Psalms 69:6
Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed for my sake: let not those that seek thee be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Psalm 69 is traditionally attributed to David, though some scholars suggest exilic or post-exilic authorship. The superscription identifies it as belonging to "the chief Musician upon Shoshannim" (lilies), possibly indicating the melody. The psalm's themes of suffering, betrayal, and vindication made it one of the most frequently quoted in the New Testament, with at least six direct citations.
Historical context likely involves David's persecution—either during Saul's pursuit, Absalom's rebellion, or another crisis. The reference to "God of Israel" grounds the appeal in covenant relationship, not mere theistic belief. Israel's God had bound Himself by oath to protect His people and His anointed king.
For the early church, this psalm became profoundly messianic. Verses 4, 9, 21, and 25 were applied to Christ's passion. The concern that God's people not be shamed through the suffering of God's servant found ultimate expression in Christ's cry of abandonment (Matthew 27:46) and subsequent vindication.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your response to suffering affect other believers' faith, and are you mindful of this broader impact?
- What does it mean practically to 'wait on' the Lord in times of prolonged hardship?
- How does Christ's vindication through resurrection address the fear that God might abandon His servants?
- In what ways might believers today experience shame 'for Christ's sake,' and how should this shape our expectations?
Analysis & Commentary
Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed for my sake: let not those that seek thee be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel. This verse reveals David's concern extends beyond personal vindication to God's reputation and the faith of fellow believers. The phrase "wait on thee" (קֹוֶיךָ/qovekha) indicates expectant trust, those who look to Yahweh with patient confidence. "Lord GOD of hosts" (אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה צְבָאוֹת/Adonai Yahweh Tzeva'ot) invokes God's sovereign power over heavenly and earthly armies—the One who commands all forces.
"Be ashamed" (יֵבֹשׁוּ/yevoshu) and "confounded" (יִכָּלְמוּ/yikalmu) both express public humiliation and disappointment of hope. David's concern is profoundly pastoral: if God fails to vindicate him, other believers watching may lose faith. His suffering has become a test case for whether God protects His servants. This isn't self-centered but reflects understanding that individual believers' experiences affect the broader community's faith.
The repetition "for my sake" emphasizes David's awareness that his situation has become emblematic. If God allows His anointed to be destroyed by enemies, what hope do ordinary believers have? This anticipates Christ, whose vindication through resurrection became the guarantee of all believers' future vindication (Romans 8:11, 1 Corinthians 15:20-23).