Psalms – Chapter 69

Old Testament • 6 Verses

Chapter Summary

Psalms 69 opens with the words: "Unto the end, a psalm for David, to bring to remembrance that the Lord saved him." David stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 6 verses, two threads run through the text: God's protection and deliverance and justice and care for the poor. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1Unto the end, a psalm for David, to bring to remembrance that the Lord saved him.

2O God, come to my assistance; O Lord, make haste to help me.

3Let them be confounded and ashamed that seek my soul:

4Let them be turned backward, and blush for shame that desire evils to me: Let them be presently turned away blushing for shame that say to me: 'Tis well, 'tis well.

5Let all that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee; and let such as love thy salvation say always: The Lord be magnified.

6But I am needy and poor; O God, help me. Thou art my helper and my deliverer: O Lord, make no delay.

Important Verses in Psalms 69

“Unto the end, a psalm for David, to bring to remembrance that the Lord saved him.”

Psalms 69:1

“But I am needy and poor; O God, help me. Thou art my helper and my deliverer: O Lord, make no delay. ”

Psalms 69:6

Historical Context

Psalms belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for god's people at prayer in every age. Chapter 69 of 150 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 6 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on David, the principal figures named in this chapter. The chapter begins: "Unto the end, a psalm for David, to bring to remembrance that the Lord saved him." The final verse reads: "But I am needy and poor; O God, help me. Thou art my helper and my deliverer: O Lord, make no delay. " In terms of historical background, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, the psalmist voices praise, lament, thanksgiving, or petition before God. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Unto the end, a psalm for David, to bring to remembrance that the Lord saved him." The passage repeatedly touches on God's protection and deliverance.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 2466). Here, the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize God's protection and deliverance as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Psalms 69 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • ✓The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.
  • ✓God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.

People in This Chapter

David1 mention

Reflection for Today

In Psalms Chapter 69, the Church invites us to listen attentively to God's Word within the broader narrative of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God.

The Second Vatican Council reminded the faithful that Scripture should permeate Catholic spirituality (Dei Verbum, 21-26). Psalms Chapter 69 supports that call by drawing attention to redemptive suffering united to the Cross within the wider message that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of redemptive suffering united to the Cross bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 69 about?

Psalms 69 contains 6 verses. It opens with "Unto the end, a psalm for David, to bring to remembrance that the Lord saved him." and closes with "But I am needy and poor; O God, help me. Thou art my helper and my deliverer: O Lord, make no delay. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 69?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Unto the end, a psalm for David, to bring to remembrance that the Lord saved him." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 69?

This chapter mentions David.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Related Chapters

2 Samuel 22Shares people and themes with this chapter1 Maccabees 4Shares people and themes with this chapterRomans 1Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Prayers for Protection🙏Prayer to St. Michael🙏Prayer for the Poor🙏Prayer for the World

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