Psalms 71:9

KJV

Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Cast me not off {H7993}{H8686)} in the time {H6256} of old age {H2209}; forsake {H5800}{H8799)} me not when my strength {H3581} faileth {H3615}{H8800)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't reject me when I grow old; when my strength fails, don't abandon me.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not discard me in my old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails.

American Standard Version

Cast me not off in the time of old age; Forsake me not when my strength faileth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 71:9 is a poignant and deeply personal prayer from an aging psalmist, articulating a profound human vulnerability and an unwavering reliance on God's enduring faithfulness. It expresses the universal anxieties of decline and abandonment that can accompany old age and diminishing physical strength, while simultaneously affirming a lifelong, tested trust in the Lord. This verse serves as a heartfelt plea for God's continued presence, protection, and provision, rooted in a history of divine deliverance and a confident expectation that God's character remains steadfast through all seasons of life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 71 stands out in the Psalter as one of the few psalms without a superscription, though its themes strongly echo the experiences of David in his later years. The psalmist establishes a foundation of lifelong dependence and trust by recounting God's faithfulness from his earliest days, declaring, "For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth" ([Psalms 71:5](/psalms/71-5 "Psalm 71:5 - God, My Hope from Youth")). This historical relationship sets the stage for the earnest plea in verse 9, as the psalmist, now in old age, appeals to the same God who has always been his refuge and deliverer. The surrounding verses reveal that the psalmist's distress is not solely due to physical decline but is compounded by the malicious intentions of enemies who seek to exploit his perceived weakness, plotting against him and saying, "God has forsaken him; pursue and seize him, for there is none to deliver him" ([Psalms 71:10-11](/psalms/71-10 "Psalm 71:10-11 - Enemies Conspiring Against the Psalmist")). Thus, the prayer for non-abandonment is both a deeply personal cry against the vulnerabilities of aging and a strategic appeal for divine protection against adversaries. The psalm culminates in renewed vows of praise and a commitment to declare God's righteousness and mighty deeds to future generations ([Psalms 71:15-18](/psalms/71-15-18 "Psalm 71:15-18 - Declaring God's Righteousness to Generations")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, old age was generally revered as a blessing and a sign of God's favor, often associated with wisdom, honor, and a long life, as seen in proverbs like [Proverbs 16:31](/proverbs/16-31 "Proverbs 16:31 - Gray Hair is a Crown of Glory"). However, it also brought significant vulnerabilities. Without robust family support or community structures, the elderly could become marginalized, impoverished, and susceptible to exploitation. Physical decline meant a loss of ability to work, defend oneself, or participate fully in the strenuous aspects of daily life. The psalmist's fear of being "cast off" or "forsaken" reflects not only a spiritual anxiety but also a very real societal concern. In a culture where one's value was often tied to productivity and strength, the aging individual, particularly if isolated, faced the real prospect of neglect. This prayer, therefore, is deeply rooted in the lived experience of an individual navigating the challenges of aging within a specific socio-historical framework, appealing to a God who is seen as the ultimate provider and protector, especially for the vulnerable and the weak.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 71:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Lifelong Dependence on God**, demonstrating that trust in the Lord is not limited to youth or times of strength but extends through every stage of life, especially when human capabilities wane. The psalmist's plea is a testament to a faith that matures and deepens with age, continually finding its anchor in God's unchanging nature. Secondly, it highlights the **Fear of Abandonment and God's Unchanging Faithfulness**. The raw human fear of being forgotten or left alone in vulnerability is met with the implicit conviction that God, unlike fickle human beings, remains eternally faithful. This echoes promises found throughout Scripture, such as God's commitment to never leave or forsake His people, a promise reiterated from the covenant with Jacob ([Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "Genesis 28:15 - God's Promise to Jacob")) to the charge to Joshua ([Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - God Will Not Fail or Forsake")). Finally, the verse speaks to the paradox of **Strength in Weakness**. By acknowledging the natural process of physical decline ("when my strength faileth"), the psalmist implicitly points to a divine strength that transcends human limitations, reinforcing the idea that God's power is made perfect in our weakness, a profound theological truth later articulated by the Apostle Paul in [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2-corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cast me not off (Hebrew, _shâlak'_):** This verb (H7993) means "to throw out, down or away." It conveys a sense of being discarded, hurled away, or abandoned as something no longer useful or desired. In the context of the psalmist's plea, it evokes the deep-seated fear of being rejected or neglected by God, much like an old, worn-out tool. The earnestness of the prayer lies in the psalmist's desire for God to maintain His active, caring involvement, not to withdraw His presence or support, especially when human utility might seem to diminish.
* **Old age (Hebrew, _ziqnâh'_):** This feminine noun (H2209) directly refers to "old age" or the state of being old. It signifies a period of life characterized by physical decline, increased vulnerability, and often, a loss of independence. The psalmist's specific mention of _ziqnâh_ highlights the particular anxieties associated with this stage of life, making the plea for God's continued presence all the more urgent and relatable for those facing similar circumstances.
* **Forsake me not (Hebrew, _ʻâzab'_):** This primitive root (H5800) means "to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc." It implies a deliberate act of leaving someone or something behind, often with a sense of breaking a relationship or commitment. Its pairing with _shâlak_ intensifies the psalmist's desperate plea, emphasizing a profound desire for God's continuous, unbroken presence and covenantal faithfulness. It speaks to a deep-seated fear of relational breach, especially in a time of heightened vulnerability.
* **Strength (Hebrew, _kôach'_):** This noun (H3581) refers to physical power, vigor, or ability. It encompasses not just muscular strength but also vitality, energy, and capacity. The psalmist's recognition that his _kôach_ is failing is an honest acknowledgment of the natural process of aging and its inevitable impact on human capabilities. This admission of physical decline underscores the urgency of his appeal to God, whose strength is eternal and unchanging, providing a stark contrast to human frailty.
* **Faileth (Hebrew, _kâlâh'_):** This primitive root (H3615) means "to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)." In this context, it describes the process of strength diminishing, being consumed, or coming to an end. It vividly portrays the natural and inevitable process of physical decline that accompanies aging, reinforcing the psalmist's profound sense of vulnerability and his urgent need for divine intervention and sustenance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Cast me not off in the time of old age":** This opening clause is a direct, urgent appeal to God, born out of the psalmist's deep-seated fear of abandonment as he enters the twilight years of his life. "Old age" (Hebrew: _ziqnâh_) signifies a period of increased vulnerability, reduced physical capacity, and potential marginalization. The psalmist, having experienced God's faithfulness throughout his life, now fears that this divine care might diminish or cease precisely when he needs it most. It is a plea for God's sustained presence and active involvement, challenging any notion that God's commitment is conditional upon human strength or utility.
* **"forsake me not when my strength faileth":** This second clause, parallel in meaning to the first, reiterates and intensifies the psalmist's petition. "Strength faileth" (Hebrew: _kôach kâlâh_) vividly describes the natural decline of physical vigor and ability that accompanies aging. This is not merely a lament over physical weakness but a profound recognition that human self-sufficiency is finite. The psalmist acknowledges his increasing dependence and appeals to God's inexhaustible power. The pairing of "cast me not off" and "forsake me not" creates a powerful, emphatic cry for God's unwavering faithfulness and steadfast love, particularly in a season of life marked by diminishing human resources.

