Psalm 71:9

9 Cast me not off in the time of ziknah (old age); forsake me not when my ko’ach faileth.

Psalm 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.

Psalm 71:9 In-Context

7 I am as a mofet (portent) unto rabbim (many); but Thou art my strong refuge.

8 Let my mouth be filled with Thy tehillah (praise) and with Thy tiferet (glory) kol hayom.

9 Cast me not off in the time of ziknah (old age); forsake me not when my ko’ach faileth.

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.