Psalms71

The psalmist, in old age, expresses profound trust in the Lord, seeking deliverance from wicked adversaries who believe God has forsaken him. He recounts God's lifelong support and prays not to be cast off in his declining years. Despite troubles, he vows to continually praise God's righteousness and salvation, desiring to declare His power to future generations.

Prayer for Refuge and Deliverance

1
In you, ADONAI, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. ​
2
In your righteousness, rescue me; and help me to escape. Turn your ear toward me, and deliver me. ​
3
Be for me a sheltering rock, where I can always come. You have determined to save me, because you are my bedrock and stronghold. ​
4
My God, help me escape from the power of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and ruthless.

Grounded in Lifelong Trust and Dependence

5
For you are my hope, Adonai ELOHIM, in whom I have trusted since I was young. ​
6
From birth I have relied on you; it was you who took me from my mother's womb. ​
7
To many, I am an amazing example; but you are strong protection for me. ​
8
My mouth is full of praise for you, filled with your glory all day long.

The Crisis of Old Age and Enemy Mockery

9
Don't reject me when I grow old; when my strength fails, don't abandon me. ​
10
For my enemies are talking about me, those seeking my life are plotting together.
11
They say, "God has abandoned him; go after him, and seize him, because no one will save him." ​
12
God, don't distance yourself from me! My God, hurry to help me!
13
May those who are opposed to me be put to shame and ruin; may those who seek to harm me be covered with scorn and disgrace.

Vow to Praise and Teach the Next Generation

14
But I, I will always hope and keep adding to your praise.
15
All day long my mouth will tell of your righteous deeds and acts of salvation, though their number is past my knowing. ​
16
I will come in the power of Adonai ELOHIM and recall your righteousness, yours alone. ​
17
God, you have taught me since I was young, and I still proclaim your wonderful works.
18
So now that I'm old, and my hair is gray, don't abandon me, God, till I have proclaimed your strength to the next generation, your power to all who will come, ​

Confession of God's Greatness and Final Praise

19
your righteousness too, God, which reaches to the heights. God, you have done great things; who is there like you?
20
You have made me see much trouble and hardship, but you will revive me again and bring me up from the depths of the earth. ​
21
You will increase my honor; turn and comfort me.
22
As for me, I will praise you with a lyre for your faithfulness, my God. I will sing praises to you with a lute, Holy One of Isra'el. ​
23
My lips will shout for joy; I will sing your praise, because you have redeemed me.
24
All day long my tongue will speak of your righteousness. For those who are seeking to harm me will be put to shame and disgraced.

Study Notes for Psalms 71

Verse 1

This psalm is a lament, often attributed to an older person, beginning with a strong declaration of trust in Yahweh, the covenant God. The plea is that this trust will not result in 'confusion' (disappointment or shame).

Verse 2

Deliverance is requested based on God's inherent character ('righteousness'), ensuring the Psalmist's safety is consistent with divine justice and faithfulness to His promises.

Verse 3

The Psalmist defines God as a 'strong habitation' (Ma'on), emphasizing that God is a secure dwelling place and fortress, a source of stability against the threats of the world.

Verse 5

This verse establishes the Psalmist’s historical relationship with God, emphasizing that this is not a new or desperate faith, but a trust established 'from my youth'.

Verse 6

This hyperbolic language expresses radical dependence, tracing God’s care back to the very moment of birth, portraying God as the ultimate source of life and sustenance.

Verse 7

The Psalmist is 'a wonder' (mophet), meaning an object of scorn, astonishment, or a negative example to others, likely due to severe suffering that his enemies interpret as divine rejection.

Verse 9

This is the central crisis of the Psalm: the fear of abandonment in vulnerability. The Psalmist recognizes that old age brings weakness, making divine strength indispensable.

Verse 11

The enemy’s taunt is theological, asserting that God has forsaken the righteous. This accusation is the deepest form of suffering for the faithful, challenging the very foundation of their hope.

Verse 15

The Psalmist uses hyperbole ('I know not the numbers thereof') to express the infinite nature of God's acts of salvation, acknowledging that comprehensive praise is impossible.

Verse 16

To 'go in the strength of the Lord GOD' is a declaration of dependence, relying entirely on God’s power and righteousness rather than personal merit or military might.

Verse 18

The plea to remain alive and strong in old age is missional: the Psalmist desires to pass on the testimony of God's power and faithfulness to the succeeding 'generation' (those who are to come).

Verse 20

The phrase 'depths of the earth' is a metaphor for Sheol or the grave, emphasizing that God can restore the sufferer even from the brink of death and despair ('quicken me again').

Verse 22

The Psalmist vows to use musical instruments (psaltery and harp) in worship, linking this specific act of praise to God's 'truth' and His identity as the 'Holy One of Israel'.

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