Psalms 71:4

KJV

Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.

KJV (with Strong's)

Deliver {H6403}{H8761)} me, O my God {H430}, out of the hand {H3027} of the wicked {H7563}, out of the hand {H3709} of the unrighteous {H5765}{H8764)} and cruel man {H2556}{H8802)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

My God, help me escape from the power of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and ruthless.

Berean Standard Bible

Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and ruthless.

American Standard Version

Rescue me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, Out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 71:4 is a fervent, personal supplication from a vulnerable individual, likely an elder, who appeals directly to God for immediate and decisive rescue from the oppressive power of morally corrupt and violent adversaries. This verse encapsulates a profound declaration of the psalmist's unwavering trust in God as the sole source of protection, justice, and ultimate liberation from malicious human forces.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 71 stands out as a prayer of an aged individual, unique in the Psalter for lacking a specific authorial superscription, though its themes resonate strongly with the later life experiences of King David. The verses immediately preceding Psalm 71:4 establish the psalmist's lifelong reliance on God, beginning with a foundational declaration of trust in God as a refuge and rock ([Psalm 71:1-3](/psalms/71-1 "Psalm 71:1-3 - A Prayer for Deliverance and Trust")). Following this plea for deliverance, the psalmist continues to recount God's faithfulness from birth and youth ([Psalm 71:5-6](/psalms/71-5 "Psalm 71:5-6 - God's Care from Birth")), underscoring a consistent pattern of divine protection. The specific request in verse 4 for deliverance from "the wicked, the unrighteous and cruel man" provides the immediate threat that necessitates the psalmist's urgent appeal, setting the stage for a broader prayer for vindication and continued strength in old age ([Psalm 71:9](/psalms/71-9 "Psalm 71:9 - Do Not Cast Me Off in Old Age"), [Psalm 71:18](/psalms/71-18 "Psalm 71:18 - A Prayer to Declare God's Strength")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The backdrop of this psalm likely reflects a time of significant personal distress and public vulnerability, common for individuals, especially leaders or prophets, facing opposition within ancient Israel. The "wicked, unrighteous and cruel man" could represent a specific antagonist, a faction of enemies, or even a general societal threat characterized by injustice and violence. In ancient Near Eastern societies, power was often concentrated, and those without direct access to authority or protection were susceptible to exploitation and oppression. The concept of "hand" (Hebrew: *kaf*) often denotes power, control, or authority, so being "out of the hand" implies being freed from the oppressive grip or dominion of another. The psalmist's plea is not merely for physical safety but for vindication against those who act without regard for divine law or human decency, appealing to God as the ultimate righteous judge and protector of the vulnerable, a theme deeply embedded in Israelite covenant theology.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 71 and the Psalter as a whole. It highlights the theme of **Divine Deliverance**, portraying God as the active rescuer who intervenes on behalf of His faithful, a motif seen throughout the Psalms ([Psalm 34:17](/psalms/34-17 "Psalm 34:17 - The Lord Delivers the Righteous")). Another key theme is **Personal Trust and Intimacy with God**, expressed through the direct address "O my God," which signifies a deep, abiding relationship and confidence in God's personal care, even amidst dire circumstances. The psalm also underscores the **Nature of Evil and Oppression**, vividly describing the enemies as "wicked, unrighteous and cruel," emphasizing the moral depravity that necessitates divine intervention. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **God as Refuge and Protector**, presenting God as the ultimate sanctuary and source of justice against all forms of human malice and injustice, echoing sentiments found in [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Deliver (Hebrew, _natsal'_):** This verb means "to snatch away," "to pull out," "to rescue," or "to draw out." It implies a forceful, active, and immediate extraction from a dangerous or oppressive situation. It's not merely a passive release but a powerful intervention by God to remove the psalmist from the grip of his enemies, suggesting the psalmist is in a state of imminent peril from which only divine power can extricate him.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _kaf'_):** Often translated as "hand," this term frequently functions as a metonymy for power, control, authority, or dominion. To be "in the hand of" someone is to be under their power or at their mercy. Therefore, being delivered "out of the hand" signifies liberation from the oppressive power, control, or destructive influence of the wicked, indicating a complete cessation of their ability to harm.
* **Cruel (Hebrew, _chamats'_):** This adjective describes someone who is violent, oppressive, or unjust. It speaks to the character of the adversaries, highlighting their moral depravity and the severe, unfeeling nature of their actions. This term emphasizes that the psalmist's suffering is not accidental but the result of intentional, malicious, and often violent oppression, justifying the urgent plea for divine justice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Deliver me, O my God":** This opening phrase is an urgent, direct, and deeply personal cry for help. "Deliver me" (נָצַל, *natsal*) conveys a desperate need for rescue from imminent danger. The address "O my God" (אֱלֹהַי, *ʾelohai*) signifies an intimate, covenantal relationship, underscoring the psalmist's personal faith and confidence in God's willingness and ability to intervene on his behalf. It is a plea rooted in a lifetime of trusting God.
* **"out of the hand of the wicked":** This clause specifies the source of the threat. "Out of the hand" (מִכַּף, *mikkaf*) metaphorically refers to being freed from the power, control, or grasp of the adversaries. "The wicked" (רָשָׁע, *rasha'*) denotes those who are morally corrupt, guilty, and hostile to God and His righteous ways. This indicates that the psalmist's distress is caused by human agents whose actions are contrary to divine justice.
* **"out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man":** This phrase further elaborates and intensifies the description of the oppressors, using a synonymous parallelism to reinforce their character. "Unrighteous" (עַוָּל, *ʿawwal*) refers to one who acts unjustly or perversely, emphasizing their moral deviation from what is right. "Cruel" (חָמָס, *hamas*) signifies violence, oppression, or injustice, highlighting the brutal and merciless nature of their actions. The singular "man" (אִישׁ, *ʾish*) may refer to a specific individual leading the persecution or represent a collective group personified as a single, formidable antagonist. The repetition of "out of the hand" underscores the pervasive and inescapable nature of the threat without God's intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 71:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is **Apostrophe**, as the psalmist directly addresses God ("O my God") in a personal and intimate plea, emphasizing the direct and immediate nature of his appeal to the divine. **Repetition** is powerfully used with the phrase "out of the hand," which appears twice. This repetition serves to underscore the extent of the psalmist's vulnerability and the pervasive nature of the threat, highlighting that he is utterly ensnared by the power of his enemies and requires a complete and decisive liberation. Furthermore, the description of the adversaries as "wicked, unrighteous and cruel" utilizes **Accumulation** or **Tricolon**, where three distinct but related terms are used to build a comprehensive and emphatic portrait of the enemies' moral depravity and violent character. This vivid portrayal not only defines the enemy but also implicitly justifies the psalmist's desperate cry for divine justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 71:4 resonates deeply with the biblical understanding of God as the ultimate deliverer and righteous judge, particularly for those who are vulnerable and oppressed. It affirms that God is not distant from human suffering but intimately involved in the lives of His people, hearing their cries and actively intervening against injustice. The psalmist's plea underscores the conviction that human power, especially when wielded for wickedness, is ultimately no match for divine sovereignty. This verse also highlights the enduring tension between the righteous and the wicked in a fallen world, a theme prevalent throughout the wisdom literature and prophetic books, where the faithful consistently look to God for vindication and protection from those who reject His ways. It is a testament to the believer's unwavering hope in God's active justice and compassion.

