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Psalms 71

1

In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.

2

Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me.

3

Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.

4

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

5

For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth.

6

By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother’s bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.

7

I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge.

8

Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day.

9

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

10

For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together,

11

Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him.

12

O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help.

13

Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.

14

But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.

15

My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof.

16

I will go in the strength of the Lord God: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.

17

O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.

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.

19

Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!

20

Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.

21

Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.

22

I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.

23

My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.

24

My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.

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Psalms 71

Psalm 71 is a individual prayer praying for divine protection and guidance throughout a long life, emphasizing elderly believers, exemplifying the theological concerns of Book 3. The psalmist employs vivid imagery and direct address to God, establishing the intimate dialogue between worshiper and the divine that characterizes the psalmic tradition. The theological assertions center on God's character as both judge and redeemer, creating a comprehensive vision of divine justice and mercy integrated with human experience. The psalm reflects on both personal circumstance and communal identity, suggesting that individual faith finds validation through shared experience with the covenant community. The liturgical context indicates this psalm's function in worship where personal piety integrates with communal celebration of God's acts and attributes. The concluding movement typically affirms confidence in God's faithfulness, exemplifying the psalmic pattern of transformation through prayer and remembrance of divine acts throughout history.

Psalms 71:1

This opening plea that the psalmist not be put to shame in old age establishes the psalm as a prayer of an aging person facing difficulty. The reference to seeking refuge in God throughout life indicates long devotion and reliance. The emphasis on not being abandoned in old age articulates the particular vulnerability of the elderly. This verse establishes the context: an aged person whose lifetime of trust is now being tested.

Psalms 71:2

The petition that God would deliver in righteousness and rescue from oppressors articulates the request for divine intervention grounded in God's just character. The reference to turning ear and saving establishes that God's attention and action are necessary. This verse reiterates the fundamental petition for divine rescue.

Psalms 71:3

The affirmation that God is a rock of refuge and fortress establishes comprehensive divine protection. The reference to continually commanding to save articulates God's ongoing commitment to protection. This verse grounds confidence in God's established role as protector and refuge.

Psalms 71:4

The plea for deliverance from the wicked and cruel oppressor articulates specific fear of evildoers. The characterization of the oppressor as wicked and cruel establishes their fundamental depravity. This verse focuses the petition on specific enemies threatening the psalmist.

Psalms 71:5

The affirmation that God has been the psalmist's hope and confidence from youth articulates that the relationship with God extends across the entire lifespan. The reference to being supported from the womb indicates that God's care precedes consciousness and choice. This verse establishes the long history of dependence on God.

Psalms 71:6

The reference to praising God from youth and the continued declaration of God's wondrous deeds articulates that worship and witness have characterized the entire life. The consistency of praise indicates that the psalmist's relationship with God has been constant and defining. This verse emphasizes the long trajectory of faith.

Psalms 71:7

The affirmation that the psalmist has become a portent to many and that God is the strong refuge establishes that the psalmist's life itself has become a sign or marvel to others. The reference to being a portent suggests that the psalmist's experience of divine care is itself remarkable and instructive. This verse indicates that the long life of faith has become a witness to others.

Psalms 71:8

The vow that the mouth will be filled with praise and honor throughout the day articulates the commitment to unceasing worship and testimony. The reference to singing God's righteousness indicates that the psalmist will testify to God's just dealings throughout life. This verse establishes the resolve to worship persistently.

Psalms 71:9

The plea not to be cast off in old age or abandoned when strength fails articulates the particular fear of the elderly: that diminishing capacity will result in abandonment. The reference to waning strength indicates physical decline. The plea not to be cast off articulates fear of being discarded as no longer useful. This verse expresses the vulnerability of age and the fear of divine abandonment during decline.

Psalms 71:10

The description of enemies who devour and those who seek harm establishing a snare articulates that the adversaries are both predatory and calculating. The conspiracy against the psalmist suggests coordinated effort to destroy. This verse grounds the psalm in concrete threat.

