Psalm 70: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 70 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The psalmist starts with an urgent plea for help from God, saying, 'Hurry, God, to deliver me' (v. 1). He desires justice against those who seek his ruin. He wants those enemies to be disappointed and shamed (vv. 2-3). Next, he calls for joy among those who seek God. He hopes they will rejoice and continually say, 'Let God be exalted!' (v. 4). Finally, he states that he is poor and needy. He asks God to come quickly to help him, naming God as his deliverer (v. 5).

Key verse

“Hurry, God, to deliver me. Come quickly to help me, Yahweh.”
Psalms 70:1 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 70:1 Urgent Plea for Help
Psalm 70:2–3 Desire for Justice Against Adversaries
Psalm 70:4 Joy of the Righteous
Psalm 70:5 Final Plea and Declaration of Need

Discussion questions

In v1, why does the psalmist ask God to 'hurry'?
In v2, what do those who seek my soul desire according to the psalmist?
The phrase 'Aha! Aha!' in v3: what does this indicate about the adversaries' attitude?
In v4, how does the psalmist differentiate between those who seek God and those who oppose him?
When has feeling 'poor and needy' (v5) led you to seek help from others or God?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 70: Psalm 40, Psalm 35, Matthew 7.

Before next time: read Psalm 71.