Psalms 69:13

KJV

¶ But as for me, my prayer [is] unto thee, O LORD, [in] an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation.

KJV (with Strong's)

But as for me, my prayer {H8605} is unto thee, O LORD {H3068}, in an acceptable {H7522} time {H6256}: O God {H430}, in the multitude {H7230} of thy mercy {H2617} hear {H6030}{H8798)} me, in the truth {H571} of thy salvation {H3468}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As for me, ADONAI, let my prayer to you come at an acceptable time; In your great grace, God, answer me with the truth of your salvation.

Berean Standard Bible

But my prayer to You, O LORD, is for a time of favor. In Your abundant loving devotion, O God, answer me with Your sure salvation.

American Standard Version

But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O Jehovah, in an acceptable time: O God, in the abundance of thy lovingkindness, Answer me in the truth of thy salvation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 69:13 stands as a profound declaration of faith and persistent prayer amidst overwhelming suffering and opposition. Despite being "sunk in deep mire" and facing intense reproach, the psalmist, in a pivotal moment, turns wholeheartedly to the Lord. This verse articulates a fervent plea for divine intervention, grounded not in personal merit but in an unwavering trust in God's sovereign timing, boundless mercy, and unassailable truth of salvation. It is a testament to the enduring power of a humble, faith-filled cry to God even in the darkest valleys of life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 69 is a deeply emotional and extended lament, one of the most poignant in the Psalter, often attributed to David. The preceding verses vividly portray the psalmist's immense distress, describing him as sinking in "deep mire" and overwhelmed by "floods" of affliction ([Psalms 69:2](/psalms/69-2 "Psalm 69:2 - Overwhelmed by Waters")). He is a righteous sufferer, enduring reproach and alienation, even from his own family, for the sake of God ([Psalms 69:7-8](/psalms/69-7 "Psalm 69:7-8 - Reproach for God's Sake")). Verse 13 marks a significant pivot within this lament. Instead of merely detailing his suffering, the psalmist actively turns from complaint to confident petition, reaffirming his unwavering commitment to prayer and his reliance on God's character. This shift highlights a profound spiritual maturity, where suffering drives one deeper into dependence on God rather than away from Him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting, while traditionally linked to David's persecution, resonates with any righteous individual enduring unjust suffering within ancient Israelite society. Lament psalms were a vital part of Israel's worship and personal piety, providing a structured means for individuals and the community to express grief, anger, and confusion to God, while ultimately reaffirming trust in His justice and faithfulness. The concept of an "acceptable time" (`'et ratzon`) would have been understood within the framework of God's covenant relationship with His people, implying a divinely appointed moment when God is particularly disposed to hear and act, often in response to humble and sincere petition. This was not about human manipulation of divine timing but about aligning one's heart with God's sovereign will and character, particularly His `hesed` (covenant mercy) and `emet` (truth/faithfulness).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes found throughout Psalm 69 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **persistent prayer in adversity**, demonstrating that even in the throes of profound suffering, turning to God in prayer remains the ultimate recourse. Secondly, the concept of the **"acceptable time"** introduces the theme of God's sovereign timing and His gracious disposition to hear and respond to His people, a theme later echoed in the New Testament concerning the opportune moment for salvation ([2_Corinthians 6:2](/2_corinthians/6-2 "2 Corinthians 6:2 - The Acceptable Time of Salvation")). Thirdly, the psalmist's plea "in the multitude of thy mercy hear me" highlights the crucial theme of **reliance on God's abundant mercy** (`hesed`) as the sole basis for divine intervention, rather than any human merit. Finally, the phrase "in the truth of thy salvation" emphasizes **confidence in God's faithfulness and the reliability of His deliverance**, reinforcing the theological truth that God's saving acts are consistent with His unchanging character and promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Acceptable time (Hebrew, _‘ēt rāṣôn'_):** This phrase literally translates to "time of favor" or "time of good pleasure." It does not imply a time when the petitioner has earned God's attention, but rather a moment, divinely appointed and sovereignly determined, when God is particularly inclined to show favor and respond to prayer. It speaks to God's gracious disposition and opportune timing, emphasizing His initiative and willingness to act on behalf of His suffering servant. It suggests a moment of divine receptivity and a window of grace.
