Psalms 71:2

KJV

Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Deliver {H5337}{H8686)} me in thy righteousness {H6666}, and cause me to escape {H6403}{H8762)}: incline {H5186}{H8685)} thine ear {H241} unto me, and save {H3467}{H8685)} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

In your righteousness, rescue me; and help me to escape. Turn your ear toward me, and deliver me.

Berean Standard Bible

In Your justice, rescue and deliver me; incline Your ear and save me.

American Standard Version

Deliver me in thy righteousness, and rescue me: Bow down thine ear unto me, and save me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 71:2 is a profound plea from a vulnerable psalmist, likely an elderly individual, who seeks urgent divine intervention based entirely on God's inherent righteousness and faithful character. It expresses a deep-seated trust in God as a lifelong refuge and calls upon Him to act decisively, not out of the psalmist's merit, but out of who God is—a just, attentive, and saving God. This verse encapsulates a desperate cry for deliverance, emphasizing God's active involvement in the lives of His trusting people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 71 is a unique prayer, as it lacks a superscription, suggesting it might be a compilation or an anonymous psalm of an aged individual. It immediately follows a prayer for justice and protection in [Psalm 70](/psalms/70 "Psalm 70 - A Prayer for Speedy Help") and precedes a psalm of praise for God's universal reign in [Psalm 72](/psalms/72 "Psalm 72 - A Prayer for the King"). Within Psalm 71 itself, verse 2 serves as an immediate and direct petition following the psalmist's declaration of trust in [verse 1](/psalms/71-1 "Psalm 71:1 - A Plea for Refuge"). The psalmist repeatedly appeals for deliverance from enemies and malicious accusers (e.g., [verses 4](/psalms/71-4 "Psalm 71:4 - Deliverance from the Wicked") and [10](/psalms/71-10 "Psalm 71:10 - Enemies Conspiring")), grounding these pleas in a lifelong history of God's faithfulness, evident in his trust from birth and youth ([verses 5-6](/psalms/71-5 "Psalm 71:5-6 - Lifelong Trust")). The urgency of the plea in verse 2 sets the tone for the entire psalm, which oscillates between desperate cries for rescue and confident declarations of God's past and future salvation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical setting of Psalm 71 is not given, it reflects the common experience of an individual facing distress, likely from adversaries or societal pressures. In ancient Israel, old age often brought increased vulnerability, as physical strength diminished and reliance on family or community support became paramount. Without strong social safety nets, the elderly could easily become targets for exploitation or neglect. The psalmist's appeal to God as a "rock of refuge" ([verse 3](/psalms/71-3 "Psalm 71:3 - God My Refuge")) resonates with the cultural understanding of fortresses and strongholds as places of ultimate safety in a dangerous world. The concept of God "inclining His ear" is an anthropomorphic expression common in the ancient Near East, signifying a deity's personal attention and willingness to intervene, contrasting with the deaf idols of pagan worship. The emphasis on God's "righteousness" (צְדָקָה, _tsedaqah_) is deeply rooted in the covenantal relationship, where God's justice is inextricably linked to His faithfulness to His promises and His people, particularly the vulnerable.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalms. Firstly, it highlights the **Sovereignty and Faithfulness of God**, particularly His attribute of righteousness (צְדָקָה, _tsedaqah_), which is not merely abstract justice but His active commitment to His covenant and His people. This divine righteousness is the bedrock upon which the psalmist bases his plea for deliverance, understanding that God's character guarantees His intervention for those who trust Him, as seen throughout the Psalms (e.g., [Psalms 7:9](/psalms/7-9 "Psalm 7:9 - God Judges the Righteous") or [Psalms 9:8](/psalms/9-8 "Psalm 9:8 - God Judges the World in Righteousness")). Secondly, it underscores the **Urgency and Desperation of Human Need**, reflecting the common motif of lament where the psalmist faces immediate and pressing dangers. The repeated verbs of rescue ("deliver," "escape," "save") convey a profound sense of vulnerability and a desperate need for divine intervention, a theme echoed in many psalms of individual lament (e.g., [Psalms 3:7](/psalms/3-7 "Psalm 3:7 - Arise, O Lord! Save Me!")). Thirdly, it powerfully illustrates the **Intimacy and Accessibility of God**, particularly through the anthropomorphic plea "incline thine ear." This imagery portrays God as personally attentive and responsive to the cries of His children, emphasizing a relational God who bends down to listen, a concept beautifully articulated in [Psalms 116:2](/psalms/116-2 "Psalm 116:2 - God Hears My Voice") and [Psalms 18:6](/psalms/18-6 "Psalm 18:6 - He Heard My Cry")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Deliver (Hebrew, _chalats'_):** The Hebrew verb חָלַץ (_chalats_) means to draw out, pull out, or rescue. It implies a swift and decisive act of extraction from a difficult or dangerous situation. It's often used in contexts of military rescue or freeing someone from bonds. Here, it conveys the psalmist's urgent desire for God to actively and powerfully remove him from his present distress, emphasizing a complete liberation rather than mere alleviation of symptoms.
