How should Psalm 69:22 influence our response to spiritual blindness in others? Setting the Scene Psalm 69 is David’s cry for deliverance from fierce opposition. Verses 22–28 form an imprecatory section in which he calls for God’s righteous judgment. Verse 22 reads, “May their table become a snare; may it be a retribution and a trap.” Paul cites this verse in Romans 11:9–10 to explain Israel’s present hardening. That New-Testament echo helps us apply the text to the problem of spiritual blindness today. What the Verse Reveals about Spiritual Blindness • The “table” pictures abundance, privilege, and sacred fellowship (cf. Psalm 23:5). • When hearts reject truth, even God’s gifts can turn into “a snare.” Blessings harden instead of soften (Romans 2:4–5). • The psalmist is not taking private revenge. He is appealing to God’s perfect justice: blindness is both self-chosen and divinely confirmed (John 12:39–40). Key Truths to Keep in View 1. Spiritual blindness is real and devastating. – 2 Corinthians 4:4: “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers.” 2. Blindness can be judicial—God may hand people over to their own rebellion (Romans 1:24, 26). 3. God’s justice and mercy operate together. Temporary hardening (Romans 11:25) leaves room for future mercy (Romans 11:31–32). Our Response Shaped by Psalm 69:22 • Treat blindness as a serious, perilous condition, not a minor misstep. • Proclaim truth clearly. Because blessings can trap the blind, we must point out the snare (Ezekiel 3:18–19). • Pray both for mercy and for God’s righteous dealings. We plead for opened eyes (Ephesians 1:18) while submitting to His judgments. • Guard against compromise. If abundance can become a snare for others, it can for us (1 Corinthians 10:12). • Maintain humble gratitude. We once were blind, too (Ephesians 2:1–5). Compassion, not contempt, marks a heart touched by grace. • Anticipate God’s ultimate vindication. When darkness deepens, remember the psalm’s trajectory—vindication comes (Psalm 69:29–36). Practical Ways to Live This Out 1. Regularly intercede by name for blind friends, asking God to replace their snare with saving sight. 2. Share Scripture passages that expose false security—Luke 12:16–21; Revelation 3:17–18. 3. Model contentment that rests in Christ, not in the “table” of earthly blessings. 4. Speak plainly about judgment yet overflow with gospel hope (Acts 17:30–31). 5. Stay anchored in worship; the more we adore God, the more we see clearly (Psalm 73:16–17). Closing Encouragement Psalm 69:22 reminds us that spiritual blindness carries fearful consequences, but it also drives us to urgent compassion, unwavering truth, and confident trust in our righteous Lord, who alone opens eyes and turns snares into salvation. |
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