Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 69:17

"And hide not thy face from thy servant; For I am in distress; answer me speedily." — Psalms 69:17 (ASV)

And hide not thy face from thy servant - See the notes at (Psalms 27:9).

For I am in trouble - In the midst of dangers and sorrows. Literally, “there is trouble upon me.”

Hear me speedily - Margin, as in Hebrew, “Make haste to hear me.” That is, grant me without delay what I ask. The case is one of urgent necessity. I must have relief, or I will perish. It is not wrong to ask God to interpose at once on our behalf when we are in trouble, though it is our duty to be patient and resigned if his interposition is delayed, for he may have important ends to accomplish by our continuing to suffer.

In our distress on account of sin also, it is right to plead with him to interpose at once, and to relieve us by forgiveness. In this respect we are not to be contented with delay; we are to cast ourselves upon his mercy, and to plead for immediate pardon, for as it is our only safety, so it is for the honor of God that we should be forgiven, and that we should not continue in a state of guilt.

An afflicted child of God will be safe in the final issue, whether he is relieved at once, or whether he is suddenly cut off by death, or whether he continues to suffer for even many years. However, an unpardoned sinner is not safe for a moment, and if he should be cut off, unforgiven, even when under the deepest conviction for sin, he would perish. Every consideration, therefore, makes it proper that he should plead for forgiveness at once, and ask that God would not delay to show him mercy.