Psalms 71:12

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

O God {H430}, be not far {H7368}{H8799)} from me: O my God {H430}, make haste {H2363}{H8798)}{H8675)}{H2439} for my help {H5833}.

Complete Jewish Bible

God, don't distance yourself from me! My God, hurry to help me!

Berean Standard Bible

Be not far from me, O God. Hurry, O my God, to help me.

American Standard Version

O God, be not far from me; O my God, make haste to help me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 71:12 is a fervent and urgent prayer from a psalmist facing profound distress, likely in old age, who pleads for God's immediate and tangible presence and swift intervention. This verse encapsulates a deep human longing for divine nearness and prompt assistance, reflecting a lifelong trust in God as the sole refuge and deliverer, even when circumstances suggest abandonment or delay.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 71 is a deeply personal lament and prayer of trust, unique in the Psalter for not having a superscription, though its themes strongly align with Davidic authorship, particularly in his later years. It is positioned within Book 2 of the Psalter, often characterized by individual laments and prayers for deliverance. The psalmist, identifying as aged (e.g., [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 I am old and gray")), expresses vulnerability due to his age and the relentless pursuit of enemies who seek his life and shame him (e.g., [Psalms 71:10-11](/psalms/71-10 "Psalm 71:10-11 - Enemies plot against the psalmist")). Verse 12 serves as the desperate climax of his plea for divine intervention, immediately preceding a confident declaration of God's future vindication and salvation (e.g., [Psalms 71:13-16](/psalms/71-13 "Psalm 71:13-16 - Hope for God's deliverance and praise")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While not tied to a specific historical event, Psalm 71 reflects the common experience of an individual in ancient Israel facing opposition, possibly from political adversaries, false accusers, or those who simply wished them ill. The vulnerability of the elderly in a society without modern social safety nets meant that reliance on family and community, and ultimately on God, was paramount. The concept of God's "nearness" or "distance" was not merely geographical but spiritual and relational, implying His active involvement or perceived absence in human affairs. A plea for God to "make haste" reflects a cultural understanding of a sovereign God who acts decisively in history, often in response to the cries of His people, as seen in numerous accounts of divine rescue and judgment throughout Israel's history (e.g., [Exodus 2:23-25](/exodus/2-23 "Exodus 2:23-25 - God hears the groaning of Israel in Egypt")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 71 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **lifelong trust and dependence on God**, as the psalmist recounts God's faithfulness from birth (e.g., [Psalms 71:5-6](/psalms/71-5 "Psalm 71:5-6 - God as my hope from youth")). Secondly, it highlights the **personal and intimate nature of the relationship with God**, evident in the repeated "O God" and "O my God," signifying a deep covenantal bond. Thirdly, the verse expresses a profound **fear of divine abandonment** or perceived spiritual distance, which is a common lament theme throughout the Psalms (e.g., [Psalms 22:1](/psalms/22-1 "Psalm 22:1 - My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?")). Finally, it emphasizes the **urgency of divine intervention** in times of critical need, demonstrating that genuine faith does not preclude desperate cries for swift help from the Almighty (e.g., [Psalms 143:7](/psalms/143-7 "Psalm 143:7 - Hear me quickly, O Lord")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Hebrew, _ʾĔlōhîm'_):** This is the generic Hebrew term for God, often used to emphasize God's power and sovereignty as Creator and Judge. The psalmist's repeated use of "O God" and "O my God" (with the possessive suffix) transitions from a general appeal to the mighty God to a deeply personal and relational cry to the God who is uniquely his covenant partner and refuge, intensifying the intimacy and urgency of the plea.
* **be not far (Hebrew, _rāḥaq'_):** This verb means "to be far," "to be distant," or "to remove oneself." In this context, it is a negative imperative, a plea for God *not* to withdraw His presence or assistance. It implies a fear of abandonment or a perceived spiritual distance, not merely a physical separation. The psalmist desires God's active, tangible presence and involvement in his immediate circumstances, recognizing that true help comes only from God's nearness.
* **make haste (Hebrew, _ḥûš'_):** This verb means "to hurry," "to make haste," or "to act quickly." It conveys a desperate and urgent appeal for swift, decisive action from God. This is not a disrespectful demand but an earnest, heartfelt cry born out of the psalmist's critical situation and profound reliance on God's timely intervention. It reflects a belief in God's ability to act immediately and effectively to deliver His servant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O God, be not far from me":** This clause opens with a direct, earnest address to God, emphasizing the psalmist's deep personal relationship. The plea "be not far from me" expresses a profound human fear of abandonment, especially in times of vulnerability and distress. It is a cry for God's active presence, His felt nearness, and His compassionate attention to the psalmist's plight. It implies that the psalmist perceives a distance, whether physical (God's inaction) or spiritual (a sense of being forsaken), and urgently desires its reversal.
* **"O my God, make haste for my help":** The repetition of "O my God" intensifies the personal nature of the appeal, underscoring the psalmist's covenant relationship and lifelong trust. The imperative "make haste" reveals the extreme urgency of the situation; the psalmist's need is immediate and critical, requiring swift, decisive divine intervention. The phrase "for my help" specifies the desired action—God's powerful and timely assistance to deliver him from his adversaries and distress.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its urgent and personal plea. The most prominent is **Apostrophe**, a direct address to an absent or personified entity, here God, which immediately establishes the deeply personal and relational nature of the prayer. **Repetition** is also evident in the double address, "O God" and "O my God," which serves to emphasize the psalmist's intimate bond with the Divine and to intensify the earnestness of his supplication. Furthermore, the verse exhibits a form of **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause, "O my God, make haste for my help," echoes and amplifies the sentiment of the first, "O God, be not far from me." Both express a desperate longing for God's active presence and intervention, with "make haste" adding a layer of temporal urgency to the desire for "not far." The implied **Metaphor** of God's "distance" or "nearness" speaks not of physical space but of relational engagement and active involvement in the psalmist's life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 71:12 powerfully articulates the human experience of perceived divine distance and the desperate longing for God's immediate and tangible presence. Theologically, it affirms that while God is omnipresent, His people often experience His presence in varying degrees of felt intimacy and active intervention. This verse is a testament to the legitimacy of crying out to God with raw honesty, even when He feels far away or slow to act. It underscores God's covenant faithfulness, reminding us that He is indeed "our God," one who hears and responds to the cries of His children, especially those who have trusted Him throughout their lives. The psalmist's plea for God to "make haste" does not imply a lack of faith in God's sovereignty but rather a profound trust in His character as a Helper who is able and willing to act decisively in His perfect timing.