#### Literary Devices
The profound emotional and theological weight of Psalms 71:9 is amplified through the skillful use of several literary devices. Most prominent is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause, "forsake me not when my strength faileth," echoes and intensifies the meaning of the first, "Cast me not off in the time of old age." This repetition with variation emphasizes the psalmist's central plea for enduring divine presence and protection against abandonment, reinforcing the idea that both the "time of old age" and the "failing of strength" are contexts of profound vulnerability that necessitate God's unwavering commitment. The psalmist also employs **Personification** in the phrase "when my strength faileth," attributing an active capacity to "strength" to "fail," rather than simply stating that the psalmist's strength is diminishing. This makes the decline feel more like an external force acting upon him, highlighting his helplessness without divine intervention. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a powerful **Lament**, a common genre in the Psalms, where the speaker expresses deep distress and appeals to God for deliverance. The direct address and the earnest negative imperatives ("Cast me not off," "forsake me not") convey a profound sense of urgency and dependence, characteristic of this poetic form. The use of **Merism** can also be observed implicitly, as "old age" and "failing strength" represent the totality of human decline, encompassing both the temporal and physical aspects of vulnerability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 71:9 stands as a timeless testament to the enduring nature of God's covenantal faithfulness and the human need for divine sustenance through all stages of life. It challenges any notion that God's care is conditional upon our physical prowess or youthful vigor, asserting instead that His commitment is rooted in His unchanging character. This verse resonates deeply with the biblical theme of God as the ultimate refuge and strength, particularly for the vulnerable and those whose earthly resources are diminishing. It portrays a God who remains intimately involved in the lives of His people, even into the "gray hairs," fulfilling His promise to be with them always. The psalmist's plea is not one of doubt, but of fervent trust, appealing to a God whose track record of deliverance inspires confidence even in the face of life's final challenges.

