Psalms 71:11

KJV

Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for [there is] none to deliver [him].

KJV (with Strong's)

Saying {H559}{H8800)}, God {H430} hath forsaken {H5800}{H8804)} him: persecute {H7291}{H8798)} and take {H8610}{H8798)} him; for there is none to deliver {H5337}{H8688)} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

They say, "God has abandoned him; go after him, and seize him, because no one will save him."

Berean Standard Bible

saying, “God has forsaken him; pursue him and seize him, for there is no one to rescue him.”

American Standard Version

Saying, God hath forsaken him: Pursue and take him; for there is none to deliver.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 71:11 powerfully captures the malicious taunts of the psalmist's adversaries, who falsely declare that God has utterly abandoned him. This perceived divine desertion emboldens them to relentlessly pursue, persecute, and seize the psalmist, convinced that no one will intervene to deliver him from their grasp. The verse encapsulates the profound spiritual and physical assault faced by the righteous when enemies misinterpret their suffering as evidence of God's absence, thereby justifying their own wicked intentions and demonstrating a profound spiritual blindness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 71 is a poignant prayer of an aging psalmist, likely a king or a prominent leader, facing severe distress and opposition in his later years. It functions as both a lament and a profound declaration of trust, characterized by fervent pleas for divine deliverance and protection, interwoven with confident affirmations of God's lifelong faithfulness. The psalmist vividly recounts God's steadfast care from his earliest days, declaring, "For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth. Upon you I have leaned from birth" ([Psalms 71:5-6](/psalms/71-5-6 "Psalms 71:5-6 - God's Lifelong Support")). This deep-rooted confidence stands in stark contrast to the present attacks of his enemies. Verse 11 specifically articulates the cruel accusations and malevolent intentions of these adversaries, providing the immediate backdrop for the psalmist's urgent cries for God to "make haste to help me!" ([Psalms 71:12](/psalms/71-12 "Psalms 71:12 - Psalmist's Urgent Plea")). This verse marks a critical low point in the psalmist's experience, exposing the depth of the spiritual warfare he endures as his very faith is directly challenged by the venomous words of his foes.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical setting of Psalms 71 is not explicitly stated, the themes resonate deeply with the experiences of numerous righteous individuals in ancient Israel who faced unjust persecution, often from those within their own community or from foreign adversaries. The accusation of divine abandonment was a common and devastating taunt in the ancient Near East, especially against those who professed faith in their deity. To be "forsaken by God" implied a catastrophic loss of divine favor, protection, and power, which would naturally embolden enemies to act without fear of retribution. Such taunts were designed not only to humiliate and shame but also to break the spirit and faith of the accused, leading them to despair. The psalmist's vulnerability, possibly exacerbated by old age or a period of national distress, would have made him an easy target for those seeking to exploit perceived weakness and consolidate their own power.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 71:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader book of Psalms. Firstly, it highlights the pervasive theme of **false accusation of divine abandonment**, a recurring motif where adversaries question God's presence or power in the lives of His faithful, famously echoed in the taunt, "Where is your God?" ([Psalms 42:3](/psalms/42-3 "Psalms 42:3 - The Taunt of Adversaries")). This taunt aims to undermine the believer's faith and hope, leading to despair. Secondly, the verse underscores the **motivation for persecution**, revealing how a distorted view of God's justice or perceived divine indifference can fuel human malice and embolden wicked actions. The enemies believe they have a free hand because "there is none to deliver him." Thirdly, and crucially, it sets the stage for the essential theme of **divine deliverance and unwavering trust**. Despite the enemies' slanderous claims, the psalmist's subsequent fervent prayers throughout [Psalms 71](/psalms/71 "Psalms 71 - A Prayer for Refuge and Deliverance") demonstrate his steadfast conviction that God is indeed his "rock and my fortress" ([Psalms 71:3](/psalms/71-3 "Psalms 71:3 - God as Rock and Fortress")) and ultimate rescuer, even when all human hope seems lost.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Forsaken (Hebrew, _ʻâzab'_):** This word (H5800) carries the strong connotation of abandoning, deserting, or leaving behind, often implying a complete withdrawal of support, protection, or relationship. In the context of Psalms 71:11, the enemies use it to assert that God has totally withdrawn His favor and presence from the psalmist, leaving him vulnerable and without recourse. This is the most damaging part of their accusation, as it strikes at the very core of the psalmist's faith and relationship with God, suggesting a breach of covenant faithfulness.
