Psalms 70:1

KJV

¶ To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David, to bring to remembrance. [Make haste], O God, to deliver me; make haste to help me, O LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

To the chief Musician {H5329}{H8764)}, A Psalm of David {H1732}, to bring to remembrance {H2142}{H8687)}. Make haste, O God {H430}, to deliver {H5337}{H8687)} me; make haste {H2363}{H8798)} to help {H5833} me, O LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

Make haste, O God, to deliver me! Hurry, O LORD, to help me!

American Standard Version

Make haste, O God, to deliver me; Make haste to help me, O Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 70:1, introduced by a unique superscription, presents a concise yet profoundly fervent prayer from King David, characterized by an overwhelming sense of urgency for divine intervention. It encapsulates a desperate, immediate cry for God to act swiftly and decisively, both to deliver the psalmist from pressing dangers and to provide timely help. This verse not only establishes the intense tone for the entire psalm, which functions as a focused lament, but also powerfully articulates a foundational trust in God's covenant faithfulness and omnipotence in a moment of profound personal distress.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 70 stands as a remarkably concise and intense lament, distinguished by its near-verbatim repetition of [Psalm 40:13-17](/psalms/40-13-17 "Psalm 40:13-17 - A Prayer for Deliverance and Vindication"). This striking duplication suggests that Psalm 70 may have functioned as a standalone liturgical excerpt, perhaps a condensed prayer designed for urgent and specific situations, highlighting its adaptability and potent impact. The superscription, "To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David, to bring to remembrance," provides crucial insight into its intended use in public worship, likely accompanied by musical arrangement. The phrase "to bring to remembrance" (Hebrew: *lehazkir*) points to a prayer specifically crafted to prompt God's memory of His covenant promises and the suppliant's dire need, or conversely, to serve as a reminder to the worshiper of God's unwavering readiness to respond to heartfelt pleas. The psalm immediately plunges into an impassioned plea for swift deliverance, establishing a tone of profound vulnerability, absolute dependence, and an unwavering reliance on God alone.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise historical setting for Psalm 70 is not explicitly stated, its themes resonate deeply with the numerous laments attributed to David throughout the Psalter. These often emerged during periods of intense persecution, betrayal, or significant military threats, such as those chronicled in [1 Samuel 23](/1_samuel/23 "1 Samuel 23 - David Flees Saul and Reeks God's Guidance"). As king, David frequently faced both internal and external adversaries, making urgent appeals for divine aid a recurring necessity in his life and reign. The instruction "To the chief Musician" (Hebrew: *lamnats·tseach'*) underscores the sophisticated and well-established musical and liturgical practices prevalent in ancient Israelite worship. In this context, psalms served not merely as personal expressions of faith but also as communal vehicles for lament, praise, and petition. The concept of "bringing to remembrance" was a significant biblical motif, implying a covenantal relationship where petitioners could confidently appeal to God's immutable character and His past acts of salvation, trusting that He would act decisively once more.
* **Key Themes:** The most prominent themes in Psalm 70:1 are **Urgency and Desperation**, powerfully conveyed through the emphatic and repeated imperative "Make haste." This is far from a casual request; it is an intense, desperate cry from a soul in profound distress, reflecting an immediate sense of peril and vulnerability that demands swift divine intervention. Another crucial theme is **Exclusive Reliance on God**, as David turns solely to the divine for rescue, addressing God by both the general name *Elohim* ("O God"), which emphasizes His universal power and sovereignty, and the personal covenant name *Yahweh* ("O LORD"), which highlights His intimate faithfulness to His people. This dual address profoundly underscores both God's omnipotence and His relational commitment to His servant. Furthermore, the verse introduces the overarching theme of **Divine Deliverance and Help**, laying the theological groundwork for the remainder of the psalm's pleas for rescue from enemies and ultimate vindication. This encapsulates a fundamental human need for divine intervention when all human resources are exhausted, echoing the broader, comforting theme of God as a [refuge and strength](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength") found consistently throughout the Psalms.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Make haste (Hebrew, _chuwsh'_):** A primitive root verb meaning "to hurry" or "to be eager with excitement or enjoyment." In this imperative form, its repetition conveys an intense sense of urgency, speed, and the immediate need for divine action. It reflects the psalmist's deep distress and the critical nature of his situation, demanding a swift and unhesitating response from God. It is a bold, direct plea for God to act without delay.
* **O God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This is the plural form of *ʼĕlôah*, commonly translated as "God." It is a general term for deity, but when used with the article or in reference to the supreme God, it emphasizes His universal power, sovereignty, and role as the Creator and ultimate authority over all things. Addressing God as *Elohim* appeals to His boundless might and ability to intervene in any circumstance.
* **O LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the personal, covenantal name of God, often rendered "Yahweh" and famously revealed to Moses as "I AM WHO I AM" (cf. [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - I AM WHO I AM")). This name emphasizes God's self-existence, eternal nature, unwavering faithfulness, and His intimate, unchanging character within His covenant relationship with His people. The dual address to *Elohim* and *Yahweh* appeals to both God's omnipotence and His covenant love and relational commitment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David, to bring to remembrance."**: This superscription serves as a vital introductory frame, providing critical information regarding the psalm's authorship (David), its liturgical context (intended for the chief Musician, suggesting public worship and musical performance), and its specific function ("to bring to remembrance," indicating a prayer of formal petition or memorial). It immediately sets the stage for the following verses as a structured, urgent appeal.
* **"[Make haste], O God, to deliver me;":** The psalmist immediately launches into an impassioned and urgent plea, employing the imperative "Make haste," which signals extreme distress and the critical need for immediate divine action. Addressing God as "O God" (*Elohim*) appeals to His supreme power, universal authority, and inherent ability to intervene decisively in any circumstance. The subsequent request "to deliver me" signifies a desperate plea for rescue from overwhelming danger, powerful enemies, or dire, life-threatening circumstances.
* **"make haste to help me, O LORD."**: This concluding clause powerfully reiterates the urgent plea for speed, intensifying the psalmist's desperate situation and emphasizing the critical nature of his need. The request "to help me" broadens the scope beyond mere deliverance to encompass comprehensive support, strength, and provision in the face of adversity. The address "O LORD" (*Yahweh*) invokes God's covenant faithfulness, reminding Him of His sacred promises and His unwavering relational commitment to His people, thereby strengthening the very foundation and legitimacy of the psalmist's urgent appeal.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 70:1 masterfully employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its profound urgency and theological depth. The most striking is **Repetition**, specifically of the imperative "Make haste" (חוּשׁ). This forceful **Anaphora**, the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses, underscores the psalmist's profound urgency and desperation, creating an immediate and palpable sense of crisis. There is also clear **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the phrases "to deliver me" and "to help me" express very similar ideas, reinforcing the singular, focused nature of the prayer for comprehensive divine aid. The strategic use of both "O God" (*Elohim*) and "O LORD" (*Yahweh*) constitutes **Apostrophe**, a direct and intense address to God. Furthermore, this dual address functions as a subtle form of **Merism**, encompassing the full scope of God's being—from His universal, omnipotent power as Creator to His personal, faithful commitment within the covenant relationship. This sophisticated rhetorical strategy allows the psalmist to appeal to every aspect of God's character and nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 70:1 is a profound theological statement embedded within a desperate prayer, affirming the foundational biblical truth that God is both utterly sovereign and intimately involved in the lives of His people. David's urgent cry is not indicative of impatience or a lack of faith, but rather a powerful demonstration of profound trust that God is supremely capable and unreservedly willing to act swiftly and decisively in times of crisis. It highlights the divine invitation and legitimacy of bringing our deepest anxieties, most pressing needs, and most vulnerable pleas directly to God, without reservation or pretense. The dual address to *Elohim* (universal power) and *Yahweh* (covenant faithfulness) underscores that the God of cosmic power is simultaneously the covenant-keeping God who hears, remembers, and responds to the cries of His children. This verse profoundly encourages believers to approach God with bold confidence, knowing that He is a present help in trouble and that His immutable character compels Him to deliver and sustain those who call upon Him in truth. It grounds the very act of prayer in God's nature as both the omnipotent Creator and the faithful, relational Redeemer.

