Bible Commentary on Psalms 69:27

Verse Context: Psalms 69 is a lament psalm attributed to David, expressing deep distress and a cry for salvation. It vividly describes the suffering and opposition faced by the psalmist.

Psalms 69:27 (KJV): "Add iniquity unto their iniquity: and let them not come into thy righteousness."

Commentary Insights

Historical Background

This psalm is a personal lament that articulates the intense suffering endured by David. He has faced scorn and rejection, which he extends towards those who have wronged him. The psalm reflects a period of deep anguish, often interpreted as a foreshadowing of Christ's suffering.

Significance of Iniquity

Matthew Henry: Henry outlines that the plea for additional iniquity indicates a desire for divine justice. He notes that when one persists in sin, they are only further compounding their guilt and separating themselves from God’s mercy. The psalmist requests that the divine response to the impenitence of his adversaries would reflect their actions – adding to their iniquity.

Albert Barnes: Barnes emphasizes the gravity of iniquity as it pertains to a person's standing with God. The mention of "their iniquity” signifies persistent rebellion against God, suggesting that those who are unrepentant would face further judgment. This reflects a biblical principle that those who reject righteousness only invite more calamity upon themselves.

Adam Clarke: Clarke interprets the phrase as a cry reflecting the bitterness of distress. He notes that the psalmist's longing for justice is a natural human response to profound suffering. The appeal appears to encapsulate a desire not only for personal vindication but for fulfillment of divine justice – recognizing that righteousness can only be attained by following God's ways.

Theological Implications

The request to "add iniquity" may seem harsh; however, it serves a crucial role in understanding the nature of sin and righteousness. It underscores the theological concept that God sees and judges the heart.

Justice and Righteousness

Matthew Henry: In his view, divine justice demands a response to sin, implying that God’s righteousness cannot overlook such rebellion. The implication here is significant – there is a boundary for the unrepentant. God’s righteousness stands in stark contrast to human folly, highlighting the seriousness of a life lived apart from His ways.

The Role of Divine Compassion

Albert Barnes: Barnes points out that even in the appeal for justice, there is an underlying principle of mercy that pervades Scripture. The tension between justice and mercy is a recurring theme; God desires that none should perish. The plea in this psalm serves to illustrate humanity’s inclination toward sin but also reveals God's longing for repentance.

Application for Believers

Pastors, students, theologians, and scholars can extract profound lessons from this verse.

• The Weight of Sin: Acknowledging sin's severity is imperative not only in the context of personal accountability but also in wider congregational teaching.
• God’s Justice: Emphasizing that God's justice is not capricious but is rooted in His righteousness provides a balanced view of divine retribution and compassion.
• Call for Repentance: God’s desire for repentance underscores His mercy. Understanding this can foster deeper pastoral care and outreach.

Conclusion

The study of Psalms 69:27 culminates in a robust understanding of the nature of God’s justice intertwined with human experience. The echoes of the lament serve as a reminder of the realities of sin, the depth of human suffering, and the constancy of God's righteousness. In the context of their ministry, pastors and leaders can anchor discussions of sin and grace in the rich tapestry of the psalms, drawing on the insights from historical commentaries to enlighten and challenge their congregations.