Psalms 71:9

9 But don't turn me out to pasture when I'm old or put me on the shelf when I can't pull my weight.

Psalms 71:9 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 71:9

Cast me not off in the time of old age
The Lord never casts off nor casts away his people, whom he foreknew; they are near unto him; they are on his heart, and are engraven on the palms of his hands; and they shall never be removed from his heart's love, nor out of his arms, nor out of his covenant, and shall always be the objects of his care: he bears and carries them to old age, and even to hoary hairs: the Lord had been the guide of David's youth, and his trust then, ( Psalms 71:5 ) ; and now he desires he would be the staff of his old age; at which age he was when Absalom rebelled against him;

forsake me not when my strength faileth:
as it does when old age comes on; then the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men bow themselves, and especially at death, when flesh and heart fail; but God will never forsake his people, neither in youth nor in old age, neither in life nor at death.

Psalms 71:9 In-Context

7 Many gasp in alarm when they see me, but you take me in stride.
8 Just as each day brims with your beauty, my mouth brims with praise.
9 But don't turn me out to pasture when I'm old or put me on the shelf when I can't pull my weight.
10 My enemies are talking behind my back, watching for their chance to knife me.
11 The gossip is: "God has abandoned him. Pounce on him now; no one will help him."
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.