Monday, May 25, 2026

H. Daniel Zacharias on the Use of Psalm 69 and 109 in the New Testament

  

Psalms 69 and 109

 

Psalms 69 and 109 are nowhere connected specifically to Ahithophel and his treachery in early Jewish readings, but both psalms are attributed to David and belong in the classification of "betrayal psalms." The most forthright use of Pss 69 and 109 come from Luke in Acts 1:20, which cites these psalms as predictions for the death of Judas. The eternal condemnation from Ps 69:28, applied to Judas, is not unlike other Rabbinic traditions which similarly condemn Ahithophel. Numerous allusions to Ps 109 are noted by Van de Water in Matthew as well: the refusal of Judas' plea (Matt 27:4/Ps 109:7, 12); Judas' remorse and suicide (Matt 27.5) is connected with Ps 109:7 by Jerome; the curse of the betrayer by Jesus (Matt 26.24) echoes the curses in Ps 109:6-19; and the allusion to Ps 109:25 in Matt 27:39 when passersby shake their heads at Jesus. These connections show that the betrayal psalms were drawn upon by Matthew in his Gospel. (H. Daniel Zacharias, Matthew’s Presentation of the Son of David [T&T Clark Biblical Studies; London: T&T Clark, 2017], 155)