But I am afflicted and in pain; May Your salvation, O God, set me securely on high. (v.29)
David, who lived circa 1010-970 BC and served as the second king of Israel, pours out his distress and longing for deliverance in this portion of Psalm 69. When he says, I am afflicted and in pain (v.29), he is acknowledging his deep physical and emotional hardships, which were frequent throughout his life as he fled from enemies and fought numerous battles. Although no specific location is mentioned in this verse, David spent much of his early life fleeing from King Saul in the wilderness areas of Judah (1 Samuel 23), later establishing Jerusalem as the capital of his kingdom (2 Samuel 5:6-7). His afflictions included threats from foreign armies as well as betrayal and strife within his own family. Despite the weight of his troubles, David seeks rescue from God, his ultimate source of salvation.
By pleading, May Your salvation, O God, set me securely on high (v.29), David demonstrates reliance on the Lord to deliver him. The phrase set me securely on high conveys the idea of being lifted to a protected and exalted position, reminiscent of how God repeatedly protected David from his adversaries. Believers in the New Testament can see a parallel to how Jesus himself experienced suffering and humiliation before His exaltation (Philippians 2:8-9). David’s cry for salvation resonates with the broader testimony of Scripture: God is faithful to rescue those who humble themselves before Him and trust Him for deliverance.
Psalm 69 is also regarded as a messianic psalm, foreshadowing Christ’s suffering. In various passages, the New Testament writers connect verses from Psalm 69 to Jesus’s own afflictions. For instance, Psalm 69:9 is referenced in John 2:17, where Jesus’s zeal for His Father’s house leads Him to drive out the money changers from the temple, and Psalm 69:21 is fulfilled when sour wine is offered to Jesus on the cross (Matthew 27:48; John 19:28-30). Though verse 29 focuses on David’s plea for help, the entire psalm ultimately points toward God’s rescue and triumph—just as Jesus’s suffering on the cross would end in resurrection glory, confirming His victory over sin and death.
This verse reminds believers that in times of personal affliction, they may follow David’s example of humble dependence on the Lord. By asking God to set him securely on high (v.29), David shows his confidence that God remains sovereign. The verse highlights that sufferers may cling to hope in God’s power to save in the midst of intense trials.
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Psalms 69:29 meaning
But I am afflicted and in pain; May Your salvation, O God, set me securely on high. (v.29)
David, who lived circa 1010-970 BC and served as the second king of Israel, pours out his distress and longing for deliverance in this portion of Psalm 69. When he says, I am afflicted and in pain (v.29), he is acknowledging his deep physical and emotional hardships, which were frequent throughout his life as he fled from enemies and fought numerous battles. Although no specific location is mentioned in this verse, David spent much of his early life fleeing from King Saul in the wilderness areas of Judah (1 Samuel 23), later establishing Jerusalem as the capital of his kingdom (2 Samuel 5:6-7). His afflictions included threats from foreign armies as well as betrayal and strife within his own family. Despite the weight of his troubles, David seeks rescue from God, his ultimate source of salvation.
By pleading, May Your salvation, O God, set me securely on high (v.29), David demonstrates reliance on the Lord to deliver him. The phrase set me securely on high conveys the idea of being lifted to a protected and exalted position, reminiscent of how God repeatedly protected David from his adversaries. Believers in the New Testament can see a parallel to how Jesus himself experienced suffering and humiliation before His exaltation (Philippians 2:8-9). David’s cry for salvation resonates with the broader testimony of Scripture: God is faithful to rescue those who humble themselves before Him and trust Him for deliverance.
Psalm 69 is also regarded as a messianic psalm, foreshadowing Christ’s suffering. In various passages, the New Testament writers connect verses from Psalm 69 to Jesus’s own afflictions. For instance, Psalm 69:9 is referenced in John 2:17, where Jesus’s zeal for His Father’s house leads Him to drive out the money changers from the temple, and Psalm 69:21 is fulfilled when sour wine is offered to Jesus on the cross (Matthew 27:48; John 19:28-30). Though verse 29 focuses on David’s plea for help, the entire psalm ultimately points toward God’s rescue and triumph—just as Jesus’s suffering on the cross would end in resurrection glory, confirming His victory over sin and death.
This verse reminds believers that in times of personal affliction, they may follow David’s example of humble dependence on the Lord. By asking God to set him securely on high (v.29), David shows his confidence that God remains sovereign. The verse highlights that sufferers may cling to hope in God’s power to save in the midst of intense trials.