Psalms 71
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1In you, Yahweh, I take refuge. Never let me be disappointed. 2Deliver me in your righteousness, and rescue me. Turn your ear to me, and save me. 3Be to me a rock of refuge to which I may always go. Give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. 4Rescue me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man. 5For you are my hope, Lord Yahweh; my confidence from my youth. 6I have relied on you from the womb. You are he who took me out of my mother’s womb. I will always praise you. 7I am a marvel to many, but you are my strong refuge. 8My mouth shall be filled with your praise, with your honor all day long. 9Don’t reject me in my old age. Don’t forsake me when my strength fails. 10For my enemies talk about me. Those who watch for my soul conspire together, 11saying, “God has forsaken him. Pursue and take him, for no one will rescue him.” 12God, don’t be far from me. My God, hurry to help me. 13Let my accusers be disappointed and consumed. Let them be covered with disgrace and scorn who want to harm me. 14But I will always hope, and will add to all of your praise. 15My mouth will tell about your righteousness, and of your salvation all day, though I don’t know its full measure. 16I will come with the mighty acts of the Lord Yahweh. I will make mention of your righteousness, even of yours alone. 17God, you have taught me from my youth. Until now, I have declared your wondrous works. 18Yes, even when I am old and gray-haired, God, don’t forsake me, until I have declared your strength to the next generation, your might to everyone who is to come. 19Your righteousness also, God, reaches to the heavens; you have done great things. God, who is like you? 20You, who have shown us many and bitter troubles, you will let me live. You will bring us up again from the depths of the earth. 21Increase my honor, and comfort me again. 22I will also praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, my God. I sing praises to you with the lyre, Holy One of Israel. 23My lips shall shout for joy! My soul, which you have redeemed, sings praises to you! 24My tongue will also talk about your righteousness all day long, for they are disappointed, and they are confounded, who want to harm me.
World English Bible (public domain)
“"Upon you I have leaned from before my birth; you are he who took me from my mother's womb. My praise is continually of you."”
Psalms 71:6
Summary
Psalm 71 is a heartfelt prayer of an elderly believer seeking God's continual protection and deliverance. The psalmist reflects on past experiences of God's faithfulness and reassures himself of God's abiding presence as he faces new challenges. He expresses confidence in God as his hope and refuge, whom he has trusted since his youth. The psalmist vows to continually praise God and testify to His righteousness. There is a profound sense of reliance on God's strength in old age, with a request for deliverance from adversaries who seek his downfall. The psalm concludes with a commitment to declare God's mighty acts and sing His praises for His steadfast faithfulness.
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Chapter outline
How Psalms 71 unfolds
Psalm 71:1–4 Seeking Refuge and Deliverance
The psalmist opens with a plea for refuge and deliverance from the wicked, expressing trust in God as his salvation.
Psalm 71:5–8 Confidence from Youth
He reflects on his lifelong trust in God, acknowledging Him as his hope and expressing a commitment to praise.
Psalm 71:9–12 Plea Against Enemies
The psalmist implores God not to abandon him in old age, fearing the taunts of his enemies who seek his downfall.
Psalm 71:13–16 Hope Amidst Accusation
He asks for his accusers to be shamed, affirming his hope and intention to proclaim God's righteousness.
Psalm 71:17–20 Acknowledging God’s Teaching
The psalmist recognizes God's guidance throughout his life and looks forward to declaring God's strength to future generations.
Psalm 71:21–24 Praise for God’s Faithfulness
He concludes with a commitment to praise God for His faithfulness, rejoicing in his redeemed state and the righteousness of God.
Key verses
Psalms 71:6This key verse captures the essence of lifelong reliance on God, emphasizing continuous praise amid life’s challenges.
Main themes in Psalms 71
Divine protection
Divine protection is central in Psalm 71, as the psalmist expresses his desire for refuge in God, particularly in verses 1 to 3. His repeated pleas for rescue reveal a deep reliance on God's protective presence, especially during times of distress and danger. This theme emphasizes the belief that God acts as a steadfast fortress, providing security and safety throughout the various challenges of life.
Lifelong faithfulness
The theme of lifelong faithfulness emerges as the psalmist reflects on his reliance on God since birth (5-6). His acknowledgment of God’s constant presence and guidance showcases the deep-rooted relationship he has maintained throughout his life. This faithfulness serves as a foundation for his current hope and trust in God.
Hope in adversity
Hope in adversity emerges as the psalmist confronts significant challenges, notably from adversaries in verses 10 to 12. Despite experiencing threats and moments of despair, he resolutely affirms his trust in God's deliverance and justice, showcasing a remarkable resilience amid turmoil. This hope serves as a crucial response to his trials, reinforcing the importance of maintaining faith in God's overarching plans, even when circumstances seem dire.
Praise and testimony
Praise and testimony are integral to the fabric of Psalm 71, with the psalmist expressing a commitment to declare God's mighty works in verses 14 to 16. His determination to continue praising God into his old age underscores the significance of sharing one’s faith and experiences with future generations. This theme highlights the psalmist’s role as a faithful witness to God's enduring goodness, encouraging others to recognize and remember His acts of grace.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Psalms 71
- Psalm 34Psalm 34 connects through themes of seeking refuge and the assurance of God's deliverance in times of distress.
- Isaiah 46Isaiah 46 develops the concept of God's faithfulness, paralleling the psalmist's reliance on God's unchanging support throughout life.
- Psalm 119Psalm 119 echoes the commitment to praise and honor God, similarly emphasizing the importance of God's righteousness and guidance.
- Jeremiah 1Jeremiah 1 connects through the theme of divine calling and assurance from youth, reflecting a shared experience of God's steadfast presence in life.
- Psalm 22Psalm 22 develops themes of suffering and vindication, resonating with the psalmist’s experiences of opposition and hope for God's intervention.
- Psalm 138Psalm 138 echoes praise for God's faithfulness and righteousness, reinforcing the commitment to testify about God's mighty acts.
Study questions
Questions for studying Psalms 71
- What metaphors does the psalmist use to describe God in verses 1-3?
- How does the psalmist express his confidence in God despite his old age?
- What is the significance of the psalmist's plea in verses 9-12?
- How does the psalmist's past influence his present hope in verses 17-20?
- What role does praise play in the psalmist's life according to verses 22-24?
- How do the psalmist's enemies reflect his struggles and faith in God?
Psalms 71: frequently asked questions
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