Psalm 69, written by David, most likely concerns the events that transpired after his sin with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband Uriah were exposed by the Lord’s prophet Nathan, is also a prophecy concerning the Messiah, Jesus the Lord. The second most New Testament quoted psalm reveals the heart of Christ during his agony while he bore the sins of the world. The gospel writers reveal the facts of the arrest, torture, crucifixion, and burial. This psalm reveals Jesus’ soul.
Verses 19 through 21 contain the words scorned, disgraced, shamed, broken heart, and helpless. He seeks sympathy and comforters, but there was none; only enemies. Their words and actions are like gall in food. Gall is the bitter, yellowish-green fluid secreted by the liver and outrageous insolence and impudence, or a bitter feeling. Their actions are like vinegar to drink. Vinegar is a sour-tasting liquid with a pungent odor containing acid and peevishness of temper, speech, manner, and countenance. I was to receive this from God. However, Jesus received this punishment in my place.
Jesus was literally offered vinegar to drink while on the cross. Matthew 27:48, Mark 15:23, and John 19:28-30 quotes verse 21. John wrote, “Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
