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 Thee, O Jehovah, I have trusted, Let me not be ashamed to the age.
2
In Thy righteousness Thou dost deliver me, And dost cause me to escape, Incline unto me Thine ear, and save me.
3
Be to me for a rock--a habitation, To go in continually, Thou hast given command to save me, For my rock and my bulwark art Thou.
4
O my God, cause me to escape From the hand of the wicked, From the hand of the perverse and violent.

Grounded in Lifelong Trust and Dependence

5
For Thou art my hope, O Lord Jehovah, My trust from my youth.
6
By Thee I have been supported from the womb, From my mother's bowels Thou dost cut me out, In Thee is my praise continually.
7
As a wonder I have been to many, And Thou art my strong refuge.
8
Filled is my mouth with Thy praise, All the day with Thy beauty.

The Crisis of Old Age and Enemy Mockery

9
Cast me not off at the time of old age, According to the consumption of my power forsake me not.
10
For mine enemies have spoken against me, And those watching my soul have taken counsel together,
11
Saying, `God hath forsaken him, Pursue and catch him, for there is no deliverer.'
12
O God, be not far from me, O my God, for my help make haste.
13
They are ashamed, they are consumed, Who are opposing my soul, They are covered with reproach and blushing, Who are seeking my evil,

Vow to Praise and Teach the Next Generation

14
And I continually do wait with hope, And have added unto all Thy praise.
15
My mouth recounteth Thy righteousness, All the day Thy salvation, For I have not known the numbers.
16
I come in the might of the Lord Jehovah, I mention Thy righteousness--Thine only.
17
God, Thou hast taught me from my youth, And hitherto I declare Thy wonders.
18
And also unto old age and grey hairs, O God, forsake me not, Till I declare Thy strength to a generation, To every one that cometh Thy might.

Confession of God's Greatness and Final Praise

19
And Thy righteousness, O God, is unto the heights, Because Thou hast done great things, O God, who is like Thee?
20
Because Thou hast showed me many and sad distresses, Thou turnest back--Thou revivest me, And from the depths of the earth, Thou turnest back--Thou bringest me up.
21
Thou dost increase my greatness, And Thou surroundest--Thou comfortest me,
22
I also thank Thee with a vessel of psaltery, Thy truth, O my God, I sing to Thee with a harp, O Holy One of Israel,
23
My lips cry aloud when I sing praise to Thee, And my soul that Thou hast redeemed,
24
My tongue also all the day uttereth Thy righteousness, Because ashamed--because confounded, Have been those seeking my evil!
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