This is one of the most quoted psalms in the New Testament, and it is often applied to the ministry and suffering of Jesus. Verse 4, like Joh 15:25, speaks of Jesus' many enemies. The experience of being scorned by his brothers (Psa 69:8) is expressed in Joh 7:5. Verse 9 portrays David's zeal for God; Christ showed great zeal when he threw the money changers out of the Temple (Joh 2:14-17). Paul quoted part of Psa 69:9 in Rom 15:3. Christ's great suffering is portrayed in Psa 69:20-21 (Mat 27:48; Mar_15:23; Luk 23:36; Joh_19:28-30). Verses 22 through 28 are quoted in Rom 11:9-10; and Peter applied Psa 69:25 to Judas (Act 1:20).
Psalms 69:3
David cried out until he was physically exhausted, with a parched throat and eyes swollen from weeping. Yet he still trusted God to save him. When devastated by death or tragedy, we need not collapse or despair because we can turn to God and ask him to save us and help us. The tears will still come, but we will not be crying in vain.
Psalms 69:13
What problems David faced! He was scoffed at, mocked, insulted, humiliated, and made the object of citywide gossip. But still he prayed. When we are completely beaten down, we are tempted to turn from God, give up, and quit trusting him. When your situation seems hopeless, determine that no matter how bad things become you will continue to pray. God will hear your prayer, and he will rescue you. When others reject us, we need God most. Don't turn from your most faithful friend.
Psalms 69:28
The "Book of Life" is God's list of those who are in right relationship to him and who remain faithful (Psa 1:3; Psa 7:9; Psa 11:7; Psa 34:12; Psa 37:17, Psa 37:29; Psa 55:22; Psa 75:10; Psa 92:12-14; Psa 140:13). This term in the New Testament refers to those who will receive eternal life (see Php 4:3; Rev 3:5; Rev 13:8; Rev 20:15).
