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.
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Prayer for Refuge and Deliverance

1
In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion. ​
2
Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me. ​
3
Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress. ​
4
Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.

Grounded in Lifelong Trust and Dependence

5
For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth. ​
6
By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee. ​
7
I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge. ​
8
Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day.

The Crisis of Old Age and Enemy Mockery

9
Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth. ​
10
For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together,
11
Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him. ​
12
O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help.
13
Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.

Vow to Praise and Teach the Next Generation

14
But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.
15
My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof. ​
16
I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only. ​
17
O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.
18
Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come. ​

Confession of God's Greatness and Final Praise

19
Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!
20
Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth. ​
21
Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.
22
I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel. ​
23
My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.
24
My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.

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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