Psalm 71:12

12 O God, ¹do not be far from me; O my God, ²hasten 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 my enemies have spoken against me; And those who watch for my life have consulted together,

11 Saying, "God has forsaken him; Pursue and seize him, for there is no one to deliver."

12 O God, do not be far from me; O my God, hasten to my help!

13 Let those who are adversaries of my soul be ashamed and consumed; Let them be covered with reproach and dishonor, who seek to injure me.

14 But as for me, I will hope continually, And will praise You yet more and more.

Cross References

• 1. Psalms 10:1; Psalms 22:11; Psalms 35:22; Psalms 38:21
• 2. Psalms 38:22; Psalms 40:13; Psalms 70:1, 5