Psalms 71:1

KJV

¶ In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.

KJV (with Strong's)

In thee, O LORD {H3068}, do I put my trust {H2620}{H8804)}: let me never {H408}{H5769} be put to confusion {H954}{H8799)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In you, ADONAI, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame.

Berean Standard Bible

In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame.

American Standard Version

In thee, O Jehovah, do I take refuge: Let me never be put to shame.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 71:1 opens with a profound and unwavering declaration of trust in the LORD, serving as the psalmist's foundational plea and the anchor for the entire psalm. It expresses an absolute reliance on God as the sole refuge and steadfast protector, coupled with an earnest petition that this profound trust will never result in disappointment, public shame, or spiritual confusion. This verse encapsulates a lifetime of faithful dependence and anticipates God's faithful vindication of His trusting servant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 71 is a unique prayer within the Psalter, notably lacking a superscription but clearly articulating the heartfelt cry of an aging individual, as evidenced by references to old age in verses like [Psalms 71:9](/psalms/71-9 "Psalm 71:9 - Do Not Cast Me Off in Old Age") and [Psalms 71:18](/psalms/71-18 "Psalm 71:18 - Do Not Forsake Me When Old"). It belongs to the genre of individual lament, yet it is richly interwoven with expressions of profound trust, praise, and a recounting of God's faithfulness from youth ([Psalms 71:5-6](/psalms/71-5-6 "Psalm 71:5-6 - God's Trust from Youth")). The psalmist appeals for deliverance from numerous adversaries ([Psalms 71:4](/psalms/71-4 "Psalm 71:4 - Deliverance from the Hand of the Wicked")) and challenging circumstances, grounding his present petition in a deep history of divine intervention. This opening verse, "In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion," establishes the fundamental premise of his appeal: his complete and active reliance on God's character and power. It is the unwavering anchor for all subsequent requests and expressions of hope found throughout the psalm.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While Psalm 71 lacks a specific historical superscription, the sentiments articulated within it are deeply resonant with the human condition, particularly within the ancient Near Eastern cultural framework. The psalmist's plea for refuge and protection reflects a common and urgent need in a world where individuals often faced significant and tangible threats from enemies, societal pressures, and the vulnerabilities of aging without modern social safety nets. The concept of "trust" (Hebrew *chasah*) inherently implies seeking shelter, a vital act in a vulnerable existence. Furthermore, the fervent desire not to be "put to confusion" (Hebrew *bush*) speaks powerfully to the profound cultural significance of honor and shame in ancient Israelite society. Public shame or disgrace was a devastating social consequence, often interpreted as a sign of divine abandonment or the failure of one's chosen refuge. Thus, the psalmist's prayer is not merely for personal emotional comfort but for God to uphold His own reputation by publicly vindicating His trusting servant in the eyes of others, demonstrating His reliability and power.
* **Key Themes:** This foundational verse introduces several major theological and narrative themes that permeate Psalm 71 and resonate throughout the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, **Unwavering Trust** is paramount; the psalmist's declaration "In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust" signifies an active, deliberate, and exclusive reliance on God as his ultimate refuge and source of security. This is not a passive hope but a chosen posture of profound dependence, a theme echoed in [Psalm 91:2](/psalms/91-2 "Psalm 91:2 - My Refuge and My Fortress"). Secondly, the theme of **Divine Steadfastness and Vindication** is central, encapsulated in the plea "let me never be put to confusion." This expresses a deep desire for God's unfailing support, ensuring that the psalmist's trust does not lead to disappointment, public shame, or being overthrown by his troubles. It highlights God's covenant faithfulness and His commitment to those who depend on Him, a promise reiterated in [Isaiah 49:23](/isaiah/49-23 "Isaiah 49:23 - Those Who Wait on the Lord Will Not Be Ashamed"). Thirdly, the psalm, beginning with this verse, underscores **Lifelong Dependence on God**, as the psalmist recounts God's faithfulness from his earliest days ([Psalms 71:5-6](/psalms/71-5-6 "Psalm 71:5-6 - God's Trust from Youth")), making his present declaration of trust deeply rooted in a history of divine intervention. Finally, while not explicit in this verse, the broader psalm reveals the theme of **Deliverance from Enemies**, making the plea for "no confusion" a request for God's active intervention and vindication against those who seek the psalmist's harm ([Psalms 71:10-13](/psalms/71-10-13 "Psalm 71:10-13 - Enemies Seek My Life")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, YHWH (often transliterated as Yahweh or rendered "Jehovah" in older English translations). Its use here emphasizes the personal, relational, and faithful character of the God with whom the psalmist has a covenant relationship. The psalmist places his trust not in a generic deity, but in the specific, self-existent, and eternal God who has revealed Himself through His mighty acts of deliverance and His unwavering promises to His people.
* **trust (Hebrew, _châçâh'_):** A primitive root, this verb means "to flee for protection" or "to confide in." It paints a vivid picture of taking refuge, much like a bird seeking cover under its mother's wings or a person finding safety in a strong fortress. It implies an active, deliberate act of running to God for safety, acknowledging Him as the only secure haven. This is not a passive hope but an intentional act of seeking shelter and placing one's reliance entirely upon God.
* **confusion (Hebrew, _bûwsh'_):** A primitive root, this word properly means "to pale" and by implication "to be ashamed," "disappointed," or "disgraced." In the context of trusting God, it refers to the dread of one's faith proving to be in vain, leading to public humiliation or a profound sense of having been abandoned by the very one in whom trust was placed. It is a fervent prayer that the psalmist's reliance on God will not result in a public demonstration of God's perceived failure to deliver, thereby bringing shame upon both the psalmist and, implicitly, upon God's reputation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust":** This opening clause is a powerful and emphatic declaration of exclusive and absolute reliance. The Hebrew structure places "In thee" (בְּךָ, *beka*) at the very beginning of the sentence, highlighting that God, and God alone (YHWH), is the singular object of the psalmist's trust. This is not a tentative hope but a settled conviction, an active choice to place one's entire being, future, and circumstances into the hands of the covenant-keeping God. This declaration serves as the foundational premise for the subsequent petition, grounding the request in a demonstrated and unwavering faith.
* **"let me never be put to confusion":** This is a heartfelt and urgent petition that directly follows from the declaration of trust. The psalmist prays that his act of taking refuge in God will not prove futile or lead to public shame, disgrace, or deep disappointment. The phrase "never be put to confusion" (אַל־אֵבֹושׁ לְעוֹלָם, *’al-evosh l'olam*) uses a strong negative particle ("never") and the word for "eternity" or "forever," emphasizing the psalmist's desire for a permanent vindication. "Confusion" here implies a state of being utterly confounded or humiliated, especially in the face of adversaries who might mock his faith. It is a plea for God to uphold His own reputation and faithfulness by ensuring that His trusting servant is not ultimately abandoned or overcome by his troubles, thereby demonstrating His reliability as a refuge.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 71:1 employs several impactful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Apostrophe**, a direct address to an absent or personified entity, clearly seen in "O LORD," which imbues the prayer with intimacy, reverence, and urgency, as the psalmist speaks directly to God as the sole recipient of his trust. There is also a strong sense of **Parallelism**, specifically a form of synthetic or consequential parallelism, where the second clause, "let me never be put to confusion," functions as the desired outcome or consequence of the first clause, "In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust." The trust is explicitly stated as the means to avoid confusion, creating a cause-and-effect relationship that highlights the psalmist's expectation of God's faithfulness. Furthermore, the term "confusion" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "confusion" stands for the broader state of being defeated, shamed, or disappointed by one's enemies or adverse circumstances, which would be the antithesis of the security found in God. The verse also functions as a powerful **Petition** within the broader **Lament** genre of the psalm, setting a tone of earnest appeal grounded in a deep and abiding faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 71:1 encapsulates a foundational theological truth: God is utterly trustworthy, and those who genuinely rely on Him will not be ultimately disappointed or shamed. This verse resonates deeply with the biblical emphasis on God's unwavering faithfulness (Hebrew *hesed* and *emet*) and His steadfast commitment to vindicate His people. It highlights the active nature of faith, not as a passive hope, but as a deliberate choice to take refuge in the divine character and power. The psalmist's plea for "no confusion" is not a sign of weak faith, but rather a profound understanding that God's honor is intrinsically linked to the steadfastness and ultimate deliverance of His people who trust in Him. When believers are upheld and delivered, God's reliability and glory are affirmed to a watching world, demonstrating His covenant faithfulness. This theme of divine vindication for the trusting is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, assuring believers that their hope in God is never in vain.

