Psalms 70:5

Psalms 70:5 is an urgent plea from a heart in distress, acknowledging profound personal need while simultaneously affirming unwavering trust in God's ability and willingness to provide help and deliverance. It encapsulates a raw, honest cry for divine intervention, characteristic of many psalms of lament.

Context

Psalm 70 is nearly identical to the concluding verses of Psalm 40:13-17, suggesting it may have been extracted or re-purposed for a specific liturgical or personal need. Traditionally attributed to David, this psalm expresses the fervent prayer of one facing intense opposition or affliction, seeking swift rescue from his enemies. The immediate verses of Psalm 70 describe the desire for those who seek the psalmist's harm to be put to shame, contrasting sharply with the joy desired for those who seek God. Verse 5 serves as the personal confession and direct appeal at the heart of this urgent prayer.

Key Themes

• Profound Dependence: The declaration "But I am poor and needy" (Hebrew: ani v'evyon) is a humble admission of utter helplessness and reliance on God alone. It signifies not just material poverty but also a spiritual and emotional destitution, unable to cope without divine aid.
• Urgency of Prayer: The repeated phrases "make haste unto me" and "make no tarrying" emphasize the desperate and immediate nature of the psalmist's situation. This highlights a belief that God is actively involved in human affairs and can intervene swiftly.
• God as the Sole Source of Help: The psalmist confidently declares, "thou art my help and my deliverer." This is a powerful affirmation of God's character and His role as the ultimate rescuer, a refuge in times of trouble. This echoes the sentiment found in Psalm 46:1, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
• Faith in Divine Faithfulness: Despite the desperate circumstances, there is an underlying current of faith that God hears and will respond. The use of "O LORD" (Yahweh) invokes God's covenant name, recalling His faithfulness to His people throughout history.

Linguistic Insights

• The phrase "poor and needy" combines two Hebrew words: 'ani (עָנִי), meaning 'afflicted, humble, poor,' and 'evyon (אֶבְיוֹן), meaning 'destitute, needy, beggar.' Together, they paint a picture of complete vulnerability and dependence, often used to describe those whom God champions.
• "Make haste" (חוּשָׁה - chushah) is an imperative verb expressing a strong, immediate request for God to act quickly. This isn't a lack of faith in God's timing, but an earnest expression of the psalmist's dire need.
• "Help" (עֶזְרָה - 'ezrah) signifies assistance or succor, while "deliverer" (מְפַלְּטִי - mephalleti) comes from a root meaning 'to escape, rescue, deliver from danger.' Together, they portray God as the one who not only supports but actively rescues from peril.

Practical Application

Psalm 70:5 offers a timeless model for prayer and a source of comfort for believers today:

• Honest Confession: It encourages us to be transparent with God about our weaknesses, needs, and vulnerabilities. Acknowledging our limitations opens the door for God's strength to be made perfect in our weakness, as referenced in 2 Corinthians 12:9.
• Urgent Appeal: When facing overwhelming challenges, it is appropriate to cry out to God with urgency, knowing He is attentive to the pleas of His children.
• Trust in God's Character: This verse reminds us to anchor our hope in who God is—our ultimate helper and rescuer—regardless of our circumstances.
• Divine Intervention: It reaffirms the belief that God is actively involved in the lives of His people and will intervene on their behalf, often in ways that demonstrate His power and love.