TRV
Translation
King James Version
And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily.
Complete Jewish Bible
Don't hide your face from your servant, for I am in trouble; answer me quickly.
Berean Standard Bible
Hide not Your face from Your servant, for I am in distress. Answer me quickly!
American Standard Version
And hide not thy face from thy servant; For I am in distress; answer me speedily.
World English Bible Messianic
Don’t hide your face from your servant, for I am in distress. Answer me speedily!
Geneva Bible (1599)
And hide not thy face from thy seruant, for I am in trouble: make haste and heare me.
Young's Literal Translation
And hide not Thy face from Thy servant, For I am in distress--haste, answer me.
In the KJVVerse 14,953 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Psalms 69 verses 13–21
13 ¶ 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.
14 Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters.
15 Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.
16 Hear me, O LORD; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.
17 And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily.
18 Draw nigh unto my soul, and redeem it: deliver me because of mine enemies.
19 Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee.
20 Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.
21 They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
David had been speaking before of the spiteful reproaches which his enemies cast upon him; here he adds, But, as for me, my prayer is unto thee. They spoke ill of him for his fasting and praying, and for that he was made the song of the drunkards; but, notwithstanding that, he resolves to continue praying. Note, Though we may be jeered for well-doing, we must never be jeered out of it. Those can bear but little for God, and their confessing his name before men, that cannot bear a scoff and a hard word rather than quit their duty. David's enemies were very abusive to him, but this was his comfort, that he had a God to go to, with whom he would lodge his cause. "They think to carry their cause by insolence and calumny; but I use other methods. Whatever they do, As for me, my prayer is unto thee, O Lord!" And it was in an acceptable time, not the less acceptable for being a time of affliction. God will not drive us from him, though it is need that drives us to him; nay, it is the more acceptable, because the misery and distress of God's people make them so much the more the objects of his pity: it is seasonable for him to help them when all other helps fail, and they are undone, and feel that they are undone, if he do not help them. We find this expression used concerning Christ. Isa 49:8, In an acceptable time have I heard thee. Now observe,
I. What his requests are. 1. That he might have a gracious audience given to his complaints, the cry of his affliction, and the desire of his heart. Hear me (Psa 69:13), and again, Hear me, O Lord! (Psa 69:16), Hear me speedily (Psa 69:17), not only hear what I say, but grant what I ask. Christ knew that the Father heard him always, Joh 11:42. 2. That he might be rescued out of his troubles, might be saved from sinking under the load of grief (Deliver me out of the mire; let me not stick in it, so some, but help me out, and set my feet on a rock, Psa 40:2), might be saved from his enemies, that they might not swallow him up, nor have their will against him: "Let me be delivered from those that hate me, as a lamb from the paw of a lion, Psa 69:14. Though I have come into keep waters (Psa 69:2), where I am ready to conclude that the floods will overflow me, yet let my fears be prevented and silenced; let not the waterflood, though it flow upon me, overflow me, Psa 69:15. Let me not fall into the gulf of despair; let not that deep swallow me up; let not that pit shut her mouth upon me, for then I am undone." He gave himself up for lost in the beginning of the psalm; yet now he has his head above water, and is not so weary of crying as he thought himself. 3. That God would turn to him (Psa 69:16), that he would smile upon him, and not hide his face from him, Psa 69:17. The tokens of God's favour to us, and the light of his countenance shining upon us, are enough to keep our spirits from sinking in the deepest mire of outward troubles, nor need we desire any more to make us safe and easy, Psa 69:18. "Draw nigh to my soul, to manifest thyself to it, and that shall redeem it."