* [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Psalm 34:17](/psalms/34-17 "Psalm 34:17 - The Righteous Cry and the LORD Hears")
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 70:1 offers a timeless and profoundly relevant model for prayer in moments of overwhelming distress and urgent need. David's unvarnished honesty and fervent, repeated plea remind us that it is not only permissible but often spiritually essential to cry out to God with desperation when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. We are profoundly encouraged to bring our anxieties, fears, and most pressing needs directly to our heavenly Father, trusting implicitly in His character as both the all-powerful Creator and our faithful, covenantal LORD. This verse teaches us to cultivate a prayer life characterized by directness, raw honesty, and an unwavering belief in God's supreme ability and willingness to intervene and help. In a world that frequently promotes self-reliance and stoicism, David's prayer stands as a powerful, counter-cultural reminder of our absolute dependence on divine intervention and the profound peace that comes from casting all our burdens upon the One who cares for us and is uniquely capable of swift and comprehensive deliverance. It invites us to cultivate an intimate relationship with God where no plea is too urgent, no need is too small, and no cry goes unheard by His attentive ear.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What current "urgent" situation in your life are you hesitant to bring to God with the same desperation and directness as David?**
* **How does David's dual address to "O God" (Elohim) and "O LORD" (Yahweh) deepen your understanding of the comprehensive nature of the One you are praying to?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge or affirm your perception of how quickly God should or does respond to your prayers?**
* **Beyond moments of crisis, how can you cultivate a more immediate, honest, and dependent prayer life, reflecting the spirit of Psalm 70:1?**