* [Psalms 25:2](/psalms/25-2 "Psalm 25:2 - O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.")
* [Romans 10:11](/romans/10-11 "Romans 10:11 - For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.")
* [Isaiah 49:23](/isaiah/49-23 "Isaiah 49:23 - And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of their feet; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 71:1 serves as a timeless model for the believer's posture before God, particularly in seasons of vulnerability, uncertainty, or opposition. The declaration "In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust" is far more than a mere statement; it is an active, conscious choice to transfer our reliance from fleeting circumstances, personal strength, or human institutions to the unchanging character and unfailing power of God. In a world constantly shifting, often threatening, and frequently disappointing, this verse calls us to anchor our souls in the divine. The subsequent plea, "let me never be put to confusion," is a deeply human and legitimate prayer. It acknowledges our vulnerability and our fervent desire for God's faithfulness to be visibly manifested in our lives, ensuring that our hope in Him does not result in ultimate disappointment or public shame. It encourages us to pray boldly for God's vindication, not primarily for our own glory, but for His name to be honored through our steadfastness. This verse reminds us that true security is found not in the absence of trouble, but in the unwavering presence of a trustworthy God who delights in upholding those who take refuge in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific circumstances or fears in my life currently challenge my ability to declare with full conviction, "In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust"?**
* **How does my understanding of God's character (His faithfulness, omnipotence, and love) strengthen my resolve to trust Him fully, even when circumstances seem bleak?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to put my ultimate trust elsewhere (e.g., finances, relationships, personal achievements, self-reliance) instead of solely in the LORD?**
* **What does it mean for me to pray "let me never be put to confusion" in my daily walk, and how does God's promise to uphold His trusting children offer comfort and assurance in times of trial?**

