Psalm 69:14 is a desperate cry for help from a person in deep distress. Let's break down the meaning of each part:
"Deliver me out of the mire, and don’t let me sink."
"Mire": This word refers to thick, clinging mud or mire, representing a situation that's difficult to escape from. It's not just an inconvenience; it's something that threatens to engulf and suffocate. Metaphorically, the mire represents a deep, sticky problem or set of problems. It could be sin, depression, overwhelming circumstances, or persecution.
"Don't let me sink": This shows the fear of being overwhelmed and completely defeated by the "mire." The person is struggling to stay afloat and desperately needs help to avoid being dragged under.
"Let me be delivered from those who hate me, and out of the deep waters."
"Those who hate me": This indicates that the person is facing opposition, animosity, or persecution from enemies. These could be literal enemies who wish harm, or figurative enemies like negativity, self-doubt, or circumstances that are actively working against them.
"Deep waters": Like the mire, the "deep waters" symbolize overwhelming trouble or danger. Think of being caught in a flood or a stormy sea; the person feels like they are drowning in their problems. It represents being overwhelmed by circumstances, emotions, or threats that feel impossible to handle alone.
Overall Meaning:
The verse is a plea for rescue from a dire and threatening situation. The person feels trapped in a difficult and overwhelming circumstance (the mire), facing hostility or persecution (those who hate me), and drowning in trouble (the deep waters). They are crying out for divine intervention to be saved from sinking into complete despair and destruction. It conveys a sense of vulnerability, urgency, and dependence on a higher power for deliverance.
It’s important to remember that the Psalms are often poetic and use vivid imagery. The literal interpretation is less important than understanding the overall feeling of the person who is crying out to God for help. This verse expresses the universal human experience of facing overwhelming challenges and the desire for rescue and salvation.
Psalm 69:14 is a desperate cry for help from a person in deep distress. Let's break down the meaning of each part:
"Deliver me out of the mire, and don’t let me sink."
"Mire": This word refers to thick, clinging mud or mire, representing a situation that's difficult to escape from. It's not just an inconvenience; it's something that threatens to engulf and suffocate. Metaphorically, the mire represents a deep, sticky problem or set of problems. It could be sin, depression, overwhelming circumstances, or persecution.
"Don't let me sink": This shows the fear of being overwhelmed and completely defeated by the "mire." The person is struggling to stay afloat and desperately needs help to avoid being dragged under.
"Let me be delivered from those who hate me, and out of the deep waters."
"Those who hate me": This indicates that the person is facing opposition, animosity, or persecution from enemies. These could be literal enemies who wish harm, or figurative enemies like negativity, self-doubt, or circumstances that are actively working against them.
"Deep waters": Like the mire, the "deep waters" symbolize overwhelming trouble or danger. Think of being caught in a flood or a stormy sea; the person feels like they are drowning in their problems. It represents being overwhelmed by circumstances, emotions, or threats that feel impossible to handle alone.
Overall Meaning:
The verse is a plea for rescue from a dire and threatening situation. The person feels trapped in a difficult and overwhelming circumstance (the mire), facing hostility or persecution (those who hate me), and drowning in trouble (the deep waters). They are crying out for divine intervention to be saved from sinking into complete despair and destruction. It conveys a sense of vulnerability, urgency, and dependence on a higher power for deliverance.
It’s important to remember that the Psalms are often poetic and use vivid imagery. The literal interpretation is less important than understanding the overall feeling of the person who is crying out to God for help. This verse expresses the universal human experience of facing overwhelming challenges and the desire for rescue and salvation.