* **Persecute (Hebrew, _râdaph'_):** The Hebrew term (H7291) means to run after, chase, or hunt, usually with hostile intent. It suggests an aggressive, relentless, and active pursuit aimed at causing harm or capture. This word emphasizes the enemies' active and determined malice, indicating they are not merely observing but are actively seeking to bring about the psalmist's downfall through relentless harassment and pursuit.
* **Deliver (Hebrew, _nâtsal'_):** This word (H5337) means to snatch away, rescue, rid, or save, implying intervention to free someone from danger or oppression. In the enemies' taunt, "none to deliver him," they are expressing their conviction that no one, human or divine, possesses the power or willingness to intervene on the psalmist's behalf. This perceived absence of a deliverer is their ultimate justification for their malicious actions, believing their victim is utterly helpless.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Saying, God hath forsaken him":** This opening clause presents the core, blasphemous accusation of the psalmist's adversaries. It is a direct quote, revealing their cruel and spiritually blind interpretation of the psalmist's suffering. They view his distress not as a trial from God or a temporary affliction, but as definitive proof that God has completely abandoned him, withdrawing all divine favor and protection. This statement serves as the malicious premise for their subsequent actions, implying God's indifference or impotence.
* **"persecute and take him":** Based on their false premise of divine abandonment, the enemies feel emboldened to act without restraint. "Persecute" implies a relentless, aggressive pursuit, while "take him" suggests their intention to seize, capture, overpower, or destroy the psalmist. This clause describes their active, malevolent intent, driven by their belief that they face no divine opposition or consequence for their wickedness.
* **"for [there is] none to deliver [him]":** This final clause provides the justification for the enemies' actions and reinforces their chilling conviction. They believe the psalmist is utterly helpless and isolated, with no one—human or divine—to intervene on his behalf and rescue him from their grasp. This perceived lack of a deliverer removes any moral or spiritual restraint from their actions, making them confident in their ability to succeed in their wicked plans without fear of retribution.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 71:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the psalmist's plight and the nature of his enemies. The most prominent is **Direct Speech**, as the enemies' taunts are quoted verbatim, lending immediate dramatic impact and authenticity to their malice. This direct quotation highlights the intensely personal and verbal assault the psalmist endures. There is also a strong element of **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader, and indeed the psalmist himself, knows that the enemies' assertion ("God hath forsaken him") is profoundly false, contrasting sharply with God's covenant faithfulness and the psalmist's lifelong experience of divine care. This creates tension and underscores the spiritual blindness and wickedness of the adversaries. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Contrast**, setting the enemies' false belief in divine abandonment and their active malevolence against the psalmist's unwavering (though challenged) trust in God as his lifelong deliverer. The phrase "none to deliver him" also functions as a form of **Hyperbole** from the enemies' perspective, an exaggerated and unfounded claim designed to justify their actions and utterly demoralize the psalmist.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 71:11 speaks to the profound theological truth of God's unwavering faithfulness, even when circumstances suggest otherwise or when adversaries declare His absence. The enemies' taunt, "God hath forsaken him," is a direct assault on the character of God and the faith of His servant. Yet, the entire biblical narrative, particularly the prophetic and wisdom literature, consistently affirms that God does not abandon His covenant people, even in their suffering or discipline. This verse thus serves as a stark reminder that the world often misinterprets divine silence or trials as abandonment, when in reality, God is often most profoundly present and at work in the midst of adversity, refining faith and demonstrating His power. The psalmist's subsequent fervent prayers for deliverance are a testament to his enduring conviction that God remains his ultimate refuge and rescuer, directly refuting the lie of his persecutors and affirming divine sovereignty.

