Suffering For The Lord’s Sake
December 7, 2020
Commentary
Most scholars attribute the authorship of this Psalm to David. An important feature of this Psalm is its messianic character. With the exception of Psalm 22, no portion of the Old Testament is more frequently quoted by the New Testament writers. Picture the psalmist in distress as an overflowing flood (vv. 1,2). However, no one takes the picture literally. Rather the flood of troubles or enemies is clearly in view for the rest of the psalm. David’s enemies hated him without a cause (vv. 1-4).
The scene changes to a man with a dried out throat and failing eyes (v. 3). Perhaps the throat is dry from calling for help and the eyes weary with weeping. Having described himself and His condition, the writer turned to his numerous enemies (v. 4) and this complaint turns to prayer (v. 5). First comes the confession of innocence. This is followed by requests for exoneration of the good people (v. 6).
Nothing David nor his great descendent did would please his oppressors. If the world hates God and His son then the Christian in the world today can expect to be hated also.
David was zealous for God’s house (vv. 7-12). He was suffering for the Lord’s sake (v. 7). His own relatives hated him even though he had zeal for the Lord (vv. 8-9). Their insults to God was directed to him. When he was in grief he fasted and prayed. Are we concerned enough about our enemies who may cause us grief to pray and fast for them? I even need to pray for those who may hate me.
Application
Even though I want to do God’s will, I still make mistakes. But like David, I should pray that my foolish mistakes will not cause others to stumble.
Psalms 69:1– 12 (NET)
1 Deliver me, O God, for the water has reached my neck.
2 I sink into the deep mire where there is no solid ground; I am in deep water, and the current overpowers me.
3 I am exhausted from shouting for help. My throat is sore; my eyes grow tired from looking for my God.
4 Those who hate me without cause are more numerous than the hairs of my head. Those who want to destroy me, my enemies for no reason, outnumber me. They make me repay what I did not steal.
5 O God, you are aware of my foolish sins; my guilt is not hidden from you.
6 Let none who rely on you be disgraced because of me, O Sovereign Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Let none who seek you be ashamed because of me, O God of Israel.
7 For I suffer humiliation for your sake and am thoroughly disgraced.
8 My own brothers treat me like a stranger; they act as if I were a foreigner.
9 Certainly zeal for your house consumes me; I endure the insults of those who insult you.
10 I weep and refrain from eating food, which causes others to insult me.
11 I wear sackcloth and they ridicule me.
12 Those who sit at the city gate gossip about me; drunkards mock me in their songs.