Psalms 71:2-12

2 Save me and rescue me, for you do what is right. Turn your ear to listen to me, and set me free.

3 Be my rock of safety where I can always hide. Give the order to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.

4 My God, rescue me from the power of the wicked, from the clutches of cruel oppressors.

5 O Lord, you alone are my hope. I’ve trusted you, O LORD, from childhood.

6 Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother’s womb you have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising you!

7 My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection.

8 That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long.

9 And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside. Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing.

10 For my enemies are whispering against me. They are plotting together to kill me.

11 They say, “God has abandoned him. Let’s go and get him, for no one will help him now.”

12 O God, don’t stay away. My God, please hurry to help me.

Psalms 71:2-12 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.