Draw near to my soul and redeem me;
This phrase is a plea for God's intimate presence and deliverance. The psalmist, traditionally identified as David, often found himself in dire situations, seeking God's intervention. The request for God to "draw near" suggests a deep desire for divine closeness and support, reflecting the personal relationship between the believer and God. The concept of redemption here is multifaceted, involving both physical deliverance from enemies and spiritual salvation. In the broader biblical narrative, redemption is a central theme, pointing to God's saving acts throughout history, culminating in the work of Jesus Christ. The plea for redemption echoes the Israelites' cry for deliverance from Egypt, symbolizing liberation from bondage.

ransom me because of my foes.
The term "ransom" implies a price paid for freedom, resonating with the sacrificial system in the Old Testament where offerings were made to atone for sin. This concept foreshadows the ultimate ransom paid by Christ, as described in the New Testament, where Jesus' sacrifice is seen as the fulfillment of the ransom for humanity's sin. The mention of "foes" highlights the psalmist's immediate danger and the adversarial forces at play, which can be both physical enemies and spiritual adversaries. This reflects the ongoing struggle between good and evil, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture. The psalmist's appeal for deliverance because of his foes underscores the belief in God's justice and protection for those who are oppressed or persecuted.

1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 69, David is expressing a deep personal plea for God's intervention and redemption amidst his adversities.

2. God
The central figure to whom David directs his plea, seeking divine intervention and redemption.

3. Enemies/Foes
The adversaries that David is facing, representing both physical and spiritual opposition.

4. Soul
The innermost being of David, which he is asking God to draw near to and redeem.

5. Redemption/Ransom
The act of being saved or delivered, which David is seeking from God in the face of his enemies.The Need for Divine Nearness
Just as David sought God's presence in times of trouble, believers today should seek closeness with God, especially during trials.

Understanding Redemption
Redemption is a central theme in the Bible, and it involves being delivered from sin and its consequences. Reflect on how Christ's sacrifice fulfills this need.

Facing Adversaries with Faith
David's reliance on God amidst his foes teaches us to trust in God's power and protection when facing our own adversities.

Prayer as a Tool for Deliverance
David's plea is a model for how we can use prayer to seek God's intervention in our lives.

The Assurance of God's Response
Trust in the assurance that God hears and responds to the cries of His people, as demonstrated in David's life.1. What is the meaning of Psalm 69:18?

2. How does Psalm 69:18 encourage us to seek God's presence in trials?

3. What does "draw near to my soul" reveal about God's relationship with us?

4. How can Psalm 69:18 inspire us to trust God's deliverance in hardships?

5. Connect Psalm 69:18 with another scripture emphasizing God's nearness in distress.

6. How can we apply the plea for redemption in Psalm 69:18 today?

7. How does Psalm 69:18 reflect God's willingness to intervene in human suffering?

8. What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 69:18?

9. How does Psalm 69:18 align with the overall theme of divine rescue in the Bible?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 69?

11. What is the meaning of Psalm 49:7?

12. Psalm 121:4 - If God 'never slumbers nor sleeps,' why do disasters and injustices seemingly go unchecked?

13. In Psalm 49:7, it states no one can redeem another--how does this align with later claims that Jesus pays humanity's ransom?

14. How do Psalms foreshadow Jesus Christ's life and mission?Draw near to my soul

- David’s first cry is for God’s presence: “Draw near to my soul.” He is not asking for a distant solution but for intimate nearness.

- Scripture often links God’s closeness with comfort: “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18); “But as for me, it is good to draw near to God” (Psalm 73:28).

- The request presumes that when the Lord comes close, anxiety lifts and courage rises (compare Joshua 1:9; Philippians 4:5–7).

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and redeem me

- “Redeem” in the Psalms points to a kinsman-redeemer who pays a price to free a relative from distress (see Ruth 4:4–10).

- God reveals Himself as that Redeemer: “I will redeem you with an outstretched arm” (Exodus 6:6), “The Redeemer will come to Zion” (Isaiah 59:20).

- For believers today, this prayer resonates with the finished work of Christ, “who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness” (Titus 2:14).

- So the plea is twofold: immediate rescue from trouble and confident trust in the ultimate redemption secured at the cross (Ephesians 1:7).

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ransom me because of my foes

- “Ransom” sharpens the picture: it is the payment that secures release. David’s enemies are too strong for him, so he appeals for a costly intervention.

- Similar language appears in Psalm 56:9, “Then my enemies will retreat in the day I cry for help,” and in Psalm 31:15–16, where he asks God to “deliver me from the hand of my enemies.”

- Foreshadowing Christ’s victory, the New Testament declares that through the cross God “disarmed the powers and authorities” (Colossians 2:15), ransoming His people from foes both physical and spiritual.

- Practical takeaway: we look to God alone when opposition rises, trusting Him to pay whatever price is necessary to secure our freedom and vindication.

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summary

Psalm 69:18 moves from longing for God’s nearness, to pleading for redemption, to asking for a costly rescue from enemies. It teaches us that:

• God’s presence is our first and deepest need.

• Redemption is personal—God Himself intervenes as our closest relative.

• The ransom has been fully provided in Christ, ensuring deliverance from every foe.

Confident in these truths, we echo David: “Draw near to my soul and redeem me; ransom me because of my foes.”

Verse 18. - Draw nigh unto my soul, and redeem it. David often complains that God is far from him (Psalm 10:1; Psalm 22:19; Psalm 38:21; Psalm 71:12, etc.), and prays that he will "draw nigh," the sense of distance and alienation being intolerable. Deliver me because of mine enemies; i.e. because of their plots and machinations (see ver. 4).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Draw near
קָרְבָ֣ה (qā·rə·ḇāh)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 7126: To come near, approach

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

my soul
נַפְשִׁ֣י (nap̄·šî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

and redeem me;
גְאָלָ֑הּ (ḡə·’ā·lāh)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1350: To redeem, act as kinsman

ransom me
פְּדֵֽנִי׃ (pə·ḏê·nî)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 6299: To sever, ransom, gener, to release, preserve

because of
לְמַ֖עַן (lə·ma·‘an)
Preposition
Strong's 4616: Purpose -- intent

my foes.
אֹיְבַ֣י (’ō·yə·ḇay)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 341: Hating, an adversary


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OT Poetry: Psalm 69:18 Draw near to my soul and redeem (Psalm Ps Psa.)