* [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - God will not fail or forsake you")
* [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - I will never leave you nor forsake you")
* [Psalms 22:1](/psalms/22-1 "Psalms 22:1 - My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 71:11 offers a poignant mirror for believers navigating trials and opposition in their own lives. It reveals the insidious nature of spiritual warfare, where adversaries, whether external persecutors or internal struggles like doubt and despair, seek to undermine our faith by suggesting God has abandoned us. In moments of deep suffering, when prayers seem unanswered, and circumstances appear to contradict God's promises, it is alarmingly easy to internalize the lie that we are forsaken. This verse powerfully reminds us that such accusations are often the very tactics of the enemy, designed to strip us of hope, isolate us, and embolden those who wish us harm. Our response, like the psalmist's, must be to cling even more tightly to the truth of God's unchanging character and His covenant faithfulness, articulated throughout Scripture. We are called to stand firm in prayer, trusting that even when we feel weakest, God remains our steadfast Deliverer, and His presence is most profoundly felt and proven in the crucible of our trials. Our deliverance may not always manifest as immediate rescue from physical harm, but it will always involve the preservation of our soul, the strengthening of our faith, and the ultimate triumph of His righteous purposes in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what circumstances in your life have you felt, or have others suggested, that God has forsaken you?**
* **How do you combat the lie of divine abandonment when faced with prolonged suffering or unanswered prayers, drawing strength from biblical truth?**
* **What specific promises of God's presence and faithfulness can you cling to when feeling persecuted or vulnerable, and how can you actively recall them?**
* **How does the psalmist's response of continued, fervent prayer, despite the taunts and perceived abandonment, challenge your own approach to adversity and spiritual warfare?**

### FAQ
**What does "God hath forsaken him" truly mean in this context, and is it biblically accurate?**

Answer: In Psalms 71:11, "God hath forsaken him" represents the malicious and false accusation of the psalmist's enemies. They interpret his suffering and vulnerability as definitive proof that God has withdrawn His favor, protection, and presence from him, thereby justifying their own persecution. From a biblical perspective, this statement is entirely inaccurate when applied to a faithful servant of God. While God may allow His people to experience trials, even to the point of feeling abandoned (as seen in the anguished cry of the suffering servant in [Psalms 22:1](/psalms/22-1 "Psalms 22:1 - My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?")), He unequivocally promises never to truly forsake or abandon His own. Passages like [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - God will not fail nor forsake you") and [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - I will never leave you nor forsake you") explicitly state God's unwavering commitment to His people, even unto death. The enemies' statement is a taunt, a lie designed to break the psalmist's spirit and faith, and to remove any perceived divine obstacle to their wicked intentions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 71:11 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The accusation "God hath forsaken him" echoes the very cry of Jesus on the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")). While the psalmist's enemies falsely accused him of divine abandonment, Jesus truly bore the weight of humanity's sin, experiencing a unique and profound separation from the Father as He "who knew no sin became sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ became sin for us")). His enemies, much like the psalmist's, mocked Him, believing He was utterly abandoned and helpless: "He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him" ([Matthew 27:43](/matthew/27-43 "Matthew 27:43 - Mockery of Jesus on the Cross")). Yet, in His perceived weakness and abandonment, Christ was accomplishing the very work of redemption. His "forsakenness" was not a sign of the Father's indifference but the ultimate act of self-sacrificial love, allowing Him to identify with every human cry of despair and to secure eternal deliverance for all who believe. Through His death and glorious resurrection, Christ decisively refuted the lie that God abandons His own, demonstrating that even in the deepest darkness, God's faithfulness prevails, and there is indeed one who can deliver—the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His victory ensures that those who trust in Him will never truly be forsaken, for "neither death nor life... nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" ([Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing can separate us from God's love")).

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 7:2

Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending [it] in pieces, while [there is] none to deliver.

Matthew 27:46

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

Psalms 3:2

Many [there be] which say of my soul, [There is] no help for him in God. Selah.

2 Chronicles 32:13

Know ye not what I and my fathers have done unto all the people of [other] lands? were the gods of the nations of those lands any ways able to deliver their lands out of mine hand?

2 Chronicles 32:14

Who [was there] among all the gods of those nations that my fathers utterly destroyed, that could deliver his people out of mine hand, that your God should be able to deliver you out of mine hand?

Psalms 41:7

All that hate me whisper together against me: against me do they devise my hurt.

Psalms 41:8

An evil disease, [say they], cleaveth fast unto him: and [now] that he lieth he shall rise up no more.