Psalms 71:12

12 O God, do not be so distant from me. O my God, come quickly to help me.

Psalms 71:12 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 71:12

O God, be not far from me
God is everywhere, at hand and afar off, with regard to his being, power, and providence; his glorious presence is in heaven, his gracious presence is with his people; but, when he hides his face, he seems to be at a distance; and this they cannot bear, and therefore deprecate it; see ( Psalms 10:1 ) ;

O my God, make haste for my help;
he knew that his help was in God, and that there was none for him elsewhere; and that he could help him when none else could, and was a present help in time of trouble; and it being such a time with him, and his case desperate, he desires the Lord that he would make haste; and he addresses him as his own God, the consideration of which encouraged his faith and hope in him, and carried in it an argument to help him; see ( Psalms 119:94 ) .

Psalms 71:12 In-Context

10 My enemies talk about me. They watch me as they plot to take my life.
11 They say, "God has abandoned him. Pursue him and grab him because there is no one to rescue him."
12 O God, do not be so distant from me. O my God, come quickly to help me.
13 Let those who accuse me come to a shameful end. Let those who want my downfall be covered with disgrace and humiliation.
14 But I will always have hope. I will praise you more and more.
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