EXPOSITION
THIS is the cry of one suffering severely from men, partly on account of his own sins (Psalms 69:5), but mainly for the sake of God (Psalms 69:7-9). It is said to be "written in the style of Jeremiah" (Cheyne); but the resemblance to several Davidical psalms, especially Psalms 22:1-31, Psalms 25:1-22, and Psalms 40:1-17, is admitted; and the expression, "Al Shoshannim," in the "title," connects it also with Psalms 45:1-17 :Moreover, the "title" distinctly assigns it to David, as does St. Paul (Romans 11:9); and there are no arguments of any weight to set against these testimonies. As for the time in David's life to which it belongs, there is no very distinct evidence; but Dr. Kay's conjecture, that it was written at the time of Adonijah's rebellion, is not improbable.
The psalm divides into five unequal portions, consisting respectively of four, eight, nine, eight, and seven verses.