Tehillim 71:12

12 O Elohim, be not far from me; O Elohai, make haste for my help.

Tehillim 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 ) .

Tehillim 71:12 In-Context

10 For mine oyevim speak against me; and they that lay in wait for my nefesh conspire together,
11 Saying, Elohim hath forsaken him; persecute and lay hold of him; for there is none to rescue him.
12 O Elohim, be not far from me; O Elohai, make haste for my help.
13 Let them be ashamed and consumed that are [satanic] adversaries to my nefesh; let them be covered with cherpah (reproach) and dishonor that seek my hurt.
14 But I will hope tamid (continually), and will yet give tehillah to Thee more and more.
The Orthodox Jewish Bible fourth edition, OJB. Copyright 2002,2003,2008,2010, 2011 by Artists for Israel International. All rights reserved.