Psalms 69:11

  1. Home
  2. KJV Bible
  3. Psalms 69
  4. Psalms 69:11

Old Testament

Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi

New Testament

Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation

Chapter

Psalms 1 Psalms 2 Psalms 3 Psalms 4 Psalms 5 Psalms 6 Psalms 7 Psalms 8 Psalms 9 Psalms 10 Psalms 11 Psalms 12 Psalms 13 Psalms 14 Psalms 15 Psalms 16 Psalms 17 Psalms 18 Psalms 19 Psalms 20 Psalms 21 Psalms 22 Psalms 23 Psalms 24 Psalms 25 Psalms 26 Psalms 27 Psalms 28 Psalms 29 Psalms 30 Psalms 31 Psalms 32 Psalms 33 Psalms 34 Psalms 35 Psalms 36 Psalms 37 Psalms 38 Psalms 39 Psalms 40 Psalms 41 Psalms 42 Psalms 43 Psalms 44 Psalms 45 Psalms 46 Psalms 47 Psalms 48 Psalms 49 Psalms 50 Psalms 51 Psalms 52 Psalms 53 Psalms 54 Psalms 55 Psalms 56 Psalms 57 Psalms 58 Psalms 59 Psalms 60 Psalms 61 Psalms 62 Psalms 63 Psalms 64 Psalms 65 Psalms 66 Psalms 67 Psalms 68 Psalms 69 Psalms 70 Psalms 71 Psalms 72 Psalms 73 Psalms 74 Psalms 75 Psalms 76 Psalms 77 Psalms 78 Psalms 79 Psalms 80 Psalms 81 Psalms 82 Psalms 83 Psalms 84 Psalms 85 Psalms 86 Psalms 87 Psalms 88 Psalms 89 Psalms 90 Psalms 91 Psalms 92 Psalms 93 Psalms 94 Psalms 95 Psalms 96 Psalms 97 Psalms 98 Psalms 99 Psalms 100 Psalms 101 Psalms 102 Psalms 103 Psalms 104 Psalms 105 Psalms 106 Psalms 107 Psalms 108 Psalms 109 Psalms 110 Psalms 111 Psalms 112 Psalms 113 Psalms 114 Psalms 115 Psalms 116 Psalms 117 Psalms 118 Psalms 119 Psalms 120 Psalms 121 Psalms 122 Psalms 123 Psalms 124 Psalms 125 Psalms 126 Psalms 127 Psalms 128 Psalms 129 Psalms 130 Psalms 131 Psalms 132 Psalms 133 Psalms 134 Psalms 135 Psalms 136 Psalms 137 Psalms 138 Psalms 139 Psalms 140 Psalms 141 Psalms 142 Psalms 143 Psalms 144 Psalms 145 Psalms 146 Psalms 147 Psalms 148 Psalms 149 Psalms 150

Verse

Psalms 69:1 Psalms 69:2 Psalms 69:3 Psalms 69:4 Psalms 69:5 Psalms 69:6 Psalms 69:7 Psalms 69:8 Psalms 69:9 Psalms 69:10 Psalms 69:11 Psalms 69:12 Psalms 69:13 Psalms 69:14 Psalms 69:15 Psalms 69:16 Psalms 69:17 Psalms 69:18 Psalms 69:19 Psalms 69:20 Psalms 69:21 Psalms 69:22 Psalms 69:23 Psalms 69:24 Psalms 69:25 Psalms 69:26 Psalms 69:27 Psalms 69:28 Psalms 69:29 Psalms 69:30 Psalms 69:31 Psalms 69:32 Psalms 69:33 Psalms 69:34 Psalms 69:35 Psalms 69:36

Psalms 69:11 KJV

I made sackcloth also my garment; and I became a proverb to them.

Previous Verse
« Psalms 69:10
Next Verse
Psalms 69:12 »

Psalms 69:11 Bible Commentary

Commentary on Psalms 69:11

Verse: "I wore sackcloth, and I became a byword to them." (Psalm 69:11, ESV)

Introduction

The Psalms have long served as an intimate expression of the human soul’s struggle, its highs and lows, triumphs and despairs. Among these, Psalm 69 stands out as a vivid portrayal of suffering and earnest supplication to God. In verse 11, the psalmist employs the imagery of wearing sackcloth, a traditional sign of mourning and repentance, signaling a profound state of distress and humility.

