Psalms 69:16

"Don’t let the flood waters overwhelm me, neither let the deep swallow me up. Don’t let the pit shut its mouth on me."

Key Reflection

In Psalms 69:16, David is expressing intense fear and desperation, using vivid imagery that reflects his dire situation. The "flood waters" symbolize overwhelming calamities or enemies, while the "deep" represents a place of darkness and despair. By praying that these forces do not overwhelm him, David is seeking God's deliverance from his troubles, illustrating the hope he has in divine rescue amidst life’s adversities.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Hear me, O L RD, for thy lovingkindness is good -Thy mercy - thy favor - is good; that is, it is ample, abundant, great: it delights in deeds of mercy; in acts of benevolence. This was the only ground of his plea; and this was enough. ComparePsalms 63:3. Turn unto me -Incline thine ear unto me; turn not away, but be favorable to me. According to the multitude of thy tender mercies -See the notes atPsalms 51:1. He felt that he had occasion for the exercise of “all” the mercy of God; that the case was one which could be reached only by the exercise of the highest kindness and compassion.

More from Psalms 69

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