* [Psalms 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.")
* [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "I will never leave you nor forsake you.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 71:12 offers a profound model for prayer in times of deep distress, loneliness, or overwhelming circumstances. It teaches us the vital importance of honest and vulnerable communication with God. When we feel overwhelmed, abandoned, or that God is distant, this verse gives us permission to articulate those very feelings, to cry out to Him with the full weight of our need. It reminds us that our relationship with God is personal ("O my God") and that He invites us to appeal to His character as our ever-present Helper and Refuge. Even when His help seems delayed or His presence unfelt, our earnest prayers for His divine proximity and speedy assistance are heard by a faithful God who promises never to leave or forsake us. This verse encourages persistent, desperate prayer rooted in a lifelong trust, knowing that God is intimately involved in our lives and responds to the cries of His beloved children.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you currently feel God might be "far from you," and how does this verse encourage you to pray about that feeling?**
* **What does it mean to ask God to "make haste" for your help, and how does this balance with trusting in His perfect timing?**
* **How does the psalmist's lifelong trust in God (as seen in Psalm 71) inform his urgent plea in this verse?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper sense of God's personal presence ("O my God") even when circumstances are challenging?**

### FAQ
**Does God ever truly "distance" Himself from His people, or is this merely a human perception?**

Answer: While God is omnipresent and His nature is immutable, the psalmist's cry "be not far from me" reflects a common human experience of perceived divine distance. This feeling can arise from intense suffering, unanswered prayer, or a sense of spiritual dryness. Theologically, God does not abandon His faithful ones (as promised in [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "God will never leave or forsake us")), but He may allow trials that test our faith or seem to obscure His immediate presence. The prayer is not a statement of God's actual departure but an earnest plea for His felt, active, and delivering presence in a time of desperate need. It acknowledges the reality of human experience while appealing to the truth of God's faithfulness.

**Is it appropriate to ask God to "make haste" or to demand swift action from Him?**

Answer: The phrase "make haste" (Hebrew _ḥûš_) is an earnest, desperate plea, not a disrespectful demand. It reflects the psalmist's critical situation and profound reliance on God's timely intervention. Throughout Scripture, God's people frequently cry out for swift deliverance (e.g., [Psalms 143:7](/psalms/143-7 "Hear me quickly, O Lord")). This demonstrates a healthy, honest relationship with God where we can express the full urgency of our needs, trusting in His sovereignty to respond in His perfect wisdom and timing. It is an act of faith, believing that God is able to act immediately and effectively.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The desperate cry for God's presence and swift help in Psalms 71:12 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The longing for God to "be not far" is answered in the person of Emmanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "The prophecy of Emmanuel")), who took on human flesh and dwelt among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word became flesh")). In Christ, the perceived distance between God and humanity is bridged, and through His atoning work, we are brought near to God ([Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Brought near by the blood of Christ")). The plea to "make haste for my help" is answered by the swift and decisive intervention of Christ on the cross, where He conquered sin, death, and the powers of darkness, securing eternal salvation for all who believe. He is our ever-present High Priest, who sympathizes with our weaknesses and provides grace in our time of need ([Hebrews 4:15-16](/hebrews/4-15 "Jesus, our High Priest, sympathizes with our weaknesses")). Furthermore, through the Holy Spirit, Christ promises to never leave or forsake His followers ([John 14:18](/john/14-18 "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you")), ensuring His enduring presence and ready help in every trial, fulfilling the psalmist's deepest longing for divine nearness and swift intervention.

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 38:21

Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me.

Psalms 38:22

Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.

Psalms 35:22

[This] thou hast seen, O LORD: keep not silence: O Lord, be not far from me.

Psalms 70:5

But I [am] poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: thou [art] my help and my deliverer; O LORD, make no tarrying.

Psalms 10:1

¶ Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? [why] hidest thou [thyself] in times of trouble?

Psalms 22:11

¶ Be not far from me; for trouble [is] near; for [there is] none to help.

Psalms 40:13

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