David expresses his sorrow over being forsaken by his nearest kin, reminding us that sincere faithfulness to God may, at times, bring about opposition—even from those closest to us.
I have become estranged from my brothers And an alien to my mother’s sons. (v.8) Here, David (who reigned as king over Israel from about 1010 BC to 970 BC) describes the deep loneliness that can come from rejection by one’s own family. The psalmist’s words capture a heartfelt lament designed to pour out anguish before God. This same psalm speaks of the wounds David received when friends and relatives distanced themselves from him, perhaps fearing the reproach associated with his steadfast devotion to the Lord. By openly acknowledging feeling “estranged” or cut off, David reveals an intensely personal sorrow that underscores his humanity and vulnerability.
In the surrounding context of Psalm 69, David’s sense of being abandoned by those closest to him intertwines with the larger theme of enduring false accusations and public shame. The psalmist laments that instead of receiving sympathy, he finds himself the target of slander, leading to a profound sense of alienation. Although family ties were central in the ancient Near East, David’s lament here reflects how even the strongest of earthly bonds can be strained by misunderstandings or an unwillingness to stand against popular criticism.
Many Christians see in David’s feelings a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ’s own experiences, since the Gospels record that Jesus’s own brothers did not at first believe in Him (John 7:5). Like David, Jesus encountered rejection from those who could have offered support in His hardship. In this way, David’s honest plea in Psalm 69 sets a precedent for bringing raw grief before God, assured that the Lord receives His people’s cries and remains faithful even when human ties falter.
Set to dark mode
Psalms 69:8 meaning
I have become estranged from my brothers And an alien to my mother’s sons. (v.8) Here, David (who reigned as king over Israel from about 1010 BC to 970 BC) describes the deep loneliness that can come from rejection by one’s own family. The psalmist’s words capture a heartfelt lament designed to pour out anguish before God. This same psalm speaks of the wounds David received when friends and relatives distanced themselves from him, perhaps fearing the reproach associated with his steadfast devotion to the Lord. By openly acknowledging feeling “estranged” or cut off, David reveals an intensely personal sorrow that underscores his humanity and vulnerability.
In the surrounding context of Psalm 69, David’s sense of being abandoned by those closest to him intertwines with the larger theme of enduring false accusations and public shame. The psalmist laments that instead of receiving sympathy, he finds himself the target of slander, leading to a profound sense of alienation. Although family ties were central in the ancient Near East, David’s lament here reflects how even the strongest of earthly bonds can be strained by misunderstandings or an unwillingness to stand against popular criticism.
Many Christians see in David’s feelings a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ’s own experiences, since the Gospels record that Jesus’s own brothers did not at first believe in Him (John 7:5). Like David, Jesus encountered rejection from those who could have offered support in His hardship. In this way, David’s honest plea in Psalm 69 sets a precedent for bringing raw grief before God, assured that the Lord receives His people’s cries and remains faithful even when human ties falter.