Psalms 69:27

Psalms 69:27 is a powerful verse found within a lament psalm attributed to David, where the psalmist pours out his deep distress and calls upon God for justice against his adversaries. This particular verse is part of a series of imprecatory prayers, expressing a fervent desire for divine judgment upon those who wrongfully persecute him.

Context of Psalms 69:27

Psalm 69 is one of the most prominent imprecatory psalms, characterized by the psalmist's cries for help and pleas for God to punish his enemies. David feels overwhelmed by suffering, alienation, and false accusations, comparing his plight to being engulfed by deep waters (Psalm 69:1-2). His appeals for judgment (vv. 22-28) reflect the Old Testament understanding of God as the ultimate judge who repays evil. This is not a personal vendetta but a call for God's righteous standard to prevail in a world where injustice seems to triumph.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Justice and Retribution: The core request is for God to administer justice. The psalmist trusts God to see the iniquity of his foes and to act according to His perfect righteousness.
• Consequences of Persistent Sin: "Add iniquity unto their iniquity" suggests a plea for the natural, cumulative consequences of unchecked sin to be fully realized. It implies a judicial request for their guilt to be fully accounted for, leading to increased condemnation.
• Exclusion from Righteousness: The plea "let them not come into thy righteousness" is severe. It's a prayer that the wicked remain outside of God's saving grace, favor, and truth. This is a profound spiritual separation, signifying a state of being cut off from God's redemptive work.
• Trust in God's Sovereignty: Despite the raw emotion, the prayer is an appeal to God, acknowledging His ultimate authority and power to judge and determine one's spiritual standing.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Add iniquity unto their iniquity" (Hebrew: אָוֶן עַל־אָוֶן) does not mean God would cause them to sin more. Rather, it is a legal or judicial request for their existing and future sins to be counted against them, leading to a greater measure of guilt and deserved punishment. It can be understood as asking for their accumulated wickedness to be fully exposed and judged. The subsequent phrase, "let them not come into thy righteousness," emphasizes a desire for their complete spiritual alienation, preventing them from experiencing God's saving righteousness through faith or being declared innocent in His sight. This highlights a hardening of heart, a state where one is given over to the consequences of their choices, as seen in other scriptures like Romans 1:28.

Practical Application and Reflection

Understanding Psalms 69:27 requires recognizing its Old Testament context. While the New Testament calls believers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them, this psalm reflects a deep human cry for justice in the face of profound wrongdoing. It reminds us that:

1. God is ultimately a just judge who will one day rectify all wrongs.
2. The consequences of persistent sin are grave, leading to separation from God.
3. We should appreciate the incredible gift of God's righteousness, which is offered freely to those who believe.

This verse, though challenging, serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of sin and the ultimate accountability before a holy God, while also providing a backdrop to appreciate the redemptive message of grace found in the New Covenant.