Psalms 71
Psalms 71 is part of “Book II: The Exodus Book” (42–72) in the outline of Psalms.
Psalms 71 summary
David penned this psalm in his old age, as appears by several passages in it, which makes many think that it was penned at the time of Absalom's rebellion; for that was the great trouble of his later days. It might be occasioned by Sheba's insurrection, or some trouble that happened to him in that part of his life of which it was foretold that the sword should not depart from his house. But he is not over-particular in representing his case, because he intended it for the general use of God's people in their afflictions, especially those they meet with in their declining years; for this psalm, above any other, is fitted for the use of the…
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David penned this psalm in his old age, as appears by several passages in it, which makes many think that it was penned at the time of Absalom's rebellion; for that was the great trouble of his later days. It might be occasioned by Sheba's insurrection, or some trouble that happened to him in that part of his life of which it was foretold that the sword should not depart from his house. But he is not over-particular in representing his case, because he intended it for the general use of God's people in their afflictions, especially those they meet with in their declining years; for this psalm, above any other, is fitted for the use of the old disciples of Jesus Christ. I. He begins the psalm with believing prayers, with prayers that God would deliver him and save him (Psa 71:2, Psa 71:4), and not cast him off (Psa 71:9) or be far from him (Psa 71:12), and that his enemies might be put to shame (Psa 71:13). He pleads his confidence in God (Psa 71:1, Psa 71:3, Psa 71:5, Psa 71:7), the experience he had had of help from God (Psa 71:6), and the malice of his enemies against him (Psa 71:10, Psa 71:11). II. He concludes the psalm with believing praises (Psa 71:14, etc.). Never was his hope more established (Psa 71:16, Psa 71:18, Psa 71:20, Psa 71:21). Never were his joys and thanksgivings more enlarged (Psa 71:15, Psa 71:19, Psa 71:22-24). He is in an ecstasy of joyful praise; and, in the singing of it, we too should have our faith in God encouraged and our hearts raised in blessing his holy name.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Psalms 71 (ASV)
American Standard Version (public domain)
In You, O Lord, Do I Take Refuge
1In thee, O Jehovah, do I take refuge: Let me never be put to shame. 2Deliver me in thy righteousness, and rescue me: Bow down thine ear unto me, and save me. 3Be thou to me a rock of habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: Thou hast given commandment to save me; For thou art my rock and my fortress. 4Rescue me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, Out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man. 5For thou art my hope, O Lord Jehovah: [Thou art] my trust from my youth. 6By thee have I been holden up from the womb; Thou art he that took me out of my mother’s bowels: My praise shall be continually of thee. 7I am as a wonder unto many; But thou art my strong refuge. 8My mouth shall be filled with thy praise, And with thy honor all the day. 9Cast me not off in the time of old age; Forsake me not when my strength faileth. 10For mine enemies speak concerning me; And they that watch for my soul take counsel together, 11Saying, God hath forsaken him: Pursue and take him; for there is none to deliver. 12O God, be not far from me; O my God, make haste to help me. 13Let them be put to shame [and] consumed that are adversaries to my soul; Let them be covered with reproach and dishonor that seek my hurt. 14But I will hope continually, And will praise thee yet more and more. 15My mouth shall tell of thy righteousness, [And] of thy salvation all the day; For I know not the numbers [thereof]. 16I will come with the mighty acts of the Lord Jehovah: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only. 17O God, thou hast taught me from my youth; And hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. 18Yea, even when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not, Until I have declared thy strength unto [the next] generation, Thy might to every one that is to come. 19Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high; Thou who hast done great things, O God, who is like unto thee? 20Thou, who hast showed us many and sore troubles, Wilt quicken us again, And wilt bring us up again from the depths of the earth. 21Increase thou my greatness, And turn again and comfort me. 22I will also praise thee with the psaltery, [Even] thy truth, O my God: Unto thee will I sing praises with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel. 23My lips shall shout for joy when I sing praises unto thee; And my soul, which thou hast redeemed. 24My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long; For they are put to shame, for they are confounded, that seek my hurt.