Psalms 71:11

The statement that people say God has forsaken the psalmist establishes the taunt that the enemies use: if God truly cared, the psalmist would not suffer. The claim that no one pursues to rescue articulates that deliverance has not yet come. This verse articulates the psychological torture of the taunt: enemies use the delay of divine aid to suggest abandonment.

Psalms 71:12

The plea that God not be far away and that God come quickly to help articulates urgent petition for divine intervention. The double emphasis on proximity and speed indicates the intensity of the need. This verse reiterates the fundamental request with heightened urgency.

Psalms 71:13

The prayer that enemies be confounded and consumed articulates the petition for divine judgment on those who oppose. The reference to wearing out in shame indicates that the enemies should experience prolonged humiliation and defeat. This verse petitions for the comprehensive destruction of enemies.

Psalms 71:14

The affirmation that the psalmist will hope continually and will add to all praise articulates that despite current affliction, confidence in God's eventual response will sustain hope. The commitment to adding praise indicates that worship will continue to grow. This verse establishes that hope will not be abandoned despite delay.

Psalms 71:15

The declaration that the mouth will tell of God's righteousness and salvation all day articulates the commitment to continuous witness and testimony. The reference to righteous deeds the psalmist has not counted indicates the abundance of divine blessing beyond human calculation. This verse establishes that the psalmist will be a perpetual witness to God's faithfulness.

Psalms 71:16

The reference to coming in the strength of God and the emphasis on God's might indicates reliance on divine power rather than human strength. The reference to righteousness alone establishes that God's just character is the subject of testimony. This verse articulates that testimony will be grounded in God's power and justice.

Psalms 71:17

The affirmation that God has taught from youth and the declaration of God's wondrous works articulates that God's education has been lifelong. The emphasis on teaching indicates that the psalmist's understanding of God has developed progressively through divine instruction. This verse establishes that faith is not static but has matured through life.

Psalms 71:18

The plea that in old age and gray hairs God would not abandon articulates that devotion throughout life should result in care in declining years. The intention to declare God's might to generations establishes that the witness is intergenerational: the psalmist will testify to descendants. This verse expresses desire to complete the testimony in life and to pass it on to the next generation.

Psalms 71:19

The reference to God's righteousness reaching to the heavens establishes the transcendence and comprehensiveness of divine justice. The statement that God has done great things establishes that divine action is manifest throughout creation. This verse grounds theological affirmation in cosmic scope.

Psalms 71:20

The reference to God showing troubles many and severe, and then reviving, establishes the pattern of affliction followed by restoration. The reference to bringing from the depths of the earth indicates rescue from the extremity of death and despair. This verse establishes the pattern of the psalmist's life: testing followed by divine restoration.

Psalms 71:21

The affirmation that God will increase glory and comfort on every side articulates that restoration will be not merely recovery but enhancement and beautification. The comprehensive nature of comfort (on every side) suggests complete restoration. This verse anticipates the fullness of divine blessing after affliction.

Psalms 71:22

The vow to praise with a harp and declare God's faithfulness articulates the musical and vocal response to deliverance. The reference to the Holy One of Israel indicates the God whose character is wholly other and transcendent. This verse commits to worship of the God whose faithfulness will be demonstrated through rescue.

Psalms 71:23

The reference to lips shouting for joy and soul that God has redeemed articulates the wholehearted bodily and spiritual response to deliverance. The joy is not restrained but exuberant. The reference to the redeemed soul indicates the depth of the transformation. This verse articulates the joy that accompanies rescue.

Psalms 71:24

The final affirmation that the tongue will declare God's righteousness articulates that testimony will conclude the entire life narrative. The reference to those who seek to harm being put to shame establishes that vindication will become manifest. This verse closes the psalm with the affirmation that the life of faith will conclude with testimony to divine righteousness and the shame of enemies.