Meaning of Psalms 69:27

This psalm, attributed to David, expresses profound anguish and a plea for divine intervention against enemies who are not merely persecuting him but actively opposing God and His people. The verse "Charge them with crime upon crime; do not let them share in your salvation" is a powerful imprecation, a prayer calling for God's judgment upon those who have deeply wronged the psalmist and, by extension, the covenant community. It reflects a righteous indignation against sin and rebellion, a desire for justice, and a recognition that persistent wickedness can lead to separation from God's salvific grace. The psalmist is not simply asking for personal vengeance but for the vindication of God's honor and the establishment of His righteous rule, even if that means the condemnation of those who actively oppose it.

Context and Background

Psalm 69 is a lament, often categorized as a Messianic psalm due to its perceived prophetic references to the suffering of Christ. David, in this psalm, describes his deep distress, his enemies' cruelty, and his unwavering trust in God. The enemies are depicted as relentless and malicious, going so far as to mock his faith and afflict him. The specific context of verse 27 is the psalmist's fervent prayer for God to fully account for the sins of his persecutors, leading to their exclusion from the very salvation that God offers. This is not a casual request but a cry from the depths of suffering, where the opposition to God is seen as a grave offense worthy of severe divine consequence.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Justice and Judgment: The verse underscores the biblical concept of God's ultimate justice. While God is merciful, He is also a God of righteousness who will not allow sin and rebellion to go unaddressed. The "crime upon crime" emphasizes the cumulative nature of their transgressions.
• Exclusion from Salvation: The plea "do not let them share in your salvation" highlights that salvation is not an automatic entitlement but a gift received through obedience and faith, or in this context, by those who are aligned with God's purposes. Persistent sin and opposition to God can result in a forfeiture of this grace.
• Righteous Indignation: The psalmist's words stem from a deep-seated conviction that the enemies' actions are not just personal affronts but attacks against God Himself. This is a righteous anger, not born of petty revenge, but of a desire for God's sovereignty to be recognized and upheld.
• Separation from God: The verse implies a consequence for unrepentant sin: separation from the source of life and salvation, which is God.

Spiritual Significance and Application

From a spiritual perspective, this verse calls believers to a sober understanding of sin's gravity and its potential to alienate individuals from God's presence and favor. It reminds us that while God’s grace is abundant, it is not to be presumed upon by those who deliberately and persistently reject Him or persecute His followers. It can serve as a call to self-examination, prompting believers to ensure they are not participating in actions that would lead to their own spiritual estrangement. Furthermore, it speaks to the importance of praying for justice and the vindication of God's name in the face of evil, trusting that God will administer His judgment righteously.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This imprecatory psalm finds echoes throughout Scripture. The Old Testament is replete with accounts of God's judgment upon those who defy Him, such as the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah or the plagues of Egypt. In the New Testament, while the emphasis shifts to God's salvific plan through Jesus Christ, the concept of judgment for unrepentant sin remains. Jesus himself warned of the consequences of rejecting Him and His teachings. The ultimate separation from God, as described in Revelation, is the final outcome for those who remain in rebellion. This verse, therefore, aligns with the overarching biblical narrative of God's sovereignty, His justice, and the two paths available to humanity: salvation and judgment.

Analogies

One analogy for "charge them with crime upon crime" is like a prosecutor meticulously gathering evidence of repeated offenses, building an undeniable case against a defendant. Each new piece of evidence strengthens the prosecution's argument for a guilty verdict and a severe sentence. For "do not let them share in your salvation," consider a closed garden gate. Those who have proven themselves to be destructive or untrustworthy are not allowed entry into the beautiful, protected space, signifying their exclusion from the benefits and peace found within.

Relation to Other Verses

• Romans 1:18: "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness." This verse echoes the psalmist's plea by indicating that God’s wrath is directed against persistent unrighteousness.
• Hebrews 10:26-27: "If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God." This New Testament passage directly addresses the concept of intentional, persistent sin leading to a forfeiture of God's grace and a fearful judgment.
• Psalm 37:2: "For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green plant." This verse, also from Psalms, speaks to the transient nature of the wicked and the ultimate divine intervention against them, aligning with the sentiment of the imprecation.
• Matthew 25:46: "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." This parable of Jesus clearly delineates the ultimate outcomes of salvation and condemnation based on one's response to God and His commands.