Psalms 71:11

Psalms 71:11 KJV captures the malicious taunts and intentions of the psalmist's adversaries. They wrongly conclude that God has abandoned the righteous individual, thereby emboldening themselves to persecute and seize him, believing there is no one to come to his aid or rescue.

Context of Psalms 71:11

This verse is part of a deeply personal prayer from an aging psalmist who is facing severe distress, likely from enemies or adversaries. Throughout Psalm 71, the psalmist pleads for God's continued presence and deliverance, recounting a lifetime of trust in the Lord from his youth (Psalms 71:5). Verse 11 specifically reveals the cruel mindset of his persecutors, who interpret his difficult circumstances as evidence of divine abandonment, giving them license to act maliciously.

Key Themes and Messages

• The False Accusation of Divine Abandonment: The core of the enemies' taunt is their declaration, "God hath forsaken him." This is a common tactic of adversaries in the Psalms—to undermine the faith of the righteous by suggesting God is absent or indifferent (Psalms 42:3). Such an accusation, though untrue, aims to strip the believer of hope and courage.
• The Motivation for Persecution: Believing that "God hath forsaken him," the enemies feel empowered to "persecute and take him." Their perceived lack of divine protection over the psalmist removes any fear of retribution, making them bold in their evil intentions. This highlights how a distorted view of God's justice can fuel human malice.
• The Need for Divine Deliverance: The psalmist's prayer in the surrounding verses directly refutes this enemy claim. He cries out for God to "make haste to help me" (Psalms 71:12), demonstrating his unwavering conviction that God is indeed his deliverer, even when others believe he is helpless.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "forsaken" is azab (עָזַב), which means to abandon, leave, or desert. This term emphasizes the perceived complete withdrawal of divine favor and protection. The word translated "persecute" is radaph (רָדַף), meaning to pursue, chase, or hunt, suggesting an aggressive and relentless pursuit. "Take him" comes from tapas (תָּפַשׂ), which implies seizing, grasping, or laying hold of, indicating the enemies' intent to capture, overpower, or destroy the psalmist.

Related Scriptures

While enemies may claim God has forsaken His people, Scripture consistently teaches that God never abandons His own. This promise is echoed in passages like Deuteronomy 31:6 and reaffirmed in the New Testament (Hebrews 13:5). The psalmist's confidence in God as his "rock and my fortress" (Psalms 71:3) stands in stark contrast to his enemies' false assertion.

Practical Application

Psalms 71:11 offers profound lessons for believers today. When facing adversity, ridicule, or opposition, it is common for others, or even our own doubts, to whisper that God has forgotten us. This verse reminds us:

• Do not believe the lie of abandonment: Even when circumstances are dire, and enemies seem to prevail, God does not forsake His faithful ones.
• Stand firm in prayer: The psalmist's response to these taunts is not despair but fervent prayer for God's intervention. Our trust in God's faithfulness should deepen during trials.
• God is your ultimate Deliverer: Despite what adversaries may say or do, God remains the sovereign protector and rescuer of those who trust in Him. Your deliverance may not look as you expect, but He is always at work.