Psalms 71:3-13

3 Be for me a sheltering rock, where I can always come. You have determined to save me, because you are my bedrock and stronghold.

4 My God, help me escape from the power of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and ruthless.

5 For you are my hope, Adonai ELOHIM, in whom I have trusted since I was young.

6 From birth I have relied on you; it was you who took me from my mother's womb.

7 To many, I am an amazing example; but you are strong protection for me.

8 My mouth is full of praise for you, filled with your glory all day long.

9 Don't reject me when I grow old; when my strength fails, don't abandon me.

10 For my enemies are talking about me, those seeking my life are plotting together.

11 They say, "God has abandoned him; go after him, and seize him, because no one will save him."

12 God, don't distance yourself from me! My God, hurry to help me!

13 May those who are opposed to me be put to shame and ruin; may those who seek to harm me be covered with scorn and disgrace.

Psalms 71:3-13 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.