What is the meaning of Psalm 69:16? Answer me, O LORD • David calls on the covenant name of God, “LORD,” trusting that the One who revealed Himself to Moses (Exodus 3:14-15) still hears His people. • The request “Answer me” shows confidence that God speaks and intervenes, as promised in Psalm 34:17, “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears.” • This appeal comes from a place of distress (see the whole psalm), yet it rests on the sure fact that the Lord’s ear is open to the cries of the faithful (Psalm 18:6; 1 Peter 3:12). for Your loving devotion is good • David grounds his plea in God’s “loving devotion” (often rendered “steadfast love” or “mercy”). Because that devotion is “good,” he can expect a good response (Psalm 63:3, “Your loving devotion is better than life”). • Scripture repeatedly links God’s goodness with His faithful love: “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever” (Psalm 136:1). • By appealing to this attribute, David shows that prayer is anchored not in our performance but in God’s proven character (Romans 2:4; Titus 3:4-5). turn to me in keeping with Your great compassion • “Turn to me” asks for God’s personal attention, echoing Psalm 25:16, “Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” • “Great compassion” reassures the sufferer that God’s mercy is vast and active (Psalm 103:13, “As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him”). • The verse invites believers today to expect God’s nearness in hardship, just as Jeremiah trusted: “Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail” (Lamentations 3:22-23). summary Psalm 69:16 presents a threefold pattern for prayer: confidently call on the Lord to answer, appeal to His proven goodness and steadfast love, and welcome His personal, compassionate engagement. The verse assures us that the God who heard David remains faithful, good, and compassionate, ready to respond to all who cry out to Him in faith. |
    |