Psalm 69: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 69 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The psalmist expresses a desperate plea for help, as floodwaters rise around him (vv. 1-5). He feels overwhelmed and weary, having suffered reproach and shame from those who unjustly oppose him. His shame leads to alienation, where he feels like a stranger to his own family (vv. 6-12). In prayer, he seeks deliverance from God, imploring Him to save him from the mire and enemies threatening him (vv. 13-20). The psalmist then turns to imprecations against his enemies, asking for their punishment and for their names to be blotted out of the book of life (vv. 21-28). Finally, he declares his hope in God’s salvation, vowing to offer praise and thanksgiving, knowing that God hears the needy and will save Zion (vv. 29-36).

Key verse

“Save me, God, for the waters have come up to my neck!”
Psalms 69:1 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 69:1–5 Desperate Plea for Help
Psalm 69:6–12 Shame and Alienation
Psalm 69:13–20 Prayer for Deliverance
Psalm 69:21–28 Imprecations Against Enemies
Psalm 69:29–36 Praise and Hope for Salvation

Discussion questions

In v2, what does the psalmist express by saying he is in 'deep waters'?
What does the psalmist say has happened because of his zeal in v9?
In v19, what is the psalmist implying by stating, 'my adversaries are all before you'?
In v28, why does the psalmist request that enemies not be 'written with the righteous'?
When have you faced unjust treatment like the psalmist describes in v7?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 69: John 19, John 2, Psalm 40.

Before next time: read Psalm 70.