Psalms 71:7-17

7 As a wonder I have been to many, And Thou [art] my strong refuge.

8 Filled is my mouth [with] Thy praise, All the day [with] Thy beauty.

9 Cast me not off at the time of old age, According to the consumption of my power forsake me not.

10 For mine enemies have spoken against me, And those watching my soul have taken counsel together,

11 Saying, `God hath forsaken him, Pursue and catch him, for there is no deliverer.'

12 O God, be not far from me, O my God, for my help make haste.

13 They are ashamed, they are consumed, Who are opposing my soul, They are covered [with] reproach and blushing, Who are seeking my evil,

14 And I continually do wait with hope, And have added unto all Thy praise.

15 My mouth recounteth Thy righteousness, All the day Thy salvation, For I have not known the numbers.

16 I come in the might of the Lord Jehovah, I mention Thy righteousness -- Thine only.

17 God, Thou hast taught me from my youth, And hitherto I declare Thy wonders.

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.