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tsedaqah'_):** The Hebrew word צְדָקָה (_tsedaqah_) is multifaceted. While it often refers to justice or moral uprightness, in this context, when applied to God, it signifies His covenant faithfulness, His integrity, and His consistent adherence to His own character and promises. It is God's active demonstration of His just and saving nature, particularly in upholding the cause of the oppressed and fulfilling His word. The psalmist appeals not to his own merit, but to God's inherent nature as the one who always acts righteously and faithfully towards His people.
* **Incline (Hebrew, _natah'_):** The Hebrew verb נָטָה (_natah_) means to stretch out, extend, or bend. When used with "ear" (אָזְנְךָ, _ozneka_), as in "incline thine ear" (הַט־אָזְנְךָ, _hat-ozneka_), it creates a vivid anthropomorphic image of God bending down, literally stretching out His ear, to listen intently and personally to the psalmist's cry. This is not a passive hearing but an active, engaged, and sympathetic listening that precedes a responsive action.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Deliver me in thy righteousness,"**: This opening clause establishes the foundation of the psalmist's plea. The request for deliverance is not based on the psalmist's own worthiness or deeds, but solely on God's character. "In thy righteousness" means "by means of your righteousness" or "consistent with your righteousness." It implies that God's very nature—His justice, faithfulness, and covenant-keeping—compels Him to act on behalf of His trusting servant.
* **"and cause me to escape:"**: This is a synonymous parallelism with "deliver me," reinforcing the urgency and totality of the desired rescue. The verb "escape" (מַלֵּט, _mallet_) emphasizes being set free from danger, often implying a narrow avoidance of peril. It highlights the psalmist's vulnerable position and the need for God's swift and complete intervention to remove him from harm's way.
* **"incline thine ear unto me,"**: This is a powerful and intimate anthropomorphism. It is a plea for God's personal and attentive listening. It signifies a desire for God to not merely hear a general cry, but to bend down and pay close, sympathetic attention to the specific and desperate petition of the psalmist. It implies a deep, personal relationship where the psalmist expects to be heard and understood by God.
* **"and save me."**: This final clause summarizes the ultimate goal of the prayer. The verb "save" (יָשַׁע, _yasha'_) is comprehensive, encompassing rescue, liberation, and restoration to safety and well-being. It is the culmination of the prior pleas, signifying a complete and holistic deliverance from all forms of distress, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 71:2 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, seen in the phrase "incline thine ear unto me." This vivid imagery attributes human physical actions (bending an ear) to God, making Him relatable and emphasizing His personal attentiveness and willingness to engage directly with His people's suffering. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second half of the verse ("incline thine ear unto me, and save me") echoes and reinforces the plea of the first half ("Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape"). This repetition of similar ideas through different phrasing intensifies the urgency and sincerity of the psalmist's petition. The cumulative effect of these pleas for "deliver," "escape," and "save" also creates a sense of **Climax** or escalating intensity, underscoring the psalmist's desperate need for comprehensive divine intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 71:2 profoundly articulates the theological truth that God's actions are rooted in His unchanging character, particularly His righteousness. This is not merely a legalistic attribute but a dynamic expression of His covenant faithfulness and His commitment to His people. The psalmist's appeal is a model for all believers: our hope for deliverance and salvation rests not on our own merit or deservingness, but on the immutable nature of God Himself. He is the righteous One who hears, who acts, and who saves, demonstrating His justice by upholding the cause of the vulnerable and fulfilling His promises. This verse invites us into a relationship with a God who is both majestic in His righteousness and intimately attentive to the cries of His children.