II. What his pleas are to enforce these petitions. 1. He pleads God's mercy and truth (Psa 69:13): In the multitude of thy mercy hear me. There is mercy in God, a multitude of mercies, all kinds of mercy, inexhaustible mercy, mercy enough for all, enough for each; and hence we must take our encouragement in praying. The truth also of his salvation (the truth of all those promises of salvation which he has made to those that trust in him) is a further encouragement. He repeats his argument taken from the mercy of God: "Hear me, for thy lovingkindness of good. It is so in itself; it is rich and plentiful and abundant. It is so in the account of all the saints; it is very precious to them, it is their life, their joy, their all. O let me have the benefit of it! Turn to me, according to the multitude of thy tender mercies," Psa 69:16. See how highly he speaks of the goodness of God: in him there are mercies, tender mercies, and a multitude of them. If we think well of God, and continue to do so under the greatest hardships, we need not fear but God will do well for us; for he takes pleasure in those that hope in his mercy, Psa 147:11. 2. He pleads his own distress and affliction: "Hide not thy face from me, for I am in trouble (Psa 69:17), and therefore need thy favour; therefore it will come seasonably, and therefore I shall know how to value it." He pleads particularly the reproach he was under and the indignities that were done him (Psa 69:19): Thou hast known my reproach, my shame, and my dishonour. See what a stress is laid upon this; for, in the sufferings of Christ for us, perhaps nothing contributed more to the satisfaction he made for sin, which had been so injurious to God in his honour, than the reproach, and shame, and dishonour he underwent, which God took notice of, and accepted as more than an equivalent for the everlasting shame and contempt which our sins had deserved, and therefore we must by repentance take shame to ourselves and bear the reproach of our youth. And if at any time we be called out to suffer reproach, and shame, and dishonour, for his sake, this may be our comfort, that he knows it, and, as he is before-hand with us, so he will not be behind-hand with us. The Psalmist speaks the language of an ingenuous nature when he says (Psa 69:20): Reproach has broken my heart; I am full of heaviness; for it bears hard upon one that knows the worth of a good name to be put under a bad character; but when we consider what an honour it is to be dishonoured for God, and what a favour to be counted worthy to suffer shame for his name (as they deemed it, Act 5:41), we shall see there is no reason at all why it should sit so heavily or be any heart-breaking to us. 3. He pleads the insolence and cruelty of his enemies (Psa 69:18): Deliver me because of my enemies, because they were such as he had before described them, Psa 69:4. "My adversaries are all before thee (Psa 69:19); thou knowest what sort of men they are, what danger I am in from them, what enemies they are to thee, and how much thou art reflected upon in what they do and design against me." One instance of their barbarity is given (Psa 69:21): They gave me gall for my meat (the word signifies a bitter herb, and is often joined with wormwood) and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink. This was literally fulfilled in Christ, and did so directly point to him that he would not say It is finished till this was fulfilled; and, in order that his enemies might have occasion to fulfil it, he said, I thirst, Joh 19:28, Joh 19:29. Some think that the hyssop which they put to his mouth with the vinegar was the bitter herb which they gave him with the vinegar for his meat. See how particularly the sufferings of Christ were foretold, which proves the scripture to be the word of God, and how exactly the predictions were fulfilled in Jesus Christ, which proves him to be the true Messiah. This is he that should come, and we are to look for no other. 4. He pleads the unkindness of his friends and his disappointment in them (Psa 69:20): I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; they all failed him like the brooks in summer. This was fulfilled in Christ, for in his sufferings all his disciples forsook him and fled. We cannot expect too little from men (miserable comforters are they all); nor can we expect too much from God, for he is the Father of mercy and the God of all comfort and consolation.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 13–21. Public domain.
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Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 69
"Turn not away Your face from Your child" [Psalm 69:17]. And this is a commending of humility; "from Your child," that is, "from Your little one:" because now I have been rid of pride through the discipline of tribulation, "turn not away Your face from Your child." This is that beautiful mercy of God, whereof he spoke above. For in the following verse he explains that whereof he spoke: "For I am troubled, speedily hearken unto me." What is "speedily"? Now there is no cause why You must defer it: I am troubled, my affliction has gone before; let Your mercy follow.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 69:17 presents the psalmist's urgent and heartfelt petition to God, born from a profound state of distress. It articulates a desperate longing for God's manifest presence and swift intervention, appealing to the foundational covenant relationship between the divine Master and His devoted servant. This verse encapsulates the universal human experience of seeking divine solace and immediate deliverance when overwhelmed by tribulation, highlighting the critical importance of God's attentive and active engagement in the life of the suffering believer.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalm 69 stands as one of the most extensive and intensely personal laments within the Psalter, frequently classified as an "individual lament." The verses preceding Psalms 69:17 vividly portray the psalmist's dire predicament, likening his suffering to being submerged in "deep mire" and overwhelmed by "floods of water" that threaten to engulf him, while his throat is parched from incessant crying out to God, as described in Psalms 69:1-3. He endures profound social ostracism and misunderstanding, even from those close to him, and faces intense reproach specifically because of his devotion to God and zeal for His house, echoing the sentiments found in Psalms 69:7-9. Therefore, the plea in verse 17 for God's unhidden face and speedy response emerges from a narrative steeped in prolonged and severe affliction, underscoring the psalmist's exhaustion of all human avenues and his singular reliance on divine aid.
