Grace Institute: The Writings : Psalms Part 6

Psalms Survey of the Old Testament: The Writings Fall 2006

Sample Lament: Psalm 69

The Style

Imprecatory Lament

The Situation

David has been faithful to God, but his reward has been attacks from his enemies.

The Structure

Introductory Appeal (vs. 1)

Simply Save me, O God.

The Lament (vs. 2-12)

• The I
  • I have sunk in deep mire (vs. 2)
  • I am weary (vs. 3)
  • I am estranged from my family (vs. 8)
  • I've been zealous for you (vs. 9)
  • My weeping has caused you to loose face with the scoffers (vs. 10-12)
• The You
  • You know my folly and wrongs (vs. 5)
  • I don't want your treatment of me to get in the way of seekers finding you (vs. 6)
  • I've suffered for your sake (vs. 7)
• The They
  • Those who hate me are more numerous than hair on the head (vs. 4)
  • Those who destroy me are powerful (vs. 4)

The Confession of Trust

None

The Petition (vs. 13-28)

Initial Petition:

• Answer me (vs. 13), Del iver me (vs. 14)
• Do not hide your face (vs. 17), Draw near to me (vs. 18)

God should answer David because of his lovingkindness and compassion (vs. 16)

Imprecatory Petitions:

• Snare them (vs. 22), Blind them (vs. 23)
• Pour out ind ignation (vs. 24)
• Blot them out of the book of life (vs. 28)
• God should take such vengeance because they have persecuted David.

The Praise (vs. 29-36)

• I will praise God with song (vs. 30)
• Praise is better than sacrifice (vs. 31)
• The Lord hears the needy (vs. 32-33)
• Let everything praise Him (vs. 34-36)

The Significance

David's suffering is a result of persecution for his faith. But David's concern was not personal vengeance, but concern that how he was being treated would prevent those who are seeking God from finding Him. In our current church vernacular, we might say David's concern was that his suffering was impeding the gospel. His del iverance and the punishment of his enemies were for the sake of the gospel.