What is the meaning of Psalm 69:18? 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). 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). 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. 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.” |
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