For Thy sake I have borne reproach … The reproaches of them that reproach Thee, are fallen upon me … Thou hast known My reproach … Reproach hath broken My heart.” Psalm 69:7,9,19,20 KJV
Because for Your sake I have borne reproach … the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on me … You know my reproach … Reproach has broken my heart.” Psalm 69:7,9,19,20 NASB
Psalm 69 has always been viewed as the psalm of reproach. It is mentioned four times in these verses from the psalm, but its reality pervades every verse.
The first mention of reproach in both the Old and New Testaments is linked with a barren woman. The suspicion is that she is under the judgment of God because of secret sin. Both Rachel (Gen 30) and Elizabeth (Luke 1) spoke of God removing their reproach by His giving them a child.
But look at the sources of reproach the Lord Jesus bore before men. “For Thy sake,” means that it was due to faithfulness to God and His Word. As a result of carrying out the will of God, He endured misunderstanding and false accusations. Accused of demon-possession, madness, and law-breaking, He continued despite the thinking of men.
But notice especially, “The reproaches of them that reproached Thee have fallen upon Me.” There is within the natural heart of man a rage against God. There is within the mind of Satan animosity, hatred, vengeance, and every other evil intent. But up until Calvary, men and Satan had never been able to actually touch “God.” But at the cross, the hour characterized as “your hour and the power of darkness,” all that men and Satan could vent upon God was poured out on the Lord Jesus Christ. Nothing was held back. No restraint imposed. He endured all that would have been done to God had Satan had the chance. He endured all.
But we see not only the source of His reproach but its effect. “Reproach hath broken My heart.” This is not a sentimental expression; nor does it mean He died of a “broken heart.” It simply is telling us of His sensitivity to the reproach He bore. Perhaps, just perhaps, it was not so much what men thought of Him, but He saw that this is what men thought of His Father. His longing desire was to bring men to worship the Father (John 4), not to reproach Him.
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Consider:
- Look at all the ways the Lord Jesus was misunderstood according to our Psalm. Look at verses 4, 8, 9, 10, 19-21.
- He was so consumed with the business of His Father’s house (v 9), that His own house did not recognize Him (v 8). What does verse 8 indicate?
- In verse 6 the Lord Jesus requests that no one would be confused by what He is passing through. What does this indicate to you? Was He concerned for Himself as he bore reproach or was he concerned for those who would follow Him?