Psalms 71:12

12 God, do not be far from me; my God, hurry to help me.[a]

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 about me, and those who spy on me plot together,
11 saying, "God has abandoned him; chase him and catch him, for there is no one to rescue [him]."
12 God, do not be far from me; my God, hurry to help me.
13 May my adversaries be disgraced and confounded; may those who seek my harm be covered with disgrace and humiliation.
14 But I will hope continually and will praise You more and more.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Ps 22:11,19; 38:21-22; 40:13
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