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _ḥeseḏ'_):** This rich Hebrew term is often translated as "steadfast love," "lovingkindness," or "covenant faithfulness." It describes God's loyal, enduring, and compassionate love that forms the very foundation of His covenant relationship with His people. When the psalmist appeals to God's "multitude of thy mercy," he is not simply asking for pity but invoking the deep, unwavering commitment of God's character, which compels Him to act faithfully on behalf of those He has chosen and promised to save. It is a love that goes beyond sentiment, rooted in fidelity.
* **Truth (Hebrew, _’ĕmeṯ'_):** This word signifies faithfulness, reliability, firmness, and reality. When paired with "salvation" (`yeshū‘â`), it underscores the absolute trustworthiness and dependability of God's saving acts. The psalmist expresses confidence that God's deliverance is not a fleeting hope or a mere possibility, but a certain and reliable reality, consistent with His unchangeable nature. God's salvation is true because God Himself is truth, and His promises are unfailing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But as for me, my prayer [is] unto thee, O LORD, [in] an acceptable time:"** This opening clause marks a powerful contrast ("But as for me") with the surrounding despair and the actions of his adversaries. Despite the overwhelming suffering detailed in the preceding verses, the psalmist consciously and resolutely turns to God. His prayer is directed specifically "unto thee, O LORD," indicating a personal and intimate appeal to the covenant God of Israel. The crucial element "in an acceptable time" reveals a profound understanding of divine sovereignty and timing. It suggests a humble submission to God's perfect schedule, trusting that God knows the opportune moment to intervene, a time when His favor is most powerfully demonstrated.
* **"O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me,"** Here, the psalmist intensifies his plea by directly addressing "O God" (Elohim), emphasizing God's power and majesty. His petition to "hear me" is not based on his own worthiness or righteousness, but explicitly "in the multitude of thy mercy." This highlights a deep theological truth: the basis for God's response to prayer is His own boundless compassion and steadfast love (`hesed`), which is abundant and overflowing. The psalmist appeals to God's character, recognizing that divine intervention flows from His infinite grace, not from human merit.
* **"in the truth of thy salvation."** This final phrase provides the ultimate ground for the psalmist's confidence. His hope is anchored not merely in a vague idea of rescue, but in the "truth of thy salvation." This signifies that God's saving power and acts of deliverance are utterly reliable, faithful, and consistent with His character. It is a salvation that is sure, dependable, and rooted in God's unchangeable promises. The psalmist trusts that God's nature as a faithful deliverer guarantees His eventual intervention and vindication.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 69:13, though brief, employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Apostrophe**, as the psalmist directly addresses God ("O LORD," "O God"), creating an intimate and personal tone for his fervent petition. This direct address underscores the psalmist's unwavering focus on God as his sole hope. The phrase "But as for me" functions as a stark **Contrast** or **Antithesis**, setting the psalmist's faithful resolve apart from the despair of his circumstances and the actions of his enemies described earlier in the psalm. The repetition of "thy" ("thy mercy," "thy salvation") emphasizes God's ownership and the divine origin of the very qualities the psalmist appeals to, highlighting God's sovereign nature. The use of "multitude" in "multitude of thy mercy" is a form of **Hyperbole** or **Amplification**, underscoring the immeasurable and overflowing nature of God's compassion, making the appeal even more powerful and desperate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 69:13 offers profound theological insights into the nature of prayer, God's character, and the experience of suffering. It teaches that genuine prayer is not contingent on favorable circumstances but is a lifeline in adversity, rooted in a deep understanding of who God is. The psalmist's appeal to God's "acceptable time," "multitude of thy mercy," and "truth of thy salvation" reveals a theology where divine action is grounded in sovereign timing, boundless grace, and unwavering faithfulness. This verse affirms that God's willingness to hear and save is an outflow of His very being, providing a secure foundation for hope even when all human support fails. It points to a God who is not distant but intimately involved, whose compassion is the ultimate source of deliverance.

