Psalms 71:12

12 O God, do not be far from me. My God, hurry 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 For my enemies talk concerning me, and those who watch for my life conspire together,
11 saying, "His God has abandoned him. Pursue and seize him, because there is no deliverer."
12 O God, do not be far from me. My God, hurry to help me.
13 Let them be ashamed; let them perish who are {my adversaries}. Let [them] wrap themselves with scorn and disgrace who seek my harm.
14 But as for me, I will hope continually and increase your praise.
Scripture quotations marked (LEB) are from the Lexham English Bible. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software.