* [Psalm 18:48](/psalms/18-48 "God Delivers from Violent Men")
* [Psalm 140:1](/psalms/140-1 "A Prayer for Deliverance from Evil Men")
* [Proverbs 2:12](/proverbs/2-12 "Proverbs 2:12 - Wisdom Delivers from Evil Ways")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 71:4 serves as a timeless model for believers facing oppression, injustice, or persecution in any form. It encourages us to cultivate a profound and personal relationship with God, recognizing Him as "my God," the one to whom we can turn with absolute confidence in times of dire need. When confronted by malicious individuals, unjust systems, or overwhelming circumstances that feel beyond our control, this verse reminds us that our primary recourse is fervent, unreserved prayer to the Lord. It calls us to lay bare our vulnerabilities and fears before Him, trusting in His sovereign power to intervene and deliver us from the grip of evil. This psalm teaches us that even when human adversaries seem formidable and their actions cruel, God sees their unrighteousness and is capable of snatching His people from their power, providing hope and encouraging perseverance in the face of adversity. It invites us to rest in the assurance that divine justice will ultimately prevail, and that our refuge is found in the unwavering faithfulness of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel trapped "in the hand" of a wicked or oppressive force, and how does this verse encourage you to cry out to God?**
* **How does the psalmist's personal address, "O my God," deepen your understanding of prayer in times of distress?**
* **What specific "unrighteous and cruel" actions or attitudes in the world today prompt you to pray for God's deliverance and justice?**

### FAQ
**How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's justice in the Bible?**

Answer: Psalm 71:4 powerfully reinforces the biblical theme of God's unwavering justice. By appealing to God for deliverance from "the wicked, the unrighteous and cruel man," the psalmist implicitly acknowledges God as the ultimate arbiter of justice. Throughout Scripture, God is consistently portrayed as one who champions the cause of the oppressed and brings judgment upon those who perpetrate evil (e.g., [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine"), [Psalm 9:8](/psalms/9-8 "God Judges the World in Righteousness")). This verse is a testament to the belief that even when human systems fail to deliver justice, God's righteous character ensures that He will intervene on behalf of His faithful, providing vindication and liberation from the clutches of injustice and cruelty. It highlights that God's justice is not merely punitive but also redemptive and protective for His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 71:4, with its desperate plea for deliverance from wicked and cruel men, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's experience of being assailed by unrighteous adversaries foreshadows the suffering of the Messiah, who was indeed delivered "into the hands" of wicked and cruel men, enduring unimaginable injustice, false accusations, and physical brutality at the hands of those who rejected Him ([Matthew 26:45](/matthew/26-45 "Matthew 26:45 - Jesus Delivered into Sinners' Hands"), [Mark 14:41](/mark/14-41 "Mark 14:41 - Son of Man Delivered to Sinners")). Yet, in His crucifixion, Jesus did not merely suffer; He became the ultimate deliverer. Through His atoning sacrifice, He delivered humanity from the far greater "hand" of sin, death, and the devil ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness"), [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Delivered from Death's Power")). The psalmist's cry for rescue is answered in Christ's triumphant resurrection, which demonstrates God's ultimate power to deliver from all forms of evil and oppression, promising believers a future and eternal deliverance from all "wicked, unrighteous and cruel" forces ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Pain")). Thus, Psalm 71:4 points us to Jesus as the one who fully experienced the depths of human cruelty and, by His perfect obedience and sacrifice, secured our eternal deliverance.

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 140:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;

Psalms 140:4

Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.

Psalms 59:1

¶ To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him. Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.

Psalms 59:2

Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men.

Psalms 17:13

Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, [which is] thy sword:

2 Samuel 17:1

¶ Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:

2 Samuel 17:2

And I will come upon him while he [is] weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that [are] with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only: