Psalm 71:12

12 O God, go not far from me, O my God, draw nigh to my help.

Psalm 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 ) .

Psalm 71:12 In-Context

10 For mine enemies have spoken against me; and they that lay wait for my soul have taken counsel together,

11 saying, God has forsaken him: persecute ye and take him; for there is none to deliver him.

12 O God, go not far from me, O my God, draw nigh to my help.

13 Let those that plot against my soul be ashamed and utterly fail: let those that seek my hurt be clothed with shame and dishonour.

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