Psalms 69:16
Hear me, O LORD; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Attributes of God—especially chesed (covenant love) and rachamim (compassion)—are central to Israel's covenant theology, rooted in Exodus 34:6-7 where Yahweh proclaims Himself "merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth." Every appeal for mercy references this foundational self-revelation.
The request for God to "turn His face" recalls the Aaronic benediction (Numbers 6:24-26): "The LORD make his face shine upon thee... The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." Divine favor is depicted spatially—God's face turned toward brings blessing; His face hidden brings distress.
Christian theology recognizes Christ as the ultimate revelation of God's chesed and rachamim. In Christ, God not only turns His face toward humanity but assumes human flesh, entering our suffering.
Questions for Reflection
- How does basing prayer on God's character rather than our worthiness change our approach to Him in desperation?
- What does "turn unto me" reveal about the nature of divine presence and absence in believers' experience?
- How do you experience God's "tender mercies" as more than abstract doctrine but as lived reality?
Analysis & Commentary
Hear me, O LORD; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies. After intense petitions (verses 14-15), David grounds his appeal in God's character. "Hear me" (עֲנֵנִי/aneni) literally means "answer me"—not merely listen but respond actively. "Lovingkindness" (חֶסֶד/chesed) is covenant faithfulness, loyal love, steadfast mercy—God's committed, unbreakable devotion to His people despite their unfaithfulness.
"Thy lovingkindness is good" (טוֹב חַסְדֶּךָ/tov chasdekha) declares divine mercy's inherent excellence and beneficence. It isn't merely available but actively beneficial, life-giving, transformative. "Turn unto me" (פְּנֵה אֵלַי/fenei elai) asks God to turn His face toward the sufferer—the opposite of hiding His face (verse 17).
"According to the multitude of thy tender mercies" (כְּרֹב רַחֲמֶיךָ/kerov rachamekha)—rachamim derives from rechem (womb), evoking maternal compassion. It's visceral, tender, deeply feeling mercy. The "multitude" emphasizes abundance—God's mercies aren't limited or rationed but overflow inexhaustibly.