Psalms 69:15
Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern mythology frequently personified death and the underworld as monsters with gaping mouths devouring humanity (Isaiah 5:14, Habakkuk 2:5). Canaanite texts described Mot (Death) as a deity with insatiable appetite. While Israel's monotheism rejected pagan deities, biblical poetry retained vivid imagery of death as an active, hostile power seeking to devour life.
Wells and cisterns, while necessary for survival in arid climate, posed real dangers. People fell into cisterns and died (Genesis 37:20-24, Jeremiah 38:6).
For Christian theology, this verse became central to understanding Christ's descent into death and resurrection victory. Patristic writings often depicted Christ entering death's domain, breaking its power from within, and liberating captives.
Questions for Reflection
- What feels like an unstoppable "waterflood" threatening to overwhelm your life currently?
- How does the imagery of death as an active, hungry power shape your understanding of spiritual warfare?
- In what ways does Christ's victory over death—entering the pit and emerging triumphant—provide confidence facing mortality?
Analysis & Commentary
Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me. This verse continues intense drowning imagery with three distinct metaphors for mortal danger. "Waterflood" (שִׁבֹּלֶת מַיִם/shibolet mayim) literally means rushing stream or torrent—unstoppable force that sweeps away everything in its path. "Overflow" (תִשְׁטְפֵנִי/tishtfeni) depicts being overwhelmed, submerged, carried away by flood's power.
"Neither let the deep swallow me up" (מְצוּלָה/metzulah) refers to ocean depths or abyss—the chaotic, primordial waters symbolizing death and chaos in ancient Near Eastern thought (Genesis 1:2, 7:11). To be swallowed by the deep meant complete, irreversible destruction. "The pit" (בְּאֵר/be'er), normally a well or cistern, here represents Sheol or the grave—the place of death.
"Shut her mouth upon me" personifies the pit as a monster devouring prey. Once its mouth closes, escape is impossible. This vivid imagery captures the finality and horror of death. It anticipates Christ who descended into death's pit but could not be held (Acts 2:24, 31).