1 In you, Yahweh, I take refuge. Never let me be disappointed.
2 Deliver me in your righteousness, and rescue me. Turn your ear to me, and save me.
3 Be to me a rock of refuge to which I may always go. Give the command to save me, For you are my rock and my fortress.
4 Rescue me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, From the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
5 For you are my hope, Lord Yahweh; My confidence from my youth.
6 I have relied on you from the womb. You are he who took me out of my mother's womb. I will always praise you.
7 I am a marvel to many, But you are my strong refuge.
8 My mouth shall be filled with your praise, With your honor all the day.
9 Don't reject me in my old age. Don't forsake me when my strength fails.
10 For my enemies talk about me. Those who watch for my soul conspire together,
11 Saying, "God has forsaken him. Pursue and take him, for no one will rescue him."
12 God, don't be far from me. My God, hurry to help me.
13 Let my accusers be disappointed and consumed. Let them be covered with disgrace and scorn who want to harm me.
14 But I will always hope, And will add to all of your praise.
15 My mouth will tell about your righteousness, And of your salvation all day, Though I don't know its full measure.
16 I will come with the mighty acts of the Lord Yahweh. I will make mention of your righteousness, even of yours alone.
17 God, you have taught me from my youth. Until now, I have declared your wondrous works.
18 Yes, even when I am old and gray-haired, God, don't forsake me, Until I have declared your strength to the next generation, Your might to everyone who is to come.
19 Your righteousness also, God, reaches to the heavens; You have done great things. God, who is like you?
20 You, who have shown us many and bitter troubles, You will let me live. You will bring us up again from the depths of the earth.
21 Increase my honor, And comfort me again.
22 I will also praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, my God. I sing praises to you with the lyre, Holy One of Israel.
23 My lips shall shout for joy! My soul, which you have redeemed, sings praises to you!
24 My tongue will also talk about your righteousness all day long, For they are disappointed, and they are confounded, who want to harm me.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 71
Commentary on Psalms 71 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 71
Ps 71:1-24. The Psalmist, probably in old age, appeals to God for help from his enemies, pleading his past favors, and stating his present need; and, in confidence of a hearing, he promises his grateful thanks and praise.
1-3. (Compare Ps 30:1-3).
3. given commandment—literally, "ordained," as in Ps 44:4; 68:28.
rock … fortress—(Ps 18:2).
4, 5. cruel man—corrupt and ill-natured—literally, "sour."
5. trust—place of trust.
6-9. His history from early infancy illustrated God's care, and his wonderful deliverances were at once occasions of praise and ground of confidence for the future.
my praise … of thee—literally, "in" or "by Thee" (Ps 22:25).
10, 11. The craft and malicious taunts of his enemies now led him to call for aid (compare the terms used, 2Sa 17:12; Ps 3:2; 7:2).
12. (Compare Ps 22:19; 40:4).
13. (Compare Ps 35:4; 40:14).
14-16. The ruin of his enemies, as illustrating God's faithfulness, is his deliverance, and a reason for future confidence.
15. for I know … thereof—innumerable, as he had not time to count them.
16. in the strength—or, relying on it.
thy righteousness—or, faithful performance of promises to the pious (Ps 7:17; 31:1).
17-21. Past experience again encourages.
taught me, &c.—by providential dealings.
19. is very high—distinguished (Ps 36:5; Isa 55:9).
20. depths of the earth—debased, low condition.
21. increase, &c.—that is, the great things done for me (Ps 71:19; compare Ps 40:5).
22-24. To the occasion of praise he now adds the promise to render it.
will … praise—literally, "will thank."
even thy truth—as to Thy truth or faithfulness.