Psalms 71:5

Commentary on Psalms 71:5 (KJV)

Psalm 71:5 declares the psalmist's profound and unwavering dependence on God, stating, "For thou [art] my hope, O Lord GOD: [thou art] my trust from my youth." This verse beautifully encapsulates a lifelong journey of faith and reliance on the Divine.

Context

Psalm 71 is a heartfelt prayer of an aged individual, likely King David or a similar figure, who is facing significant adversaries and feels vulnerable in their old age. The psalmist appeals to God for deliverance, protection, and vindication against those who seek their harm. Amidst these pleas, verse 5 serves as a foundational declaration of faith, asserting that God has always been, and continues to be, the psalmist's ultimate source of hope and security. It sets the stage for the rest of the psalm, where the speaker recounts God's faithfulness from birth and expresses confidence that God will not abandon them in old age (Psalm 71:9).

Key Themes

• Lifelong Dependence on God: The phrase "from my youth" highlights a continuous, unbroken relationship of trust and reliance on God throughout the psalmist's life. This isn't a newfound faith but one deeply rooted in personal history.
• God as the Sole Source of Hope and Trust: The psalmist identifies God alone as "my hope" and "my trust," emphasizing that true security and expectation come only from the Lord GOD, not from human strength, wealth, or worldly alliances. This speaks to the blessing of trusting in the Lord.
• Divine Faithfulness and Steadfastness: The psalmist's ability to trust God since youth implicitly testifies to God's consistent faithfulness. God has proven Himself reliable through all seasons of life, inspiring enduring confidence.
• Security in Adversity: Even in old age and facing enemies, the psalmist finds stability and courage in this deep-seated trust, demonstrating how a foundation of faith provides spiritual security amidst life's challenges.

Linguistic Insights

• The Hebrew word for "hope" here is tiqwah (תִּקְוָה), which often signifies an expectation, a cord, or a line—something that holds one up or to which one clings. It implies a strong, confident anticipation rooted in God's character.
• "Trust" comes from the Hebrew mibtach (מִבְטָח), meaning reliance, confidence, or security. It denotes a firm resting upon someone or something, emphasizing the psalmist's complete dependance on God.
• "Lord GOD" translates the Hebrew Adonai Yahweh (אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה), a powerful combination. Adonai signifies "my Lord" or "my Master," emphasizing sovereignty and authority, while Yahweh (often rendered LORD in KJV) refers to God's personal covenant name, highlighting His relational and faithful nature. Together, they underscore God's supreme power and His intimate relationship with His people.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound encouragement for believers of all ages. It reminds us that:

1. Cultivate Lifelong Faith: Just as the psalmist trusted from youth, we are encouraged to nurture our faith from an early age, building a strong foundation of reliance on God that can withstand the tests of time and adversity. The example of Timothy, who knew the scriptures from childhood, illustrates this principle.
2. God Is Our Ultimate Anchor: In a world filled with uncertainties, God remains the unwavering source of our hope and trust. Placing our confidence in Him provides true peace and stability, regardless of external circumstances.
3. God's Faithfulness Endures: The psalmist's experience assures us of God's enduring faithfulness. If He has been our hope and trust in the past, He will continue to be so in the present and future, offering comfort and strength in every season of life, echoing God's enduring mercy and truth across generations.

Psalm 71:5 serves as a powerful declaration of continuous, unwavering faith, inviting us to make God our ultimate hope and trust throughout our entire lives. For further reflection on trust, consider Proverbs 3:5.