Psalms 71:7-17

7 I have been like a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge.

8 My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all day long.

9 Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength is spent.

10 For my enemies speak concerning me, and those who watch for my life consult together.

11 They say, "Pursue and seize that person whom God has forsaken, for there is no one to deliver."

12 O God, do not be far from me; O my God, make haste to help me!

13 Let my accusers be put to shame and consumed; let those who seek to hurt me be covered with scorn and disgrace.

14 But I will hope continually, and will praise you yet more and more.

15 My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all day long, though their number is past my knowledge.

16 I will come praising the mighty deeds of the Lord God, I will praise your righteousness, yours alone.

17 O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.

Psalms 71:7-17 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.