Psalms70

Psalm 70 is a fervent prayer of David, urgently appealing to God for swift deliverance from his adversaries. He asks that his enemies be shamed and confounded, while those who seek God rejoice and magnify Him. David concludes by stressing his own needy state and God's role as his immediate helper and deliverer.

An Urgent Prayer for Deliverance

1
For the leader. By David. As a reminder: God, rescue me! ADONAI, hurry and help me! ​

A Prayer Against the Adversaries

2
May those who seek my life be disgraced and humiliated. May those who take pleasure in doing me harm be turned back and put to confusion. ​
3
May those who jeer, "Aha! Aha!"withdraw because of their shame. ​

The Joy of God's People

4
But may all those who seek you be glad and take joy in you. May those who love your salvation say always, "God is great and glorious!" ​
5
But I am poor and needy; God, hurry for me. You are my helper and rescuer; ADONAI, don't delay! ​

Study Notes for Psalms 70

Verse 1

This superscription identifies the psalm as a *zkaron* (a memorial or reminder), suggesting it was intended for liturgical use to recall God’s faithfulness or David’s plight. The repeated demand to 'make haste' emphasizes the extreme urgency of the situation.

Verse 2

To 'seek after my soul' is a Hebraism meaning to seek one's life or destruction. The psalmist prays for a reversal of fortune, asking that the enemies’ malicious plans result in their own public confusion and shame.

Verse 3

The phrase 'Aha, aha' (Hebrew *he'ākh*) is an expression of malicious glee and mocking superiority used by the enemies. The psalmist asks God to turn their mockery into immediate and shameful retreat.

Verse 4

In contrast to the enemies' confusion, David prays that those who seek God experience joy and constantly proclaim God's majesty. 'Let God be magnified' shows that the ultimate goal of deliverance is the public glory of the Lord.

Verse 5

The confession 'I am poor and needy' (*ani* and *ebyon*) underscores the psalmist's complete dependence on God. This status serves as a theological motivation for God to act, as He consistently champions the vulnerable and defenseless.

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