* [Psalms 36:6](/psalms/36-6 "Psalm 36:6 - God's Righteousness Like Mountains")
* [Psalms 116:2](/psalms/116-2 "Psalm 116:2 - God Hears My Voice")
* [Isaiah 59:1](/isaiah/59-1 "Isaiah 59:1 - The Lord's Arm Is Not Too Short")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 71:2 offers a timeless blueprint for prayer, especially when we find ourselves in seasons of vulnerability, distress, or old age. It teaches us to anchor our petitions not in our own perceived worthiness, but in the unshakeable foundation of God's character—His righteousness, faithfulness, and attentive love. When we face overwhelming challenges, this verse encourages us to boldly and urgently present our needs to God, trusting that He is not distant or indifferent, but actively bends His ear to hear our cries. It reminds us that our salvation and deliverance are ultimately His work, flowing from His very nature. This assurance frees us from the burden of self-reliance and invites us into a deeper, more confident reliance on the God who always acts righteously and always saves.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you most in need of God's deliverance or escape today?**
* **How does understanding God's "righteousness" as His covenant faithfulness and active justice change the way you approach Him in prayer?**
* **What does it mean for you personally to know that God "inclines His ear" to your specific prayers and concerns?**

### FAQ

**Why does the psalmist appeal to God's "righteousness" for deliverance instead of His mercy or power?**

Answer: While God's mercy and power are certainly central to His character and are appealed to elsewhere, the psalmist's specific appeal to "righteousness" (צְדָקָה, _tsedaqah_) in [Psalms 71:2](/psalms/71-2 "Psalm 71:2 - A Plea for Deliverance") emphasizes a particular aspect of God's nature. In the Old Testament, God's righteousness is deeply intertwined with His covenant faithfulness and His commitment to uphold justice, especially for the vulnerable and oppressed. It's not merely abstract justice but His active demonstration of what is right and true, particularly in rescuing His people and fulfilling His promises. By appealing to God's righteousness, the psalmist is essentially saying, "God, because of who You are—Your just, faithful, and covenant-keeping nature—You are obligated by Your own character to deliver me." It's a powerful and confident appeal to God's integrity and consistent action on behalf of those who trust in Him, as seen throughout the Psalms, such as in [Psalms 143:1](/psalms/143-1 "Psalm 143:1 - Hear My Prayer in Your Faithfulness").

**What is the significance of the phrase "incline thine ear unto me"?**

Answer: The phrase "incline thine ear unto me" (הַט־אָזְנְךָ, _hat-ozneka_) is a rich anthropomorphism, attributing a human action to God. Its significance lies in conveying God's personal and attentive engagement with the psalmist's prayer. It's more than just hearing; it paints a vivid picture of God bending down, leaning in closely, to listen intently and sympathetically to the specific cry of His child. This imagery emphasizes God's accessibility, His willingness to be intimately involved in our struggles, and His compassionate response to our petitions. It assures the believer that their prayers are not lost in the vastness of the cosmos but are received with personal care and consideration by a God who is deeply invested in their well-being, as also expressed in [Psalms 17:6](/psalms/17-6 "Psalm 17:6 - I Call on You, My God, for You Will Answer Me").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 71:2 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The psalmist's desperate plea for deliverance "in thy righteousness" is answered perfectly in Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's righteousness. Through His sinless life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus perfectly fulfilled all righteousness, becoming the means by which God's justice and mercy meet ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). He is our ultimate Deliverer, rescuing us not merely from temporal distress but from the bondage of sin and death, offering eternal escape through His sacrifice ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). Furthermore, the psalmist's longing for God to "incline thine ear" is met in Christ, our High Priest, who sympathizes with our weaknesses and is always attentive to our prayers ([Hebrews 4:15-16](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15-16 - High Priest Who Sympathizes")). He invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him, promising rest and attentive care ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me")). In Jesus, God has not only inclined His ear but has fully entered into our human condition to "save us" completely, offering a salvation that is comprehensive and eternal, fulfilling every aspect of the psalmist's desperate cry for rescue ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No One Else")).

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 17:6

I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, [and] hear my speech.

Psalms 116:1

¶ I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice [and] my supplications.

Psalms 116:2

Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon [him] as long as I live.

Psalms 143:11

Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble.

Psalms 34:15

The eyes of the LORD [are] upon the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their cry.

Psalms 143:1

¶ A Psalm of David. Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, [and] in thy righteousness.