* [Isaiah 49:8](/isaiah/49-8 "Isaiah 49:8 - The Acceptable Time of Salvation")
* [Psalm 103:8](/psalms/103-8 "Psalm 103:8 - The Lord's Compassion and Mercy")
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 69:13 provides a timeless blueprint for navigating personal suffering and seeking divine intervention. It compels us to cultivate a prayer life that is not merely reactive but deeply rooted in an understanding of God's character, even when circumstances seem bleak. Like the psalmist, we are invited to bring our deepest pains, our sense of injustice, and our overwhelming struggles directly to God, trusting that our cries do not fall on deaf ears. This verse teaches us to wait patiently for God's "acceptable time," acknowledging His perfect wisdom and timing, which often transcends our immediate desires. Furthermore, it reminds us that the efficacy of our prayers rests not on our own righteousness or eloquence, but entirely on God's "multitude of mercy" and the "truth of His salvation." Our confidence should be in His unchanging faithfulness, knowing that His promises of deliverance are as reliable as His very nature. In moments of despair, this verse calls us to anchor our hope in the steadfast love and unfailing truth of our delivering God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the psalmist's attitude of turning to prayer in deep suffering challenge or affirm your own approach to adversity?**
* **What does it mean for you to pray "in an acceptable time," and how can you cultivate patience for God's timing in your life?**
* **In what ways can you more consciously ground your prayers in God's "multitude of mercy" rather than your own perceived worthiness?**
* **How does the "truth of thy salvation" provide assurance and hope in your current struggles?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "acceptable time" in this verse?**

Answer: The "acceptable time" (`'et ratzon` in Hebrew) refers to a divinely appointed moment of favor or good pleasure. It's not a time that humans can manipulate or earn, but rather God's sovereign timing when He is particularly disposed to hear and act. For the psalmist, it signifies a deep trust that God will intervene when it is most opportune according to His perfect will and wisdom. This concept is echoed in the New Testament by Paul, who quotes [Isaiah 49:8](/isaiah/49-8 "Isaiah 49:8 - The Acceptable Time of Salvation") in [2 Corinthians 6:2](/2_corinthians/6-2 "2 Corinthians 6:2 - The Acceptable Time of Salvation") to emphasize that now, in the era of Christ, is the "acceptable time" for salvation and reconciliation with God.

**How does this verse encourage believers who are experiencing prolonged suffering?**

Answer: Psalms 69:13 offers profound encouragement by demonstrating that even in overwhelming and prolonged suffering, the appropriate response is to turn to God in persistent prayer. The psalmist, despite feeling "sunk in deep mire" ([Psalms 69:2](/psalms/69-2 "Psalm 69:2 - Overwhelmed by Waters")) and facing intense reproach, chooses faith over despair. The verse teaches that our prayers are heard not because of our strength or righteousness, but because of God's "multitude of mercy" and the "truth of His salvation." It provides a model of humble reliance on God's character and His unfailing promises, assuring us that our cries are valid and that God's deliverance is sure, even if its timing is not our own.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 69:13, like much of Psalm 69, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's experience of intense suffering, reproach for God's sake, and alienation ([Psalms 69:7-8](/psalms/69-7 "Psalm 69:7-8 - Reproach for God's Sake")) perfectly foreshadows the earthly ministry and passion of Jesus. He was the righteous sufferer who bore the reproaches of those who reviled God ([Romans 15:3](/romans/15-3 "Romans 15:3 - Christ Bore Reproaches")), and whose zeal for God's house consumed Him ([John 2:17](/john/2-17 "John 2:17 - Zeal for God's House")). In Gethsemane, Jesus, facing the ultimate suffering, prayed with fervent cries to His Father, submitting to the "acceptable time" of God's will, even if it meant the cross ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). His prayer was heard "because of his reverence" ([Hebrews 5:7](/hebrews/5-7 "Hebrews 5:7 - Christ's Prayers and Obedience")), demonstrating God's "multitude of mercy" in raising Him from the dead and granting Him victory over sin and death ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus From the Dead")). Jesus is the embodiment of God's "truth of salvation," for in Him, God's promises of deliverance are fully realized, offering true and eternal salvation to all who believe ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Thus, the psalmist's cry becomes Christ's cry, and in His resurrection, the "acceptable time" of God's saving power is revealed for all humanity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 6:2

(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now [is] the accepted time; behold, now [is] the day of salvation.)

Isaiah 49:8

Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;

Psalms 55:16

¶ As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.

Psalms 55:17

Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.

1 Samuel 25:8

Ask thy young men, and they will shew thee. Wherefore let the young men find favour in thine eyes: for we come in a good day: give, I pray thee, whatsoever cometh to thine hand unto thy servants, and to thy son David.

Psalms 91:15

He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I [will be] with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

1 Peter 2:23

Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously: