Psalm 69:15

Do not let the floods engulf me or the depths swallow me up; let not the Pit close its mouth over me.

Study Bible

Do not let
This phrase is a plea for divine intervention. The Hebrew root here is "אַל" (al), which is a particle of negation, often used in prayers and supplications. It reflects a deep sense of urgency and dependency on God. The psalmist is not commanding God but is earnestly requesting His protection, acknowledging that only God has the power to prevent the impending disaster.

the floods
The term "floods" in Hebrew is "מַיִם" (mayim), which literally means "waters." In the ancient Near Eastern context, floods often symbolize chaos and overwhelming circumstances. The psalmist uses this imagery to convey a sense of being overwhelmed by life's trials. Historically, floods were feared for their destructive power, and here they metaphorically represent the psalmist's dire situation.

engulf me
The Hebrew word "שָׁטַף" (shataph) means to overflow or wash away. This conveys a sense of being completely overwhelmed or consumed by troubles. The psalmist is expressing a fear of being overtaken by his adversities, seeking God's intervention to prevent this from happening.

or the depths
The "depths" refer to "מְצוּלָה" (metsulah), which can mean deep waters or the abyss. This term is often used in the Bible to describe a place of chaos and danger, akin to the primordial waters before creation. The psalmist is invoking imagery of being pulled into a place of no return, emphasizing the severity of his plight.

swallow me up
The phrase "swallow me up" comes from the Hebrew "בָּלַע" (bala), meaning to engulf or consume. This imagery suggests a complete and utter destruction, akin to being devoured. The psalmist fears being consumed by his troubles, losing his identity and existence in the process.

let not
Similar to "do not let," this phrase is another plea for divine restraint. It underscores the psalmist's reliance on God to prevent the worst from happening. The repetition of this plea highlights the intensity of the psalmist's desperation and faith.

the Pit
The "Pit" is translated from the Hebrew "בּוֹר" (bor), often referring to a grave or a place of death. In biblical literature, the Pit is a symbol of Sheol, the realm of the dead. The psalmist is asking God to spare him from death or a fate akin to death, emphasizing the life-threatening nature of his situation.

close its mouth over me
This vivid imagery of the Pit closing its mouth is derived from the Hebrew "סָגַר" (sagar), meaning to shut or close. It evokes the image of being trapped or sealed in a place of no escape. The psalmist is pleading for deliverance from a situation that feels final and inescapable, trusting in God's power to keep him from such a fate.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 69, David is expressing a deep sense of distress and seeking deliverance from overwhelming circumstances.

2. Floodwaters
Symbolic of overwhelming troubles or adversities that threaten to engulf the psalmist.

3. The Depths
Represents the deep, chaotic waters often associated with Sheol or the grave in Hebrew thought, symbolizing death or destruction.

4. The Pit
A metaphor for Sheol, the realm of the dead, often depicted as a place of no return or entrapment.

5. Sheol
In Hebrew culture, Sheol is the abode of the dead, a place of darkness and silence, often used metaphorically for despair or hopelessness.

Teaching Points

Cry for Deliverance
Like David, we can cry out to God in our times of distress, trusting in His power to save us from overwhelming situations.

Symbolism of Water
Water often symbolizes chaos and danger in Scripture. Recognize the spiritual battles we face and seek God's peace and order.

Hope in Despair
Even when we feel trapped in the "pit" of life, we can have hope that God hears our cries and will deliver us.

God's Sovereignty Over Death
The imagery of the pit closing its mouth reminds us of God's ultimate victory over death through Jesus Christ.

Faith in God's Timing
Trust in God's perfect timing for deliverance, even when it seems delayed from our perspective.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of floodwaters and the pit in Psalm 69:15 relate to your personal experiences of feeling overwhelmed?

2. In what ways can you apply the assurance of God's deliverance found in Psalm 69:15 to your current life challenges?

3. How do the themes of Psalm 69:15 connect with the account of Jonah and his deliverance from the depths?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt trapped in a "pit" of despair. How did you experience God's presence and deliverance?

5. How can the assurance of God's love in Romans 8:38-39 provide comfort when facing the "depths" or "pit" in your life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 40:2
This verse also speaks of being lifted from a pit, highlighting God's deliverance from dire circumstances.

Jonah 2:6
Jonah's prayer from the belly of the fish echoes the imagery of being trapped in the depths, seeking God's salvation.

Lamentations 3:55-57
The writer calls to God from the depths of the pit, emphasizing God's ability to hear and deliver from despair.

Romans 8:38-39
Paul assures believers that nothing can separate us from the love of God, even the depths or the grave.