Psalms 71:11

11 They say, “God has abandoned him. Let’s go and get him, for no one will help him now.”

Psalms 71:11 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 71:11

Saying, God hath forsaken him
Good men may seem to others to be forsaken of God; and they themselves may sometimes think they are; and they may be forsaken for a small moment, when God withdraws his gracious presence, or does not afford immediate help; but never finally and totally. This David's enemies concluded, from the distressed condition he was in, being obliged to leave his family and court, and flee from his son, and wander up and down with a small retinue; and this they said to one another, to encourage themselves to lay violent hands upon him, which they thought they might do with ease and impunity; wherefore it follows,

persecute and take him;
pursue after him eagerly and diligently; lose no time; and, when come up to him, seize upon him, without any fear of God or man;

for [there is] none to deliver [him];
out of our hands. God will not, for he has forsaken him; and men cannot, for he has not an army sufficient to defend him or recover him.

Psalms 71:11 In-Context

9 And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside. Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing.

10 For my enemies are whispering against me. They are plotting together to kill me.

11 They say, “God has abandoned him. Let’s go and get him, for no one will help him now.”

12 O God, don’t stay away. My God, please hurry to help me.

13 Bring disgrace and destruction on my accusers. Humiliate and shame those who want to harm me.