Psalms 69:17
And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The concept of God hiding His face appears throughout Israel's history, particularly during judgment and exile (Deuteronomy 31:17-18, Isaiah 54:8, Ezekiel 39:23-24). It represented covenant curse—the ultimate consequence of persistent rebellion. Yet the righteous also experienced seasons when God's presence seemed absent (Psalm 13:1, 44:24).
David as "servant" (ebed) connects to his role as anointed king, shepherd of Israel, covenant representative. The term appears in messianic prophecy (Isaiah's Servant Songs), pointing to Christ as the ultimate Servant who perfectly fulfilled God's will yet experienced God's face hidden under sin's curse He bore as substitute.
Early church fathers saw this verse as Christ's cry from the cross, when the Father's face was hidden due to imputed sin.
Questions for Reflection
- Have you experienced seasons when God's face seemed hidden, and how did you persist in faith through that darkness?
- What is the difference between God hiding His face in judgment versus God's apparent absence during trials of faith?
- How does Christ's experience of the Father's hidden face on the cross guarantee that God will never ultimately hide His face from believers?
Analysis & Commentary
And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily. The plea "hide not thy face" (אַל־תַּסְתֵּר פָּנֶיךָ/al-taster panekha) is among Scripture's most poignant prayers, expressing the horror of divine absence. God "hiding His face" signifies withdrawal of favor, presence, and protection—the opposite of blessing (Psalm 27:9, 102:2). For covenant people, divine presence was everything; its absence meant abandonment to enemies, meaninglessness, and death.
"Thy servant" (עַבְדֶּךָ/avdekha) grounds the appeal in covenant relationship. David isn't a stranger making demands but a bond-servant who has given his life to God's service. Masters don't abandon servants; lords don't forsake vassals who've sworn fealty.
"For I am in trouble" (כִּי־צַר־לִי/ki-tzar-li) uses tzar (narrow, tight, constricted), suggesting being trapped, compressed, with no room to breathe or escape. "Hear me speedily" (מַהֵר עֲנֵנִי/maher aneni) expresses urgent need—not eventual deliverance but immediate response. This anticipates Christ's cry on the cross, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46).