Psalm 69 (68):2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Do not depend on temporary things, such as flowing water, for stability. While one cannot stand on water, everyone can find safety on solid ground. The challenges of life resemble water; as it is written, "for the waters have reached my soul," similar to a river that has overflowed its banks.

The seed that appears to bring forth humble expressions is now regarded with contempt. It lies buried in the soil, although the world will be astonished by the majesty of the tree that emerges from the seed disdained by the Jews. Indeed, consider the mustard seed, which is tiny, inconspicuous, and thoroughly undervalued; in this, the prophecy was fulfilled: "We saw him, and he had no form or beauty." (Isaiah 53:2). He speaks of how the waters engulfed His soul, as those throngs—metaphorically called waters—were powerful enough to bring about Christ's death. Why then does He lament as if enduring against His will, if not for the reason that the head signifies the members?

Because He bore our transgressions, ‘He is sick for us’ (Isaiah 53:4), He appropriately seeks rescue from the trials that enveloped His spirit like a torrent.

This supplication is presented by the assembly of the righteous. Yet, he describes the waters as a myriad of disasters. He proclaims that he is engulfed in affliction on all sides.

David refers to the waters as a torrent of trials and tribulations, stemming from both seen and unseen adversaries; the intensity of these struggles overwhelms anyone who succumbs to them. He states that the waves of temptation have overwhelmed my physical being, extending to my very soul, which illustrates the profound nature of his anguish and despair.

Listen closely, O Israel, to my words. You take pride in the fact that you condemned Jesus of Nazareth to death, mocking Him with vinegar and gall. But let us reflect together; is this boast not foolish? Is it not this small offering of bitterness that has brought upon you such dire consequences, leading to your countless misfortunes? Therefore, let us turn our attention to the prophet David, the son of Jesse, who spoke by the Holy Spirit. He foreshadowed the true Christ and sang about all that the Jews inflicted upon Him during His suffering. In Psalm 68, Christ, who humbled Himself and assumed the form of Adam, the servant, cries out to God the Father in heaven: "Save me, O God, for the waters have entered into my soul."

In his opening remarks, David vividly illustrates his profound tribulations, where he found himself nearly submerged, yet his spirit remained unbroken, unaffected by despair or weakness, as is well-known. Instead, he confronted formidable temptations with remarkable bravery. This reveals the severity of his plight, for he expresses that he was not merely overwhelmed by the waters but was nearly engulfed. He likens his afflictions to a deep and treacherous quagmire, fraught with peril. A person who finds themselves in water may find stability by standing on the bottom and can often resurface, as many have done by utilizing their strength. Conversely, one ensnared in deep mud faces inevitable doom. He further elaborates on his circumstances, stating: I have come into the depths of the sea, and the flood has overwhelmed me, indicating the intense struggle against numerous adversities.

At the culmination of the law, embodied by Christ the Lord (Rom. 10:4), this psalm is written for David, divinely inspired, and speaks to those who have transitioned from wickedness to righteousness, from doubt to belief in Christ, and from sin to repentance. In this text, the prophet seeks God's assistance, desiring to transform his grief into joy by vanquishing his adversaries who persecute him. Simultaneously, the psalm reveals the numerous trials and perilous predicaments faced by Christ the Lord during His pure Passion, particularly the suffering inflicted by the ungrateful Jewish leaders.

Rescue me, O God, for the waters have engulfed my soul—submerged in the deluge of divine anger. When the waters squeeze the breath, one finds themselves close to peril; similarly, here the tides of God's wrath surged so high that they suffocated the breathing of the God-Man. This experience of divine wrath was felt by the Lord when He lamented: "For ever hast thou forsaken Me!"