Psalm 69:27 – “Charge them with crime upon crime; do not let them share in your salvation.”
Psalm 69:27 expresses David’s plea for God’s judgment on those who have persistently opposed and harmed him. David asks God to bring justice by holding his enemies accountable for their actions and to deny them a share in God’s salvation. This verse is David’s way of asking for a righteous and final response from God to those who have consistently chosen a path of wrongdoing.
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, David is asking God to “charge” his enemies with their wrongdoing, piling “crime upon crime” against them. David is not just asking for a small consequence but is pleading with God for a full acknowledgment of his enemies’ sins. When he says, “do not let them share in your salvation,” David is asking God to withhold the blessings of salvation from those who have chosen to live against God’s ways. David’s words reflect his desire for justice, asking God to show that there are real consequences for those who continually choose sin over repentance.
Historical Context
David experienced many seasons of betrayal, opposition, and even attempts on his life. His enemies were not just people who disagreed with him but were those who actively worked to harm him and the kingdom of Israel. In ancient Israel, justice was a core part of God’s covenant with His people, and deliberate, ongoing sin without repentance was seen as a serious matter. David’s plea here comes from a place of deep frustration with those who have not only wronged him but who have persistently rejected God’s ways. Psalm 69 is a lament, where David expresses both his pain and his desire for God to intervene with justice against those who have caused harm.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Psalm 69:27 shows that God is a just judge who holds people accountable for their actions. David’s prayer reflects his belief that God sees the wrongdoing of his enemies and will act accordingly. This verse reminds us that while God is loving and merciful, He also deals with sin seriously, especially when there is no repentance. David’s words encourage believers to trust in God’s justice, knowing that He will address sin in His perfect timing. This verse also teaches us that, while God’s salvation is freely offered, it must be received with a humble and repentant heart.
Literary Analysis
Psalm 69:27 uses strong, direct language to emphasize David’s desire for justice. Phrases like “crime upon crime” and “do not let them share in your salvation” make it clear that David is asking for a decisive response from God. The imagery of “charging” someone with “crime upon crime” suggests a piling up of offenses, underscoring the extent of the wrongs committed by his enemies. This verse fits within the larger structure of Psalm 69, where David alternates between expressing his own suffering and asking God to bring judgment on those who have harmed him. The language is pointed and intentional, showing David’s deep conviction that God should act against persistent evildoers.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Romans 1:28 – “Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind.” This verse speaks of God allowing people to experience the consequences of their choices when they repeatedly reject Him.
- 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.” This passage reflects the seriousness of willful, unrepentant sin.
- Proverbs 28:13 – “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” This verse contrasts the outcome of those who persist in sin with those who turn back to God.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Psalm 69:27 serves as a reminder that God takes sin seriously and that justice is an important part of His character. While we are called to forgive others, this verse shows that we can trust God to handle situations where wrongdoing persists without repentance. David’s plea for justice teaches believers to bring their frustrations and pain to God, knowing that He will address sin fairly. This verse also challenges us to examine our own hearts, reminding us that God’s salvation is a gift meant for those who turn to Him with humility and a desire for forgiveness.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Psalm 69:27 may seem harsh at first, but it actually reflects God’s love for justice and His desire for true repentance. God’s love includes a commitment to addressing sin and ensuring that wrongdoing does not go unpunished. David’s prayer shows his trust that God cares about justice and that He will take action against those who persistently harm others. A loving God does not ignore evil but works to set things right, offering mercy to those who seek Him while holding accountable those who choose a path of persistent rebellion. This verse reassures us that God’s love includes a commitment to protecting and upholding what is right.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Psalm 69:27 connects to Jesus Christ, who came to offer salvation to all but also warned of the consequences of rejecting God. In the New Testament, Jesus speaks clearly about the need for repentance and warns about the consequences of a hardened heart. In John 3:18, Jesus says, “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” Jesus embodies God’s love and justice, offering forgiveness and salvation to everyone who believes but also warning about the consequences of rejecting His message. Through Jesus, we see that God’s salvation is offered freely, but it requires a humble response of faith and repentance.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does David’s plea for justice challenge or encourage you in your own faith?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of repentance in our relationship with God?
- How can we trust God’s justice while still being called to forgive those who wrong us?
- How does Jesus’ teaching about sin and forgiveness help you understand God’s balance of love and justice?
- In what ways can you seek God’s guidance to ensure your heart remains humble and open to His forgiveness?
Psalm 69:27 reminds us of the reality of God’s justice and the importance of repentance. David’s words encourage us to trust that God will address persistent wrongdoing in His perfect timing. Through Jesus, we see the fullness of God’s love and justice, knowing that forgiveness is available to all who turn to Him. This verse invites us to live with a humble heart, grateful for God’s salvation, and to rely on His wisdom in all matters of justice.