Psalms 71:11

11 They say, "God has deserted him. Go after him and grab him. No one will save him."

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 Don't push me away when I'm old. Don't desert me when my strength is gone.

10 My enemies speak against me. Those who want to kill me get together and make evil plans.

11 They say, "God has deserted him. Go after him and grab him. No one will save him."

12 God, don't stay so far away from me. My God, come quickly and help me.

13 May those who bring charges against me die in shame. May those who want to harm me be covered with shame and dishonor.