Historical & Cultural Context: While traditionally attributed to David, Psalm 69 expresses a universal human experience of intense persecution, isolation, and perceived abandonment, themes deeply resonant within the ancient Near Eastern worldview where communal identity and divine favor were paramount. The idiom "to hide one's face" (Hebrew: satar panim) was a powerful expression signifying divine displeasure, rejection, or abandonment, a terrifying prospect for anyone in a covenant relationship with God. Conversely, God "making His face shine" upon an individual or community signified blessing, approval, and active protection, as powerfully articulated in the Aaronic blessing in Numbers 6:25. The psalmist's "trouble" (Hebrew: tsarah) denotes not mere inconvenience but severe distress, anguish, and tribulation, often encompassing physical danger, social disgrace, and profound emotional suffering. The self-identification as "thy servant" (Hebrew: ʻebed) carried significant weight, implying a bond of loyalty, service, and reciprocal care within the master-servant dynamic, which the psalmist appeals to as a basis for God's intervention.
Key Themes: This psalm powerfully articulates several core theological and narrative themes. Foremost is the desperate need for God's manifest presence and favor; the psalmist's deepest fear is God's perceived absence or withdrawal, which feels as devastating as the affliction itself. This longing for divine presence is a recurring motif throughout the Psalter, notably echoed in Psalm 27:9. Secondly, the theme of urgent appeal for divine intervention is prominent, underscored by the plea to "hear me speedily." The psalmist's suffering is immediate and overwhelming, necessitating a swift and decisive response from a God capable of instant deliverance. Thirdly, the psalm highlights reliance on a covenant relationship; by identifying as "thy servant," the psalmist appeals to God's faithfulness and loyalty to those who serve Him, a common plea in times of distress, as seen in Psalm 143:12. Finally, Psalm 69 carries significant messianic undertones, with numerous expressions of suffering and reproach being directly quoted or alluded to in the New Testament concerning the passion of Christ, such as the zeal for God's house in John 2:17 and Christ not pleasing Himself in Romans 15:3.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 69:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of urgent supplication. The phrase "hide not thy face" is a powerful example of Anthropomorphism, attributing human characteristics (a face that can be hidden or revealed) to God. This device makes the divine relationship more relatable and the concept of divine absence or presence more tangible and emotionally impactful for the human experience. The entire verse functions as a direct Supplication or Lament, characteristic of the psalm genre, where the speaker pours out their distress and makes an earnest appeal to God. The structure of the verse, moving from a negative plea ("hide not") to a causal explanation ("for I am in trouble") and then to a positive, urgent request ("hear me speedily"), creates a strong sense of Pathos and Urgency. This rhetorical progression effectively communicates the psalmist's overwhelming distress and desperate need for immediate divine action, compelling the reader to empathize with his plight.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 69:17 profoundly illustrates the human experience of feeling forsaken by God in moments of extreme suffering, yet simultaneously clinging to the unwavering hope of His intervention. The theological undercurrent is one of divine fidelity and the believer's absolute dependence on God's active presence. It underscores the biblical truth that God is not a distant deity but one who hears the cries of His people, even when His face seems hidden or His response delayed. This verse also highlights the legitimacy of urgent, even demanding, prayer in times of crisis, appealing to God's covenant character and His role as the ultimate deliverer. The psalmist's plea for God not to "hide His face" resonates with the deepest human fear of divine abandonment, while the request to "hear me speedily" affirms a profound faith in God's power and willingness to act decisively on behalf of His servants. It is a testament to the persistent hope that God's compassion will ultimately prevail over perceived silence.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 69:17 offers a timeless and profound model for authentic prayer in the crucible of life's deepest trials. It grants us permission to express our rawest fears and most urgent needs to God, including the terrifying sensation of His perceived absence or silence. The psalmist's appeal, grounded in his identity as God's "servant," reminds us that our relationship with God is the very foundation for our pleas, enabling us to approach Him not as strangers but as His beloved children, appealing to His covenant faithfulness and steadfast love. In our own moments of "trouble," this verse encourages us to bring our burdens to God with unvarnished honesty and fervent urgency, trusting that He hears and is capable of swift, sovereign intervention. It teaches us that even when the darkness feels overwhelming and God seems distant, the path to hope and deliverance lies in persistently seeking His face and crying out for His speedy help, knowing that He is intimately acquainted with our suffering and will respond in His perfect timing and wisdom.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why would God "hide His face" from His servant?
