What is the meaning of Psalm 69:26? Context of the Psalm • Psalm 69 is David’s heartfelt cry amid intense hostility. See the wider backdrop in Psalm 69:1–4, where he says, “Save me, O God, for the waters are up to my neck,” revealing real, not merely poetic, distress. • David speaks not only for himself but prophetically for the Messiah; the New Testament applies several lines from this psalm to Christ’s suffering (John 2:17; Romans 15:3). • Verses 22–28, where v. 26 sits, describe the wicked response of David’s enemies—and ultimately Christ’s enemies—to God’s servant. “For they persecute the one You struck” • The persecutors exploit what God has allowed: – David recognizes that God’s hand of discipline is on him (Psalm 38:1–4), yet others use that discipline as an excuse to pile on. – Job felt a similar double blow: “Why do you persecute me as God does?” (Job 19:22). • The irony is sharp: – Instead of humbling themselves at God’s evident action, these enemies intensify their attacks, showing hearts hardened against both God and His servant (Isaiah 57:4–6). – In Christ, this reaches its apex. Though “we considered Him stricken by God” (Isaiah 53:4), people still mocked Him on the cross (Matthew 27:41–44). • Truths to take home: – God may discipline His own children, but He condemns those who exploit that discipline for cruelty (Zechariah 1:15). – Suffering believers can know that hostility does not escape God’s notice; He distinguishes between His fatherly correction and man’s malice (Psalm 94:12–13, 23). “and recount the pain of those You wounded.” • “Recount” pictures spiteful storytelling—keeping a ledger of another’s misery: – The enemies are not passive observers; they gloat and spread accounts of David’s suffering (Psalm 35:15–16). – Obadiah denounces Edom for this very sin: “You should not have gloated over your brother in the day of his misfortune” (Obadiah 1:12). • “Those You wounded” reaffirms that God’s servant is under divine chastening, yet others exploit it: – In Lamentations 1:12, Jerusalem laments that her sorrow is from the LORD, but passers-by merely stare. – On Golgotha, the crowds rehearse Jesus’ pain for sport: “He saved others; He cannot save Himself” (Mark 15:31). • Lessons for believers: – Guard against rehearsing others’ grief; love “does not rejoice in unrighteousness” (1 Corinthians 13:6). – Trust that God will vindicate His wounded ones and judge those who savor their pain (Psalm 73:18–20). summary Psalm 69:26 exposes enemies who capitalize on God-permitted affliction. They pursue the already stricken and broadcast their misery for ridicule. The verse warns against cruel opportunism and assures the faithful that God distinguishes between His corrective hand and man’s persecution. Ultimately, it foreshadows Christ, “smitten of God, and afflicted,” yet scorned by men—reminding us that our Savior shares fully in the sufferings of all who are unjustly hounded while under God’s sovereign care. |
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