Psalms 69:29

Commentary on Psalm 69:29 (KJV)

Psalm 69 is a profound lament, often attributed to David, expressing deep distress, rejection, and suffering at the hands of enemies. It is a psalm of intense personal anguish and fervent prayer for deliverance and vindication. Verse 29, "But I [am] poor and sorrowful: let thy salvation, O God, set me up on high," captures the psalmist's desperate plea for divine intervention amidst his affliction.

Context

This verse comes towards the end of a psalm filled with cries for help against those who persecute the psalmist without cause. He describes his overwhelming sorrow, his enemies' hatred, and even the reproach he endures for his devotion to God. The psalmist feels abandoned and in a low state, both physically and emotionally, making his appeal for God's salvation a desperate cry for rescue and exaltation. The deep suffering expressed here is often seen as prophetic of Christ's own agony and rejection, making Psalm 69 a significant Messianic psalm.

Key Themes

• Humility and Dependence: The psalmist's self-identification as "poor and sorrowful" (`ani v'kho'ev` in Hebrew) highlights his deep sense of vulnerability and destitution. This is not merely economic poverty but a state of being afflicted, helpless, and in pain, acknowledging his utter dependence on God.
• Prayer for Divine Salvation: The core of the verse is a direct, urgent petition: "let thy salvation, O God, set me up on high." This is a fervent request for God's saving power and deliverance from his distressing circumstances.
• Divine Vindication and Exaltation: To be "set me up on high" (`sagab`) implies being lifted above his troubles, placed in a secure and exalted position by God. It speaks to divine protection, vindication over his enemies, and restoration to a place of honor and safety. This plea for God's intervention reflects a profound trust that the Lord will lift up those who humble themselves.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words convey a rich meaning:

• "poor and sorrowful": The Hebrew `ani` (עָנִי) refers to one who is afflicted, humble, or lowly, often due to oppression or distress. `Kho'ev` (כּוֹאֵב) means pained or sorrowful. Together, they paint a picture of profound suffering and deep emotional pain.
• "salvation": The word `yeshu'ah` (יְשׁוּעָה) signifies deliverance, rescue, safety, or welfare. It is a powerful term for God's saving act, implying a comprehensive rescue from all forms of trouble.
• "set me up on high": The verb `sagab` (שָׂגַב) means to be high, inaccessible, exalted, or set in a high place. It implies being placed beyond the reach of harm, under God's protection, and lifted to a position of security and honor.

Practical Application

Psalm 69:29 offers profound encouragement for believers facing their own trials:

• Honest Prayer: It teaches us to be utterly honest with God about our pain and perceived helplessness. When we feel "poor and sorrowful," God invites us to bring our true state before Him.
• Trust in God's Deliverance: Despite the depth of suffering, the psalmist expresses unwavering trust in God's ability to save and exalt. This verse reminds us that our hope is not in our own strength or circumstances, but in God's powerful salvation.
• God Exalts the Humble: The promise that God will "set me up on high" is a comforting assurance that He cares for the afflicted and will ultimately vindicate and uplift those who humbly depend on Him. Even when life brings us low, we can look to God for our ultimate restoration and security.