Psalm 69 Devotional

Bearing Insults Meant for God

“because zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult You have fallen on me.”Psalm 69:9 (BSB)

Psalm 69 begins with water up to the neck. David is sinking in deep mud with no footing, worn out from crying, and surrounded by more enemies than the hairs on his head, who hate him for no reason (69:1-4). He is honest that he is not sinless (69:5). But much of his suffering comes because of his devotion. Zeal for God's house has consumed him, and the insults aimed at God have fallen on him (69:9). He looked for comfort and found none, and was given vinegar for his thirst (69:20-21).

The New Testament hears Jesus in these lines. When he cleared the temple, his disciples remembered verse 9 (John 2:17), and Paul says Christ bore the insults meant for God (Romans 15:3). The psalm's prayers against enemies are severe (69:22-28). They are handed to God rather than carried out. Then the psalm turns to praise, because the LORD hears the needy (69:33). Jesus bore hatred without cause, so his people do not suffer unseen or alone.

To think about: Where are you facing scorn or misunderstanding, and how does it help to know Jesus endured it before you?