Psalms 69:35

For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah: that they may dwell there, and have it in possession.

For God {H430} will save {H3467}{H8686)} Zion {H6726}, and will build {H1129}{H8799)} the cities {H5892} of Judah {H3063}: that they may dwell {H3427}{H8804)} there, and have it in possession {H3423}{H8804)}.

For God will save Tziyon, he will build the cities of Y'hudah. [His people] will settle there and possess it.

For God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah, that they may dwell there and possess it.

For God will save Zion, and build the cities of Judah; And they shall abide there, and have it in possession.

Psalm 69:35 offers a powerful shift from the deep lament and suffering expressed throughout much of Psalm 69 to a declaration of unwavering hope and divine promise. This verse anticipates God's future intervention, promising restoration and security for His people.

Context

Psalm 69 is primarily a psalm of lament, attributed to David, where the psalmist cries out to God from a place of profound distress, persecution, and shame. He feels overwhelmed by his enemies and even by the reproaches of those who should be his allies. Many scholars consider this psalm to be deeply messianic, with several verses (like Psa 69:4, Psa 69:9, Psa 69:21) directly quoted or alluded to in the New Testament to describe the suffering of Christ. However, the psalm concludes with a sudden and dramatic turn towards confidence in God's ultimate justice and deliverance, as seen in verses 34-36. This transition highlights the psalmist's faith that despite present affliction, God's covenant promises of restoration will prevail for Israel and Zion.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Restoration: The central promise is that God Himself will "save Zion" and "build the cities of Judah." This speaks to a complete rebuilding and revitalization, both physically and spiritually, after a period of desolation or captivity. It underscores God's active involvement in the welfare of His people and their land.
  • Security and Possession: The phrase "that they may dwell there, and have it in possession" signifies a return to security, peace, and permanent residency. It echoes ancient covenant promises regarding the land given to Abraham's descendants, ensuring a future where God's people are not merely visitors but rightful heirs in their homeland. This promise is ultimately fulfilled in God's eternal kingdom.
  • Hope Amidst Suffering: Following a lengthy description of intense suffering, this verse provides a beacon of hope. It reminds believers that even in the darkest valleys, God remains faithful to His long-term plans for salvation and restoration. It is a declaration of ultimate triumph over adversity.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "save" (יָשַׁע - yasha') implies not just deliverance from danger but also bringing about a state of safety, well-being, and victory. Similarly, "build" (בָּנָה - banah) refers to physical construction but also carries connotations of establishing, confirming, and prospering, indicating a comprehensive restoration that goes beyond mere physical structures to encompass societal and spiritual renewal.

Related Scriptures

  • The promise to "save Zion" finds its ultimate fulfillment in the vision of the New Jerusalem, where God's people dwell securely with Him forever.
  • The idea of God rebuilding and restoring His people and their land is a recurring prophetic theme. For example, Jeremiah 31:4 declares, "Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel."
  • The concept of "possession" of the land harks back to the Abrahamic covenant, where God promised the land to Abraham's descendants.

Practical Application

Psalm 69:35 encourages us to maintain hope and faith in God's ultimate faithfulness, even when circumstances seem dire. It reminds us that God is a God of restoration who can rebuild what has been broken, whether it be personal lives, communities, or nations. For believers, this verse points to the assured hope of God's eternal kingdom, where true security and peace will be realized. It calls us to trust in God's sovereign plan, knowing that His promises of salvation and restoration are true and will surely come to pass.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 51:18

    Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.

  • Isaiah 44:26

    That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof:

  • Isaiah 46:13

    I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.

  • Psalms 48:11

    Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments.

  • Psalms 48:13

    Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell [it] to the generation following.

  • Obadiah 1:17

    ¶ But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.

  • Psalms 102:16

    When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory.

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