Answer: The phrase "hide His face" is an anthropomorphic idiom that describes a perceived withdrawal of God's favor, presence, or active help. It doesn't necessarily mean God has literally turned away or abandoned His servant, but rather that His manifest blessing or intervention is not immediately apparent. In the Old Testament, God's hidden face could be a consequence of corporate or individual sin (Isaiah 59:2), a test of faith designed to deepen reliance on Him, or simply a period where God's sovereign purposes are unfolding in ways that are not immediately clear or comforting to human understanding. The psalmist's cry reflects the deep pain and confusion of feeling cut off from God's visible support, even while maintaining an underlying faith in His ultimate character. It's a common lament throughout the Psalms, indicating a profound spiritual struggle rather than a definitive statement about God's actual abandonment.
Is it appropriate to demand that God "hear me speedily"?
Answer: Yes, the Bible often portrays believers expressing urgent and even seemingly demanding pleas to God, especially in times of severe distress. The psalmist's "hear me speedily" is not a disrespectful demand but an expression of profound desperation and a deep trust in God's power and willingness to intervene swiftly. It reflects the understanding that God is sovereign and capable of immediate action. This kind of fervent, honest prayer is encouraged throughout Scripture, demonstrating a complete reliance on God's timing and ability, as seen in other urgent prayers like Psalm 18:6 or Psalm 143:7. It acknowledges God's omnipotence and His compassionate nature, inviting Him to act according to His perfect will, even if that means a swift response that aligns with His divine purposes.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's presence in suffering?
Answer: This verse highlights the tension between the believer's experience of suffering and the theological truth of God's omnipresence. While God is always present in a foundational sense, His manifest presence—His active intervention, comfort, and visible favor—can feel absent during intense trials. The psalmist's plea to "hide not thy face" is a yearning for that manifest presence to be restored or revealed in a tangible way. It affirms that even when God's face seems hidden, the proper response is not to despair but to cry out to Him, trusting that He is indeed near and hears the cries of His people. This dynamic underscores that God's presence in suffering is often experienced through faith and persistent prayer, even when emotional comfort or immediate deliverance is not felt. It is a reminder that God is present even in the silence, beckoning us to draw near and rely on His unseen hand.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 69:17, with its poignant cry for God not to hide His face in trouble and to hear speedily, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and passion of Jesus Christ. Psalm 69 is one of the most frequently quoted messianic psalms in the New Testament, with many of its expressions of suffering and reproach directly applied to Christ. The psalmist's experience of being overwhelmed by "deep waters" (Psalms 69:1-2) and bearing the "reproaches of those who reproach You" (Psalms 69:9) powerfully foreshadows Christ's own suffering and His consuming zeal for God's house, as noted in John 2:17 and Romans 15:3. The psalmist's desperate plea, "hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily," resonates deeply with Jesus' agony in Gethsemane, where He prayed with urgent intensity for the cup of suffering to pass, yet submitted to His Father's will (Matthew 26:39). Even more profoundly, the psalmist's fear of God hiding His face reaches its harrowing climax on the cross, when Jesus, bearing the sins of the world, cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46). In that moment, the Father truly "hid His face" from the Son, not out of abandonment, but because the Son became sin for us, enduring the full wrath of God so that we might never experience true divine abandonment. Thus, Christ's suffering, culminating in His cry of dereliction, fully embodies the "trouble" and the perceived divine silence of the psalmist. Yet, through His speedy resurrection, God's face was gloriously revealed, and His servant was heard and vindicated, securing eternal deliverance and the promise of God's unhidden face for all who believe (Romans 1:4).