### FAQ
**Why is Psalm 70 so similar to Psalm 40:13-17?**

Answer: The near-verbatim similarity between Psalm 70 and the latter portion of [Psalm 40](/psalms/40 "Psalm 40 - A Song of Deliverance and Dedication") suggests a deliberate and significant connection. Scholars propose several possibilities for this unique literary relationship. Psalm 70 might be an excerpt from Psalm 40, specifically adapted for a distinct, urgent liturgical or personal use. Alternatively, it could be a condensed version, designed for quicker recitation in times of immediate crisis, or both psalms might draw from a common, well-established pool of Davidic prayers or liturgical formulas used in ancient Israel. This striking repetition powerfully highlights the enduring relevance, spiritual potency, and adaptability of this particular prayer for deliverance and swift divine aid, indicating it was a well-known and profoundly effective plea within ancient Israelite worship and personal devotion.

**What does the phrase "to bring to remembrance" in the superscription mean?**

Answer: The Hebrew phrase *lehazkir* (לְהַזְכִּיר) literally means "to cause to remember" or "to bring to mind." In the profound context of prayer, this phrase carries a rich, dual meaning. Firstly, it can be understood as a direct plea for God to "remember" His covenant promises, His past acts of faithfulness, and the specific needs of the suppliant (e.g., [Psalm 25:6](/psalms/25-6 "Psalm 25:6 - Remember Your Mercy, O LORD")). This does not imply that God literally forgets, but rather that He would act decisively according to His character and promises. Secondly, it can serve as a powerful reminder to the worshiper or the community of God's unwavering attentiveness and readiness to hear and respond to desperate prayers, thereby reinforcing faith and trust in His active and compassionate involvement in human affairs. It frames the psalm as a formal, intentional, and deeply meaningful petition.

**Is it appropriate to demand that God "make haste" in prayer?**

Answer: Yes, David's repeated imperative "Make haste" profoundly demonstrates that it is entirely appropriate and even biblically modeled to express urgency and desperation in prayer. This is not a demand born of impatience, arrogance, or a lack of faith, but rather a heartfelt cry from a place of profound vulnerability, absolute dependence, and deep trust in God's character. It acknowledges God's supreme sovereignty and His infinite ability to act swiftly and decisively, appealing directly to His compassion and omnipotence. The biblical narrative is replete with examples of God responding to urgent, desperate pleas from His people (e.g., [Exodus 14:15](/exodus/14-15 "Exodus 14:15 - The LORD Commands Moses to Move Forward")). This verse powerfully teaches us that honesty, directness, and even the expression of a desire for speed in prayer are welcome before God, who lovingly invites us to cast all our anxieties and burdens upon Him, for He cares for us (cf. [1 Peter 5:7](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Cast All Your Anxiety on Him")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 70:1, with its urgent and desperate plea for divine deliverance and swift help, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest resonance in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. David's fervent cry for a deliverer powerfully foreshadows the coming of the one true [Deliverer, who rescues us from the domain of darkness and transfers us to the kingdom of His beloved Son](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness"). In His earthly ministry, Jesus Himself profoundly embodied this desperate cry for help, particularly in His agony in Gethsemane, where He prayed with intense urgency, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). Yet, even in His profound distress, He perfectly demonstrated absolute trust in the Father's sovereign will, even unto a humiliating death on the cross. The "haste" David so desperately desired from God is ultimately and decisively realized in God's supreme act of salvation through Christ's atoning sacrifice, which swiftly and definitively delivered humanity from the pervasive power of sin and the ultimate sting of death (cf. [Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ Appeared to Put Away Sin")). Moreover, the risen and ascended Jesus now serves eternally as our [great High Priest, who ever lives to intercede for us](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Our Intercessor"), ensuring that our own cries for help are always heard, understood, and answered by the Father through His perfect mediation. Thus, David's prayer is not merely a historical lament but a profound prophetic longing for the ultimate divine intervention found solely and completely in Christ, who is our swift help, our eternal deliverance, and our ever-present advocate.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 40:13

Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me.

Psalms 40:17

But I [am] poor and needy; [yet] the Lord thinketh upon me: thou [art] my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.

Psalms 71:12

O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help.

Psalms 143:7

¶ Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.

Psalms 38:1

¶ A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance. O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.

Psalms 69:18

Draw nigh unto my soul, [and] redeem it: deliver me because of mine enemies.

2 Samuel 17:1

¶ Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night: