Psalm 69, a poignant psalm written by King David, is one of the many psalms recited by those facing adversity. Its themes of suffering, persecution, and the fervent plea for divine intervention resonate profoundly with the ongoing crisis in Israel. In the midst of the violence and turmoil, the words of this psalm find an echo in our hearts as we turn to King Davidās age-old verses for expression of our feelings, guidance and hope.
The release of Israelās hostages is a matter of life and death and needs our urgent attention. As we learn and recite Psalm 69 today, have in mind the over 150 innocent men, women and children who are being held captive by cruel and evil Hamas terrorists at this very moment. May they be returned home quickly and safely.
King David begins Psalm 69 with a vivid description of his predicament, stating, āDeliver me, O God, for the waters have reached my neck; I am sinking into the slimy deep and find no foothold; I have come into the watery depths; the floods sweep me awayā (verses 2-3). This vivid imagery mirrors the anguish felt by many in Israel as they grapple with the devastating consequences of the current war. Innocent civilians find themselves in peril, lives have been disrupted and futures are uncertain. The waters of distress and suffering have indeed risen, leaving countless individuals feeling as though they are sinking without reprieve.
The psalmistās words in verse 5, āMore numerous than the hairs of my head are those who hate me without reason,ā are strikingly relevant to the Israeli crisis. We are faced with an enemy that harbors a baseless hatred, one that extends to Jews solely because of their identity. The enemyās hatred is directed not only at individuals but also at the very existence and beliefs of the Jewish people. This deep-seated enmity finds resonance in King Davidās words, āIt is for Your sake that I have been reviled, that shame covers my face.ā The hatred stems from the belief in and representation of the one true, just, and moral God of Israel.
In the face of overwhelming adversity, however, David places his hope and trust in Godās faithfulness and mercy (verse 14).
Throughout Psalm 69, King David implores God for deliverance and protection. āRescue me from the mire; let me not sink; let me be rescued from my enemies, and from the watery depths,ā (verse 15) he cries out. We, too, call out to God to rescue us and our brothers and sisters who need deliverance. But we donāt just want deliverance. We ask God to serve justice against our enemies and ensure that they will never be able to harm us again. āPour out Your wrath on them; may Your blazing anger overtake them,ā (verse 25) King David passionately implores.
But our cry isnāt solely for an end to hostilities and the elimination of the enemy. We implore God to bring the hostages back home, guided by the conviction that, āFor the LORD listens to the needy and does not spurn His captivesā (verse 34).
Towards the conclusion of Psalm 69, David declares that God will redeem Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah (verse 36). This vision of rebuilding offers hope for a future marked by peace and reconstruction. Despite the current turmoil, there is an underlying belief in the possibility of renewal and restoration, echoing the resilience of those who persevere amidst hardship.
In Psalm 69 we find a poignant reflection of the suffering of Israel and a timeless call for deliverance, justice, a restoration of peace and a return of the captives. May we witness a swift and safe end to the war, along with the immediate release of Israelās hostages. May they return quickly and safely to their waiting families, bringing with them the hope of a brighter and more peaceful future.
