Psalms 71:13-23

13 Let those who accuse me be ashamed and destroyed. Let those who are trying to hurt me be covered with shame and disgrace.

14 But I will always have hope and will praise you more and more.

15 I will tell how you do what is right. I will tell about your salvation all day long, even though it is more than I can tell.

16 I will come and tell about your powerful works, Lord God. I will remind people that only you do what is right.

17 God, you have taught me since I was young. To this day I tell about the miracles you do.

18 Even though I am old and gray, do not leave me, God. I will tell the children about your power; I will tell those who live after me about your might.

19 God, your justice reaches to the skies. You have done great things; God, there is no one like you.

20 You have given me many troubles and bad times, but you will give me life again. When I am almost dead, you will keep me alive.

21 You will make me greater than ever, and you will comfort me again.

22 I will praise you with the harp. I trust you, my God. I will sing to you with the lyre, Holy One of Israel.

23 I will shout for joy when I sing praises to you. You have saved me.

Psalms 71:13-23 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 71

This psalm is without a title, but is thought to be David's: the Septuagint and Vulgate Latin versions, and all the Oriental ones, ascribe it to him; and both the subject and style show it to be his. According to the title of the Syriac version, it was composed by him when Saul made war against the house of David; but this is not likely, since it was written by him in his old age, Ps 71:9,18; rather, according to Kimchi and Arama, it was penned when he fled from his son Absalom: there are several things in it which incline to this. The Septuagint and Vulgate Latin versions call it

``A Psalm of David, of the sons of Jonadab, and of the first that were carried captive;''

and so the Ethiopic and Arabic versions. Apollinarius says the sons of Jonadab composed it; but without any foundation for it; and the Syriac version is, it is a prophecy concerning the sufferings and resurrection of the Messiah; and so Jerom and others interpret it. The literal meaning respecting David seems best, though it may be applied to the church, and to any believer in distress. Theodoret thinks it was written by David in the person of the captives in Babylon.