### FAQ
**What does "put to confusion" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Psalms 71:1, "put to confusion" (from the Hebrew word *bush*) means to be shamed, disgraced, disappointed, or humiliated. The psalmist is expressing a profound fear that his act of trusting in God might prove to be unfounded or futile, leading to public ridicule from his adversaries or a personal sense of having been abandoned by God. It's a prayer for God to act in such a way that the psalmist's faith is vindicated, and God's own reputation as a faithful refuge is upheld. It's not a prayer for personal comfort alone, but for God's glory to be seen in His steadfastness towards those who trust Him. This concept is powerfully echoed in [Romans 10:11](/romans/10-11 "Romans 10:11 - Believers Will Not Be Put to Shame"), which states, "For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed."

**Is it acceptable for a believer to pray that they would not be "put to confusion" or shamed?**

Answer: Absolutely. This is a legitimate and deeply human prayer, rooted in a desire for God's glory to be upheld through His faithfulness to His people. If those who explicitly trust in the LORD are ultimately put to shame or abandoned, it could be perceived as a failure on God's part, leading to dishonor for His name among those who do not believe. Therefore, the psalmist's prayer is not a sign of weak faith, but rather a confident appeal to God's character and covenant promises. It is a plea for God to demonstrate His power and faithfulness by delivering His trusting servant, thereby vindicating both the psalmist's trust and God's own reputation. This aligns with other biblical passages where God's people appeal to Him for deliverance so that His name might be glorified, such as [Psalm 25:2](/psalms/25-2 "Psalm 25:2 - Trust in God, Not Ashamed") and [Psalm 31:1](/psalms/31-1 "Psalm 31:1 - In Thee, O Lord, Do I Put My Trust").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 71:1, with its profound declaration of trust and earnest plea for steadfastness against confusion, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the psalmist expresses a fervent hope that his trust will not lead to shame, Jesus, the perfect Son of God and the ultimate embodiment of trust, truly placed His absolute reliance in the Father, even as He faced the deepest "confusion" and humiliation of the cross. He "endured the cross, despising the shame" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Faith")), fully trusting that the Father would not abandon Him to the grave. His cry of dereliction, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry on the Cross")), highlights the unfathomable depth of the "confusion" and separation He bore for humanity's sin, yet this was immediately followed by a profound act of trust as He committed His spirit to the Father ([Luke 23:46](/luke/23-46 "Luke 23:46 - Jesus Commits His Spirit")). The Father's response to Christ's perfect trust was not confusion or abandonment, but ultimate vindication through the glorious resurrection, proving decisively that Christ's trust was perfectly placed and never put to shame ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Him Up")). For all believers, our trust in the LORD is now mediated through our union with Christ. Because He bore our shame and was raised in glory, those who place their faith in Him "shall not be put to shame" ([1 Peter 2:6](/1_peter/2-6 "1 Peter 2:6 - Cornerstone, Believers Not Put to Shame")). Our ultimate security and steadfastness are guaranteed not by our own perfect trust, but by the perfect trust and ultimate vindication of Jesus, ensuring that in Him, we are eternally secure and will never face ultimate confusion, condemnation, or separation from God ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")).

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 31:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.

Psalms 31:3

For thou [art] my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.

Psalms 25:2

O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.

Psalms 25:3

Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.

1 Peter 2:6

Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

Psalms 22:5

They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.

Psalms 125:1

¶ A Song of degrees. They that trust in the LORD [shall be] as mount Zion, [which] cannot be removed, [but] abideth for ever.