Psalm 69 Study Notes
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69:17-18 For God to hide his face implies rejection (see notes at 10:1-2; 13:1-2).
69:19-20 The mention of comforters here is similar to Job’s situation where his friends were unsympathetic (Jb 16:2).
69:21 Gall (essentially poison) and vinegar were by no means suitable for quenching thirst. These terms are used figuratively here, but in Jesus’s suffering they were literal (Mt 27:34,48; Jn 19:28-29).
69:22 The table set before them may refer to sacrificial meals rather than ordinary feasts. If that is the case, eating in the Lord’s presence would be a “crime” (v. 27) and an affront to him and a practice worthy of his wrath (vv. 23-25).
69:23-25 These requests are imprecations, calling down God’s judgment on one’s enemies (see note at 109:1-31). The request that their tents be made empty is a request that the enemies be annihilated.
69:26 The wicked were not willing to let the Lord’s discipline of the psalmist stand as correct and complete, but had added further insult and injury to it.
69:27 Crime implies liability for punishment (see note at 32:5). The psalmist’s enemies were deserving of God’s punishment.
69:28 The book of life should be distinguished from the book of remembrance with the prayers of those who suffer (see note at 56:8-9) and the book with a list of everyone’s deeds (see note at 40:6-8). It is probably the book where the names of the righteous are listed (Ex 32:32; Dn 12:1; Rv 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12,15; 21:27).
69:29-30 This was most likely a vow made during petition that was fulfilled by a thank offering (see notes at 22:25-26; 50:14-15).
69:31 God is more pleased with loving obedience than with sacrifice (see notes at 40:6-8; 50:7-13). The horns indicate a bull in its prime, and the cloven hooves (Hb prs) designate a ceremonially acceptable animal.
69:32-33 On humble and needy, see notes at 34:6; 35:9-10.
69:34-35 Creation is personified as a witness of God’s workings with his people (see notes at 19:1; 50:4). Here it voices its praise of God’s saving work among them.