation. First, his imminent danger from inrushing waters and the deep mire like that in which Jeremiah sank. There are also failing strength, the dried throat, and the drooping eyes. Mighty foes, too, who hate wrongfully, are plotting his ruin. The consciousness of sin and the dread that others may be made ashamed through his failure, are also bitter ingredients in his cup. And in addition he bore the reproach of those who hated God. What a combination of misery! In some, though not in all, of these sources of grief, our Savior had a share, and therefore He can be a sympathizing High Priest.

But out of his misery the psalmist builds his altar of prayer. His plea is in God's loving-kindness and tender mercies. Here is the master-argument with God. He can do no other than redeem the soul that clings to Him with such unfaltering faith. It reminds us of the olden resolve, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him,” Job 13:15, and also recalls the persistence of the Syrophenician woman, Mark 7:26. Such souls need not fear that they can be cast away.