Psalms 69:26

Psalms 69:26 presents a poignant lament from the psalmist, describing the cruel treatment received from his adversaries. It highlights a particularly grievous form of persecution: attacking someone already afflicted by God's hand.

Context of Psalms 69

Psalm 69 is a deeply emotional psalm of lament attributed to David, expressing profound distress, suffering, and intense persecution from enemies. The psalmist feels overwhelmed, "sinking in deep mire," and longs for divine deliverance. Historically, it reflects the experience of someone unjustly targeted and slandered, enduring both physical and emotional anguish. The psalm is also highly significant in Christian theology as it contains numerous Messianic prophecies foretelling the suffering of Christ, particularly His rejection, the gall and vinegar offered to Him, and the zeal for God's house.

Key Themes and Messages

• Persecution of the Afflicted: The core message is the added cruelty of persecuting someone who is already in a state of suffering or perceived divine judgment. The enemies are not merely opposing the psalmist; they are compounding his pain by taking advantage of his vulnerability.
• Lack of Empathy and Compassion: The phrase "they talk to the grief of those whom thou hast wounded" underscores a profound lack of human kindness. Instead of offering solace, the enemies engage in verbal abuse, mocking, or slandering, thus intensifying the sorrow of the afflicted.
• Divine Sovereignty in Suffering: The psalmist acknowledges that his affliction ("whom thou hast smitten," "whom thou hast wounded") comes, in some sense, from God. This does not imply God is unjust, but rather that He permits or ordains trials, sometimes as discipline or for a greater purpose. This echoes the principle that God disciplines those He loves.
• Injustice and Malice: The verse powerfully conveys the malicious intent of the persecutors, who derive satisfaction from the suffering of others, even when that suffering is divinely ordained or allowed.

Linguistic Insights

• The Hebrew word for "smitten" (נָגַע - naga) often implies a touch or strike, frequently associated with divine affliction or plague. It suggests a direct action from God.
• "Wounded" (חָלַל - chalal) refers to being pierced or defiled, indicating a deep, painful affliction.
• "Talk to the grief" (סִפְּרוּ עַל-מַכְאוֹב - sipperu al-makh'ov) literally means "they recount/tell about the pain." This implies they either mock the suffering, spread rumors about it to cause more distress, or speak in a way that exacerbates the emotional burden.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder for believers today:

1. Compassion for the Suffering: It highlights the importance of showing empathy and compassion to those who are struggling, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Adding to someone's pain through insensitive words or actions is a grave offense.
2. Understanding Divine Discipline: It acknowledges that God sometimes allows or brings affliction into lives, not out of malice, but for purposes like discipline, refinement, or to draw us closer to Him. Our response to such suffering, and the response of others to us, is crucial.
3. Guard Against Malice: The verse warns against the human tendency to gloat over the misfortunes of others or to use their pain as an opportunity for further harm through gossip, slander, or mockery.
4. Trust in God's Justice: Despite the intense suffering and injustice described, the psalmist continually appeals to God for justice, affirming faith that God sees and will ultimately respond to such cruelty.