Psalms 71:7-17

7 (70-7) I am become unto many as a wonder, but thou art a strong helper.

8 (70-8) Let my mouth be filled with praise, that I may sing thy glory; thy greatness all the day long.

9 (70-9) Cast me not off in the time of old age: when my strength shall fail, do not thou forsake me.

10 (70-10) For my enemies have spoken against me; and they that watched my soul have consulted together,

11 (70-11) Saying: God hath forsaken him: pursue and take him, for there is none to deliver him.

12 (70-12) O God, be not thou far from me: O my God, make haste to my help.

13 (70-13) Let them be confounded and come to nothing that detract my soul; let them be covered with confusion and blame that seek my hurt.

14 (70-14) But I will always hope; and will add to all thy praise.

15 (70-15) My mouth shall shew forth thy justice; thy salvation all the day long. Because I have not known learning,

16 (70-16) I will enter into the powers of the Lord: O Lord, I will be mindful of thy justice alone.

17 (70-17) Thou hast taught me, O God, from my youth: and till now I will declare thy wonderful works.

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.