Historical Context

This psalm is attributed to David, suggesting it arose during a period of intense personal anguish, possibly relating to his struggles with enemies and persecution. Sackcloth was a coarse fabric made from goat’s hair, symbolizing grief, penitence, and humility before God. Through actions such as wearing sackcloth, the author communicates the depth of his affliction and the seriousness of his lament.

Mattheww Henry's Commentary

Matthew Henry emphasizes the psalmist's expression of deep sorrow linked to his experiences of reproach. He explains that wearing sackcloth was not merely a physical sign but an outward indication of inward grief, where the psalmist becomes a 'byword'—a term of scorn and ridicule among his peers. Henry interprets this as an example of how godly people may be treated unjustly in society, marginalized, or reviled because of their faith and convictions.

  • Expression of Mourning: Henry argues that the act of donning sackcloth reflects the psalmist's true state of heart, demonstrating a desire for purification and alignment with God’s will.
  • Impact of Suffering: The lament highlights the ebbs of fame and the poignant transition to becoming a topic of derision. This aspect resonates powerfully with those who may feel isolated in their Christian walk.

Albert Barnes' Commentary

Albert Barnes elaborates on the idea of becoming a 'byword,' indicating that the psalmist was not only in mourning but also facing the larger societal impact of his suffering. Barnes notes that this experience is indicative of a broader theme in Scripture—the righteous often suffer while the wicked seem to prosper.

  • Social Isolation: Barnes points out that the psalmist's connection to a broader community was stripped away, transforming him into a subject of mockery. This reflection serves as a poignant warning to believers, reminding them of the weight of public perception.
  • Spiritual Alignment: The sorrow expressed through sackcloth wearing calls Christians to examine their own responses to suffering and the importance of aligning one's heart with God's purposes even amid ridicule and rejection.

Adam Clarke's Commentary

Adam Clarke provides additional insights into the metaphor of sackcloth, insisting it signifies an earnest, sincere repentance not just for personal sin but also for the sins of the nation. Clarke sees the psalmist’s decision to wear sackcloth as indicative of the state of Israel as a whole, calling for collective contrition.

  • Collective Penitence: His commentary aligns the personal sorrow of the psalmist with a national emphasis, suggesting that the troubles faced were not solely individual but deeply rooted in the shared transgressions of the people.
  • Hope Amidst Despair: Clarke concludes with a note on hope, reminding readers that even within deep mourning, the psalmist's movements toward God demonstrate a foundation for faith that renders sorrow a channel for future restoration.

Theological Implications

From these commentators, it becomes evident that Psalm 69:11 invites reflection on several theological and practical lessons:

  • The Reality of Suffering: The psalmist’s experience resonates profoundly with the Christian journey, showcasing that suffering is not only a momentary state but often a road to deeper reliance on God.
  • Public Scorn and Identity: The awareness of social stigma for one’s faith should prompt believers to fortify their identity in Christ, becoming vessels of light even when faced with reproach.
  • Collective Spirituality: Clarke's insights prompt the church to consider the communal ramifications of sin and the need for collective response in repentance, signaling that personal sorrow can lead to corporate renewal.
  • God's Redeeming Grace: The ultimate turn toward God in the midst of suffering assures the believer that their pain is not in vain but rather is a precursor to God's redemptive work.

Conclusion

Psalms 69:11 paints a vivid picture of sorrow through the eyes of the psalmist, who embodies the struggles of the faithful amidst trials. The insights from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke offer a deep well of understanding, encouraging believers, scholars, and pastors alike to reflect on their own experiences with grief, to embrace public scorn for the sake of Christ, and to collectively turn towards God for healing and restoration. Such reflections remain vital for a fuller comprehension of the complexities of faith, suffering, and the hope of divine mercy.

Psalms 69 (KJV) Verse Selection

Psalms 69:1 Psalms 69:2 Psalms 69:3 Psalms 69:4 Psalms 69:5 Psalms 69:6 Psalms 69:7 Psalms 69:8 Psalms 69:9 Psalms 69:10 Psalms 69:11 Psalms 69:12 Psalms 69:13 Psalms 69:14 Psalms 69:15 Psalms 69:16 Psalms 69:17 Psalms 69:18 Psalms 69:19 Psalms 69:20 Psalms 69:21 Psalms 69:22 Psalms 69:23 Psalms 69:24 Psalms 69:25 Psalms 69:26 Psalms 69:27 Psalms 69:28 Psalms 69:29 Psalms 69:30 Psalms 69:31 Psalms 69:32 Psalms 69:33 Psalms 69:34 Psalms 69:35 Psalms 69:36

KJV Bible Books

KJV Bible Books and Chapters »