* [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - God Will Not Fail or Forsake")
* [Isaiah 46:4](/isaiah/46-4 "Isaiah 46:4 - God Carries Us to Old Age")
* [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave or Forsake You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 71:9 offers profound comfort and a powerful model for prayer, speaking to the universal human experience of aging and vulnerability while affirming God's unwavering faithfulness. For those in old age, it validates their fears and challenges, reminding them that it is not only permissible but righteous to bring their deepest anxieties before God, trusting that He who has sustained them from youth will not abandon them in their later years. It encourages a continued, vibrant relationship with the Lord, emphasizing that spiritual vitality can transcend physical decline. It calls for a posture of humble dependence, recognizing that true strength comes from God alone. For caregivers, family members, and society at large, this verse serves as a poignant reminder of our sacred responsibility to honor and care for the elderly, reflecting God's heart of compassion and non-abandonment. It calls us to be instruments of God's sustained presence and love in the lives of those who are aging or facing decline, ensuring they are not "cast off" or "forsaken" by human hands. For all believers, regardless of age, it underscores the fundamental truth that our ultimate security and strength derive solely from God, not from our own abilities, achievements, or circumstances. It encourages a lifelong posture of dependence on Him, fostering a deep trust that He will never leave us nor forsake us, even when our own resources are depleted, and our strength fails. This psalm teaches us to pray boldly, confident in His unfailing love and eternal power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the psalmist's lifelong relationship with God, as described in Psalm 71, inform his prayer in old age, and what can we learn from this pattern of sustained trust?**
* **What specific fears or vulnerabilities does this verse address in the context of aging, and how might these fears manifest in contemporary society, both personally and communally?**
* **In what practical ways can we, as individuals and communities, embody God's promise not to "cast off" or "forsake" the elderly and vulnerable among us, thereby reflecting His character?**
* **How does acknowledging our own "failing strength" (whether physical, emotional, intellectual, or spiritual) lead us to a deeper, more profound dependence on God, rather than despair?**

### FAQ

**Does this psalm imply that God might actually abandon His faithful servants in old age?**

Answer: No, the psalmist's prayer "Cast me not off... forsake me not" is not an expression of doubt in God's character, but rather a fervent appeal rooted in a deep, lifelong trust. It reflects a very human fear of vulnerability and abandonment, particularly when one's physical strength diminishes and external threats may arise, as seen in [Psalms 71:10-11](/psalms/71-10-11 "Psalm 71:10-11 - Enemies Conspiring Against the Psalmist"). The psalmist is appealing to God's known faithfulness and covenant promises, reminding God (and himself) of the divine nature that does not change or fail. Throughout Scripture, God consistently promises to be with His people in all seasons of life, even to old age and gray hairs ([Isaiah 46:4](/isaiah/46-4 "Isaiah 46:4 - God Carries Us to Old Age")). Therefore, this prayer is a profound demonstration of faith, articulating a deep human need while confidently expecting God's unwavering response, knowing He is "a very present help in trouble" ([Psalms 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 71:9, with its raw plea for God's enduring presence in the face of old age and failing strength, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's fear of abandonment is utterly conquered by the New Covenant reality established through Christ. While the psalmist laments his diminishing strength, Jesus Christ embodies the unchanging, eternal strength of God, through whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). Furthermore, the ultimate act of "being cast off" and "forsaken" was experienced by Christ Himself on the cross, when He cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")). He endured this cosmic abandonment, bearing the full weight of humanity's sin and separation from God, so that those who trust in Him would never be forsaken by the Father. Through His resurrection, Jesus conquered death, weakness, and the limitations of human flesh, offering eternal life and unending strength to all believers. The promise that God "will never leave you nor forsake you" ([Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "God Will Never Leave or Forsake You")) is irrevocably sealed in Christ, who is "the same yesterday and today and forever" ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Jesus Christ is the Same")). Thus, the psalmist's hope for continued divine presence in old age is not merely a wish but a guaranteed reality for those united with Christ, who promises to be with His followers "always, to the end of the age" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "The Great Commission")). In Christ, our weakness is met with His perfect strength, and our fear of abandonment is swallowed up by His eternal embrace and unwavering faithfulness.

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

Isaiah 46:4

And [even] to [your] old age I [am] he; and [even] to hoar hairs will I carry [you]: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver [you].

2 Timothy 1:12

For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Psalms 71:18

Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto [this] generation, [and] thy power to every one [that] is to come.

Psalms 92:13

Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.

Psalms 92:15

To shew that the LORD [is] upright: [he is] my rock, and [there is] no unrighteousness in him.

Psalms 90:10

The days of our years [are] threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength [they be] fourscore years, yet [is] their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

Psalms 73:26

My flesh and my heart faileth: [but] God [is] the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.